Before the days of TV and digital explosion of news and media children roamed free in parks and nature everywhere. Parks and museums were a usual spots for field trips and for spending weekends. In Gujarat, there are 7 designated national parks, near the developing, industrial cities. However people seek solace in small parks and museums.
If you or you know someone who grew up in Baroda they know what Kamaati Baag or Sayaji Baag is. Baag in Gujarati is a garden and this particular one is right smack in the middle of the city near a busy railway station and a bus stand.
You would think, well how fun could that be? This park has a museum, planetarium and a zoo along with a river flowing by near. A small spot of heaven for many who need a break from their daily lives and be able to see new things.
Of course no park as large as this one is complete without a lovers spot. Growing up when we passed this spot, we closed our eyes and didn’t look at the intimate gazes and closeness of lovers lost. During Gaurivrat or Goro where young girls fast for five days and pray to Lord Shiv for a good, proper and prosperous husband, we went there often and played till sunset.
Kamaati Baag/Sayaji Baag is a garden located in Centre of Vadodara (Baroda). This was dedicated to the citizens of Vadodara by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in Year 1879 thus the name Sayai Baag. On the river Vishwamitri, Kamaati Baag, is the largest garden in Western India, stretching over 113 acres (0.46 km2). It has a rich flora of more than 98 species of trees.
The garden is home to the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, the Sardar Patel Planetarium, a flower clock, an operational toy train and the Sayaji Baag Zoo. When you are tired of exploring the park or the city you can take refuge under many large shaded trees and play grounds.
Next time you visit Baroda, take a break from your busy shopping day and go see how the locals spend their time off!