Baroda has long celebrated its association with Banyan trees, yet few know that one of the city’s largest one thrives at the heart of Lukshmi Vilas Palace compound.
This 130-year-old tree, named ‘Sayaji Vad‘ was personally planted by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Originally gifted to him as a small sapling during his visit to Sri Lanka in January 1887, it has since flourished into an impressive ecosystem. Standing nearly 80 feet tall with a sprawling diameter of 56 meters, ‘Sayaji Vad’ shelters around 20 different plant species under its expansive canopy.
The tree has also become a shelter for wildlife, attracting 40-50 bird species daily, many of which have made it their permanent residence. During scorching summers, it offers solace to cows and other animals, while at night, it hosts 20-25 peacocks. Such is its size that it comfortably accommodates up to 1500 people under its vast foliage at a time.
Partial sources: Times of India, Kaustubh Gokhale & Arun Mujumdar
Happy to see Sayaji vaad and such trees n other monuments be included in tourism map of Vadodara. Air polution report appearing in today’s news paper of our cityis alarming. We need woods n planting some trees will not do. Quqntity n quality of drinking water is also causing worries. We have not added new sources after Ajawaw lake. We can be at dock any time.Present Mun Comm / er’s approach to the problems is very very positive. It should not lose the cover of maintenance. We need to be hopeful n watchful. This is how I feel as a citizen.
I am born and living in Vadodara since 1994 and I never know about this tree nor the GSFC one. This information is like treasure to me. Thanks a lot.
What a beautiful wonderful website I’ve stumbled upon! Living here for more than 2 decades now yet i had no idea about this tree.
Can we visit this tree? I have been to LVP tour many times but never saw this.
Kindly reply. Thanks
One has to take permission from Palace authorities 🙂