Anand
Anand is a part of Charotar region comprising Anand and Kheda districts in Gujarat state of northern India. It is 35 km and 65 km away from Vadodara and Ahmedabad respectively. Anand is enriched by the heritage of Gujarat.
History:
Anand is believed to have been founded in the 9th century by a “Gosai” (meaning cowherd), named “Anandgar”. Later in 1946, the Kheda District Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union was established.
The district became prominent after the establishment of the Amul Dairy. This dairy was initiated by the Milk Co-operative Revolution. Now the region houses an institution called “National Dairy Development Board” which has enriched the lives of the rural people in and around Anand.
In addition to the exemplary milk revolution, the region is also renowned for educational institutions like the Anand Agricultural University which has courses in agriculture, veterinary science and animal husbandry and also dairy science.
Dakor:
This place is 94 km from Vadodara. This is a temple town. In the temple of Ranchodrai, tourists can worship Lord Krishna. People believe that a devotee bought this idol from Dwaraka and installed it in this temple.
Champaner:
In 1484, Sultan Mehmud Begara conquered Champaner and made it his capital. It lies at the foot of Pavagadh hill. Tourists can have a spectacular view of the reflections of mosques, palace and fort ruins on the lake in Champaner. This place is located 47 km away from Vadodara.
Pavagadh Fort:
This is located in Champaner, which is 47 km from Vadodara. This hill consists of three stages. Tourists can see a plateau at an altitude of 1471 ft. It is known as Machi Haveli. This place is well known as the birthplace of Gujarat’s famous musician, who preceded Tansen and he was none other than “Baiju”.
Laxmi Vilas Palace:
This Indo-Saracenic styled citadel was built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890. Even now it serves as residence of the royal family. Its Italian mosaic floored Durbar hall and splendidly decorated walls enthrall the tourists. This palace is located in Vadodara, 35 km away from Anand.
Makarpura Palace:
This is also located in Vadodara (35 km). It was built in Italian architectural style. Currently it is used as a training academy for the Indian Air Force.
Pratap Vilas Palace:This is located in Lalbaug of Vadodara. This palace is resplendently built in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Tourists can see the south Indian, north Indian, central Indian and Islamic traditions in the columns and arches of this palace. This palace covers nearly 720 acres including gardens and a golf course.
Sayajibaug:
This park is a most notable destination located in Vadodara, near Anand. It is situated on the bank of river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Spreading across 113 acres, it houses a picture gallery, museum, zoo and planetarium. Both adults and kids can have a good time in this park.
Bharuch:Being a 2000 year old ancient town, Bharuch is 70 km from Vadodara. Tourists must visit the fort atop a hill facing the river Narmada.
The nearest airport is located 75 km away from Anand in Ahmedabad. Vadodara is the nearest railhead. This region also has a good network of roads connecting it to major parts of India.
History:
Anand is believed to have been founded in the 9th century by a “Gosai” (meaning cowherd), named “Anandgar”. Later in 1946, the Kheda District Co-operative Milk Producer’s Union was established.
The district became prominent after the establishment of the Amul Dairy. This dairy was initiated by the Milk Co-operative Revolution. Now the region houses an institution called “National Dairy Development Board” which has enriched the lives of the rural people in and around Anand.
In addition to the exemplary milk revolution, the region is also renowned for educational institutions like the Anand Agricultural University which has courses in agriculture, veterinary science and animal husbandry and also dairy science.
Dakor:
This place is 94 km from Vadodara. This is a temple town. In the temple of Ranchodrai, tourists can worship Lord Krishna. People believe that a devotee bought this idol from Dwaraka and installed it in this temple.
Champaner:
In 1484, Sultan Mehmud Begara conquered Champaner and made it his capital. It lies at the foot of Pavagadh hill. Tourists can have a spectacular view of the reflections of mosques, palace and fort ruins on the lake in Champaner. This place is located 47 km away from Vadodara.
Pavagadh Fort:
This is located in Champaner, which is 47 km from Vadodara. This hill consists of three stages. Tourists can see a plateau at an altitude of 1471 ft. It is known as Machi Haveli. This place is well known as the birthplace of Gujarat’s famous musician, who preceded Tansen and he was none other than “Baiju”.
Laxmi Vilas Palace:
This Indo-Saracenic styled citadel was built by Maharaja Sayajirao in 1890. Even now it serves as residence of the royal family. Its Italian mosaic floored Durbar hall and splendidly decorated walls enthrall the tourists. This palace is located in Vadodara, 35 km away from Anand.
Makarpura Palace:
This is also located in Vadodara (35 km). It was built in Italian architectural style. Currently it is used as a training academy for the Indian Air Force.
Pratap Vilas Palace:This is located in Lalbaug of Vadodara. This palace is resplendently built in Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. Tourists can see the south Indian, north Indian, central Indian and Islamic traditions in the columns and arches of this palace. This palace covers nearly 720 acres including gardens and a golf course.
Sayajibaug:
This park is a most notable destination located in Vadodara, near Anand. It is situated on the bank of river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Spreading across 113 acres, it houses a picture gallery, museum, zoo and planetarium. Both adults and kids can have a good time in this park.
Bharuch:Being a 2000 year old ancient town, Bharuch is 70 km from Vadodara. Tourists must visit the fort atop a hill facing the river Narmada.
The nearest airport is located 75 km away from Anand in Ahmedabad. Vadodara is the nearest railhead. This region also has a good network of roads connecting it to major parts of India.
