
Tambekar Wada
Step into a painted past at Tambekar Wada, a 19th-century Maratha mansion adorned with vibrant murals.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

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From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
To see the murals clearly

Tambekar Wada
Best Time
To see the murals clearly

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step into a painted past at Tambekar Wada, a 19th-century Maratha mansion adorned with vibrant murals.
"A historical mansion with beautiful paintings, offering a glimpse into the wealth of the past."

🎨 Admire the Art
Focus on the incredible 19th-century murals; they are the main attraction and tell fascinating stories.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Wada is a historical site. Be gentle with the structures and avoid touching the delicate murals.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vivid 19th-Century Murals
Step back in time with stunning frescoes depicting mythological tales and Gaekwad life. These vibrant paintings are the heart of Tambekar Wada.

Maratha Architecture
Admire the traditional wooden mansion, a beautiful example of Maratha architectural style with intricate carvings and woodwork.

Courtyard Charm
Experience the traditional courtyard layout, offering a glimpse into the domestic life of wealthy Maharashtrian and Gujarati families of the past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Murals
Respect the Heritage
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎨 Admire the Art
Focus on the incredible 19th-century murals; they are the main attraction and tell fascinating stories.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Wada is a historical site. Be gentle with the structures and avoid touching the delicate murals.
☀️ Visit During the Day
Natural light is best for appreciating the detail and colors of the paintings.
💰 No Entry Fee
Enjoy this historical gem without any cost! A great budget-friendly heritage experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎨 Admire the Art
Focus on the incredible 19th-century murals; they are the main attraction and tell fascinating stories.
🚶♂️ Explore with Respect
Wada is a historical site. Be gentle with the structures and avoid touching the delicate murals.
☀️ Visit During the Day
Natural light is best for appreciating the detail and colors of the paintings.
💰 No Entry Fee
Enjoy this historical gem without any cost! A great budget-friendly heritage experience.
📸 Capture the History
Bring your camera to document the intricate artwork and architecture, but be mindful of any restrictions.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Tambekar Wada for its stunning 19th-century murals and impressive Maratha architecture, offering a free glimpse into history. While some murals have faded and not all areas are accessible, the artistic and historical value makes it a highly recommended stop for art and history enthusiasts.
"This is the beautiful place adorned with colourful murals. But I wish I could visit it earlier, as many of them are faded or vanished due to moisture. One floor is open to visitors amongst two. There is no entry fee. Must visit for art and history buffs."
Shubhangi Patel
"A historical mansion of a Maratha Sardar, Tambekar Wada has many medieval murals on display. Very intricate paintings, carvings and woodwork make you wonder about the actual wealth of the past."
Harshal Shailendra Gurav
"Mansion with beautiful paintings. Only the first floor is open for visitors. There is no entry ticket. I was told that the 2nd floor is getting renovated. Must visit for the beautiful paintings on the walls."
Greeshma Gowda
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Tambekar Wada is conveniently located in the Raopura area of Vadodara, just about 2.7 km from the railway station. You can easily reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. Many visitors arrive as part of heritage walks, which is a great way to explore the area.
While there isn't a direct bus stop right at the Wada, Vadodara has a good local bus network. You can take a bus to a nearby stop and then a short walk or a quick auto-rickshaw ride to reach Tambekar Wada.
The Wada itself is best explored on foot. Wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking around the different levels and admiring the artwork.
Parking can be challenging in the older parts of Vadodara. It's advisable to use ride-sharing services or public transport if possible. If driving, look for designated parking areas nearby, though they might be limited.
The Wada has multiple stories, and access to all areas might be limited, especially if renovations are ongoing. The main accessible areas are usually on the ground and first floors. It's best to inquire about accessibility upon arrival.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to visit Tambekar Wada. It's a free heritage site, making it an accessible attraction for all art and history enthusiasts.
Tambekar Wada is typically open during daylight hours, allowing visitors to appreciate the murals in natural light. It's advisable to visit during the day to get the best experience.
Since there is no entry fee, advance booking is not required. You can visit Tambekar Wada at your convenience during its operating hours.
Visitors are requested to be respectful of the historical site. Avoid touching the murals and refrain from littering to help preserve the Wada for future generations.
