A series of gamma-alumina Supported vanadia catalysts have been prepared by adopting the wet impregnation method. Structural characterization of the catalysts was done by energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis, X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies, BET surface area analysis, Fourier Transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and UV-Vis Diffuse Reflectance spectroscopy (UVDRS). Liquid phase oxidation of toluene has been examined to investigate the catalytic activity. Spectroscopic investigation revealed the presence of highly dispersed tetrahedral vanadyl species at lower loadings and crystalline V2O5 at higher loadings. Incorporation of vanadia leads to greater activity and partial oxidation activity towards file liquid phase oxidation of toluene.