Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is the third-largest city in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is famous for its rich history, culture, and heritage. The city has several important historical landmarks, including the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, Sayaji Baug, and Laxmi Vilas Palace.

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Best Places to visit in Vadodara

Baroda is also known for its educational institutions, including the prestigious Maharaja Sayajirao University. The city is a popular destination for business, tourism, and education. Here are some best places to visit in Vadodara with friends and family.

1. Laxmi Vilas Palace :

Must Visit tourist destination in vadodara .Laxmi Vilas Palace is a popular tourist attraction located in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. The palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and is four times larger than Buckingham Palace. It covers an area of over 500 acres and is considered one of the most beautiful palaces in India. The architecture of the palace is a blend of Indian and European styles, and it is adorned with ornate carvings and paintings.

Click here to get location of Laxmi Vilas Palace

Address: J N Marg, Moti Baug, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timing and Fees of Laxmi Vilas Palace :

It is open to the public from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM every day, including Sundays and public holidays. The entry fee for Indian nationals is Rs. 250, while foreign nationals have to pay Rs. 500.

More About Laxmi ViIas Palace Palace :

The palace is built with a blend of Indian, Islamic, and European architectural elements known as Indo-Saracenic Revival. It has expansive gardens, sumptuous interiors, and a noteworthy collection of artwork and artefacts. The Gaekwad royal family still owns the palace, and it has been partially transformed into a museum highlighting the region’s rich cultural legacy.

One of the largest private mansions in the world, the palace has a land area of more than 500 acres. Major Charles Mant used the Indo-Saracenic Revival architectural style when creating the palace. The palace’s architecture is a distinctive fusion of Indian, Islamic, and European design elements. The palace contains a number of wings, including a Sheesh Mahal, a Hathi Hall, a Banquet Hall, and a Darbar Hall.

The palace contains a gallery, a cricket pitch and a private golf course. The largest room in the palace, the Darbar Hall, is adorned with chandeliers and Venetian mosaic tiles. Raja Ravi Varma, a 19th-century Indian painter, has a number of his works at the palace. Armour, weapons, and sculptures from all around India and the world are kept in the palace. The Vasant-Vadi, Kamatibaug, and Moti Baug are only a few of the palace’s gardens.

A 1930 Rolls-Royce Phantom is among the many historic vehicles in the palace’s extensive collection. Tigers, leopards, and elephants are among the many species of animals that call the palace’s private zoo home. The palace’s forecourt features a lovely fountain that is lit up at night. The Kirti Mandir, a temple for the royal family and Lord Shiva, is located in the palace.
Visitors are welcome at the palace, and tours with guides are offered. Anyone interested in history or architecture must visit the palace, which is a monument to Gujarat’s rich cultural past.

2. Sayaji Baug Zoo Vadodara :

Sayaji Baug Zoo, also known as Kamati Baug, is a popular zoological park located in the city of Vadodara in the state of Gujarat, India. It is situated in the heart of the city, near the Vishwamitri River and spans over 45 hectares of lush greenery.

click here to get location of Sayaji Baug Zoo (Kamati Baug) Vadodara

Address : Udyog Bhavan, Block No. 16, 4th Floor, Sector-11, Gandhinagar – 382 010.

Kamati Baug Timings:

Park Timings: 5 AM – 9 PM
Zoo Timings: 8 AM to 11.30 AM & 2.30 PM to 6 PM, Closed on Thursdays
Toy Train Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM, Closed on Thursday
Planetarium Show Timings: 4 PM (Gujarati), 5 PM (English), 6 PM (Hindi)

Entry fees for Kamati Baug :

Rs. 10 for Indians & Rs. 200 for Foreigners for Baroda Museum,
Rs. 40 for Adults & Rs. 20 for Children for Toy Train,
Rs. 10 for Adults & Rs. 5 for Children for Zoo,
Rs. 7 for Adults & Rs. 5 for Children for Planetarium

Unique things about Kamati Baug

Historical Significance: Kamati Baug was established in 1879 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the ruler of Vadodara. It is one of the oldest gardens in Western India and has been well-preserved over the years.

Extensive Garden: The garden covers an extensive area of about 45 hectares (111 acres). It is beautifully landscaped with lush greenery, various species of trees, flowering plants, and well-maintained lawns. The serene and tranquil atmosphere makes it a perfect place for leisurely walks and picnics.
Zoo and Wildlife: Kamati Baug houses a zoo that is home to a diverse range of animal species. It is one of the oldest zoos in India. Visitors can spot animals like lions, tigers, leopards, elephants, monkeys, reptiles, and numerous bird species.
Floral Clock: One of the unique attractions of Kamati Baug is the floral clock. It is a big clock made using flowers and plants that displays the time. The complex design and vibrant colors make it a popular spot for photography.
Museum and Art Gallery: Within Kamati Baug, there is a museum and an art gallery known as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. It houses an extensive collection of artifacts, sculptures, paintings, and other historical objects. The art gallery displays various artworks, including European paintings, Indian miniature paintings, and works by renowned artists.
Toy Train: Another interesting feature of Kamati Baug is the toy train that runs within the garden. It offers a delightful ride for children and adults alike, providing a unique way to explore the vast expanse of the garden.
Floral Diversity: Kamati Baug is home to a wide variety of flowers and plants, showcasing the region’s rich floral diversity. Visitors can witness different species of roses, orchids, cacti, and other ornamental plants throughout the garden.
Musical Fountain: The garden features a beautiful musical fountain that comes alive in the evenings. The synchronized water movements, colorful lights, and music create a mesmerizing wonder for the visitors.

3. Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery

The museum, often referred to as the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery is located in Vadodara, the capital of the Indian state of Gujarat. It was founded in 1887, and British architect Robert Fellows Chisholm designed the spectacular Indo-Saracenic structure in which it is currently housed. The museum has more than 42,000 objects on display, including a sizable collection of artwork, sculpture, anthropology, natural history, and archaeology.

Click here to get location of Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery

Address : Kamatibaug, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat.

Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery Tickets :

Baroda Museum Picture Gallery entry fee:- The entrance fee is Rs. 10 per visitor

Timings Of Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery

The museum is open on all days from 10:30 am till 5:00 pm except for government holidays.

More About Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery

The Baroda Museum’s art collection includes creations by European and Indian artists like Turner, Constable, and Reynolds as well as works by Indian artists like Raja Ravi Varma, Abanindranath Tagore, and Nandalal Bose. The museum’s collection of ancient Indian sculptures, which includes items from the Chalukya dynasty, the Maurya and Gupta periods, and the Indus Valley Civilization, is also remarkable.

The Baroda Museum contains a picture exhibition with over 600 European paintings, including pieces by Raphael, Titian, and Murillo, along with its amazing collection of artwork and artifacts. A library with more than 15,000 books and a collection of priceless manuscripts are also features of the museum.

Overall, the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery is a must-visit destination for art lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in exploring the cultural heritage of India.

4. Kirti Mandir, Vadodara

In the Indian state of Gujarat, the city of Vadodara is home to the well-known monument and temple known as Kirti Mandir. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III erected the temple in 1936 as a memorial to his forefathers and family. In Hindi, “Kirti Mandir” means “Temple of Fame”.

click here to get location of Kirti Mandir, Vadodara

Address : Kirti Mandir, