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Raopura Clock Tower Vadodara

4.5
·2k reviews·Vadodara, India

A historic Indo-Saracenic clock tower built in 1896, a cherished landmark in Vadodara's bustling commercial heart.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
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Raopura Tower Night decoration

Raopura Clock Tower Vadodara

Best Time

Early mornings

Fewer crowds, better photos

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A historic Indo-Saracenic clock tower built in 1896, a cherished landmark in Vadodara's bustling commercial heart.

4.5
(2k reviews)

"A beautiful old town with a nostalgic feel, a rustic place with an old clock on top."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Parking Challenges

Street parking is tough during peak hours. Arrive early or consider nearby paid parking if available. :car:

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

The tower is in a busy commercial zone with shops. Enjoy the old-town feel and browse local stores. :shopping_bags:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Indo-Saracenic Architecture

The Indo-Saracenic Architecture

The entire tower structure

A five-story marvel showcasing a unique blend of Indian and Saracenic architectural styles, a true visual treat.

The Historic London Clock

The Historic London Clock

Top of the tower

A six-foot-diameter clock imported from London, once a vital timekeeper for the city, adding to its historical charm.

Intricate Stucco Work

Intricate Stucco Work

Exterior facade

Detailed stucco detailing and jali-work on the octagonal top, highlighting the craftsmanship of its era.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit

The Raopura Clock Tower is situated in a bustling commercial area. Visiting during peak hours can mean crowded streets and limited parking. Consider an early morning or late afternoon visit to better appreciate the architecture and avoid the midday rush.

Understanding Its Significance

This isn't just a clock tower; it's a historical monument built in 1896 in memory of Maharani Chimnabai I. Its Indo-Saracenic architecture and the imported London clock are key features. Appreciating its heritage enhances the visit.

Best Times

When
Early mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, better photos
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Golden hour light
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

“Sayajirao wanted the world to know that Vadodara was welcoming, open to ideas and not afraid or unduly reverent of what was different; rather, it was a place where cultures could come together,” explains Her Highness Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of #Baroda. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1878, the Lukshmi Vilas Palace is currently the largest private residence in the world and ...
@admiddleeast
9.4K likes • 122.1K views

🚗 Parking Challenges

Street parking is tough during peak hours. Arrive early or consider nearby paid parking if available. :car:

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

The tower is in a busy commercial zone with shops. Enjoy the old-town feel and browse local stores. :shopping_bags:

Today, AD is welcomed by Her Highness Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad of Baroda to tour her family’s stunning residence, Lakshmi Vilas Palace in Vadodara, India. Watch the full tour at the link in our bio.
@archdigest
6.6K likes • 67.3K views
Raopura Clock Tower, #vadodara - - Reel credit @prem.patni.54 - - - - - - #baroda #barodian #gujarat #surat #rajkot #ahmedabad #architecture #cityscape #city #reelsinstagram #reels #clocktower #instagujarat_ #exploregujarat #newnormal #stayhome #staysafe #bhavnagar #heritage #monument #indiantourism #scam1992
creativevadodara
1.8K likes • 44.5K views

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the intricate stucco work and the historic clock for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

🕰️ Understand its History

Learn about Maharani Chimnabai I and the tower's construction for a richer experience. :scroll:

Raopura Tower, Vadodara🔥💫✨ . . . #Raoupra #tower #clock #historicalplace #vadodara #baroda #vadodara_baroda #monsoonseason #vadodaradiaries #vadodaravlogger #photographer #barodacity #cityshor #gujju #garvigujarat #reelforyou #reelitfeelit #trending #viral #instagood #explorepage #like4like #follow4follow #photography
neellu_vlogs
88 likes • 1.7K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Parking Challenges

Street parking is tough during peak hours. Arrive early or consider nearby paid parking if available. :car:

🚶‍♂️ Explore the Area

The tower is in a busy commercial zone with shops. Enjoy the old-town feel and browse local stores. :shopping_bags:

📸 Capture the Details

Focus on the intricate stucco work and the historic clock for stunning photos. :camerawithflash:

🕰️ Understand its History

Learn about Maharani Chimnabai I and the tower's construction for a richer experience. :scroll:

What Travellers Say

4.5
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors appreciate the Raopura Clock Tower as a significant historical landmark with beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture and a charming old-world feel. Its central location in a busy commercial area is noted, though parking can be a challenge. The tower's historical context and intricate details are frequently highlighted as its main draws.

"Good palace for my choice ..branded shoes like all ..red chief.. woodland.. campus...vagera all ..."

Rup Singh

"Raopura Tower, also known as Maharani Chimnabai Tower, is a five-story Indo-Saracenic marvel built in 1896 in Vadodara. Erected in memory of Maharani Chimnabai I, the first wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, it stands as a testament to the city’s rich heritage. The tower features a six-foot-diameter clock imported from London, which once chimed every 15 minutes, aiding the city’s timekeeping. Its intricate stucco work, spiral staircase, and octagonal top with jali-work showcase architectural brilliance. Strategically located in the bustling Raopura area, it remains a cherished landmark, reflecting Vadodara’s blend of history and urban life."

Param Patel

"This is a very crowded street. There is no place to park your vehicle in peak hours. Still it feels like a very beautiful old town. This is a rustic old place which feels nostalgic to old Barodians. This place is a highly commercial place meant for shops like shoe shops, pen shops, book stores, etc. The road connects to the old building of Nyay Mandir to Raopura. It has an old clock on the top of the tower."

Badri Narayan Padhi

What People Like

Historic Indo-Saracenic architecture
Nostalgic old-town feel
Intricate stucco and jali-work

What People Dislike

Crowded streets
Parking difficulties

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Raopura Clock Tower is centrally located in Vadodara, Gujarat. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw, taxi, or ride-sharing services. It's situated in the bustling Raopura area, connecting the old Nyay Mandir building to the main Raopura road. Instagram+1

Parking can be very challenging, especially during peak hours, as it's a crowded street. It's advisable to arrive early or explore options for nearby paid parking facilities. Reddit

For exploring multiple landmarks in Vadodara, auto-rickshaws and local buses are common. Ride-sharing apps are also readily available and convenient for tourists. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, the Raopura Clock Tower is a public landmark and does not require an entry ticket. You can view it from the outside and explore the surrounding commercial area freely. Instagram

As it's an outdoor landmark in a commercial area, there are no specific visiting hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight hours to appreciate its architecture and the surrounding market. Instagram

The tower is primarily an external monument. While there's a spiral staircase inside, public access to the upper levels is generally not permitted. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

You can admire the unique Indo-Saracenic architecture, the historic six-foot London clock, and the intricate stucco and jali-work. The tower is a significant historical monument. Instagram+1

The area is generally safe, but like any busy commercial district, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings secure. Reddit

The area is a highly commercial zone featuring various shops, including shoe stores, bookstores, and other retail outlets, giving it an old-town, nostalgic feel for locals. Reddit

The tower itself is a historical structure with a spiral staircase, making it difficult to access for those with mobility issues. The surrounding streets can also be crowded. Reddit

Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography, with fewer crowds. The golden hour can provide beautiful shots of the tower's architecture. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the full facade of the Indo-Saracenic architecture, close-ups of the intricate stucco and jali-work, and the historic London clock. The surrounding bustling street can also add context to your shots. Instagram+1

Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography for personal use. However, it's always respectful to be mindful of people around you. Instagram

For the best lighting and fewer crowds, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The 'golden hour' before sunset can create a warm, inviting glow on the tower. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

While the Raopura Clock Tower itself is a historical monument and not an interactive attraction, families can enjoy a stroll around the surrounding commercial area. The bustling streets offer a glimpse into local life, and the tower's imposing structure can spark children's imagination about history and timekeeping. Keep a close eye on children due to the crowds and traffic in the area. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

The Raopura Clock Tower offers excellent photographic opportunities, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon. Focus on capturing the intricate Indo-Saracenic details, the historic London clock, and the overall grandeur of the structure. The surrounding vibrant street life can also provide interesting contextual shots. Instagram+1

🏛️ History Buffs

For history enthusiasts, the Raopura Clock Tower is a must-visit. Learn about its construction in 1896, its dedication to Maharani Chimnabai I, and the unique Indo-Saracenic architectural style. The story of the London-imported clock adds another layer to its historical significance. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History: The Raopura Clock Tower

The Raopura Clock Tower, also known as the Maharani Chimnabai Tower, is a significant historical landmark in Vadodara, Gujarat. Commissioned and built in 1896, it stands as a tribute to Maharani Chimnabai I, the first wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The funds for its construction were a collective contribution from the citizens of Vadodara, making it a monument built by the people, for the people. Its inauguration was a notable event, attended by the last Nawab of the city, Mir Kamaluddin Hussainkhan. InstagramReddit

The tower's architectural style is a striking example of Indo-Saracenic design, a fusion of Indian, Islamic, and European architectural elements. This five-story structure is adorned with intricate stucco work and features an octagonal top with delicate jali-work, showcasing the craftsmanship of the era. At its apex sits a prominent six-foot-diameter clock, imported all the way from London. This clock was once a crucial timekeeping device for the city, chiming every 15 minutes, a testament to its functional importance in its time. InstagramReddit

Strategically located in the bustling Raopura area, the tower is more than just a historical edifice; it's an integral part of the city's urban fabric. The surrounding streets are a vibrant commercial hub, filled with shops that evoke a sense of nostalgia for long-time residents. This blend of historical significance and contemporary urban life makes the Raopura Clock Tower a cherished landmark, reflecting Vadodara's enduring heritage and its dynamic present. Reddit

Architectural Marvels and Urban Life

The Raopura Clock Tower is a prime example of the Indo-Saracenic architectural style that flourished during the British Raj in India. This style masterfully blends elements from Indian, Islamic, and Gothic architecture, creating visually stunning and unique structures. The tower's five-story elevation, intricate stucco detailing, and the delicate jali-work on its octagonal top are hallmarks of this design. The presence of a large, imported clock from London further emphasizes the era's architectural and technological influences. Instagram+1

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the tower is deeply embedded in the urban landscape of Vadodara. Situated in the active Raopura commercial district, it stands amidst a lively streetscape filled with shops selling everything from shoes to books. This commercial vibrancy, while sometimes leading to parking and crowd challenges, also contributes to the area's nostalgic charm, particularly for older residents. The tower serves as a silent witness to the city's evolution, connecting its historical past with its present-day dynamism. InstagramReddit

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