Typically, only one floor, often the first floor, is open to visitors. Some parts might be closed for renovation or preservation.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Tambekar Wada, allowing you to capture the stunning murals and architecture. However, it's always a good idea to check for any specific signage or ask a caretaker on-site, especially regarding flash photography.
The walls adorned with the 19th-century murals offer the most photogenic opportunities. Focus on capturing the intricate details and the storytelling within the paintings. The wooden architecture also provides great framing.
Utilize natural light as much as possible by visiting during the day. Try to capture the scale of the murals by including architectural elements in your shots. Look for interesting perspectives that highlight the artistry.
Tripod usage might be restricted to avoid obstructing other visitors or damaging the delicate structure. It's best to confirm this on-site.
Visitors often photograph the vibrant mythological scenes, portraits within the murals, the detailed woodwork, and the overall ambiance of the historic mansion.
🎫 🏛️ History & Architecture
Tambekar Wada was the residence of Diwan Bhau Tambekar, a prominent figure in the Baroda State during the Maratha era. It's a testament to the wealth and architectural prowess of the time.
It's a classic example of Maratha architecture, characterized by its wooden structure, intricate carvings, and a traditional courtyard layout.
The Wada is renowned for its 19th-century frescoes painted in natural dyes, depicting scenes from the Mahabharata and the life of the Gaekwads.
The Wada was built between 1849 and 1854, making it a significant historical structure from the mid-19th century.
After the Tambekar family had to abandon the premises, the Wada was used as a school, which unfortunately led to significant damage to the murals. The ASI later took charge for conservation.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that only certain floors are usually open, and the focus is on appreciating the art. Encourage children to look closely at the details in the paintings and discuss what they see. Comfortable shoes are a must, and it's advisable to keep the visit relatively short to maintain their engagement. Remember to emphasize the importance of respecting the historical site.
🎨 Art and History Buffs
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Experiment with different angles and compositions to highlight the scale and detail of the murals. The wooden corridors and balconies can serve as natural frames for your shots. Remember to be respectful of other visitors and the site itself, and always check for any photography restrictions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Artistry of Tambekar Wada's Murals
These frescoes are a significant example of traditional Indian mural painting. The use of natural pigments, derived from minerals and plants, gives the artwork a unique depth and longevity, though some have inevitably faded over time due to moisture and age. The condition of the murals varies, with some sections being more well-preserved than others, a point often noted by visitors.
Despite the challenges of preservation, the murals remain a powerful testament to the artistic heritage of the region. They offer a visual narrative of the cultural and historical context of the Maratha era in Gujarat, making Tambekar Wada a crucial site for art historians and cultural enthusiasts. The experience of walking through these painted corridors is often described as magical and enchanting.
Maratha Architecture and Design
The three-storeyed building is not just about its external appearance but also its internal design. The wooden corridors, staircases, and balconies are all integral parts of the architectural aesthetic. The design prioritizes both functionality and beauty, creating a living space that was both comfortable and representative of the owner's status. Visitors often marvel at the durability and intricate detail of the wooden elements, even after more than a century.
This architectural style, with its blend of practicality and ornate decoration, offers a glimpse into the lifestyle of the elite during the 19th century. The integration of the murals within the architectural framework further enhances the aesthetic appeal, making Tambekar Wada a holistic representation of art, history, and architecture.
Conservation and Visitor Experience
Recognizing its historical and artistic importance, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) took charge of the building in 1951, initiating conservation efforts to preserve what remained. Despite these efforts, the challenges of moisture and time mean that not all parts of the Wada are accessible, and some murals have inevitably faded or vanished. Visitors often note that only one floor is typically open for viewing.
The visitor experience at Tambekar Wada is often described as a poignant journey through time. While the limited accessibility and the visible signs of aging on the murals might be a point of disappointment for some, the overall sentiment is one of appreciation for the opportunity to witness such a significant piece of history. The lack of an entry fee also contributes to a positive visitor experience, making it an accessible cultural outing.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit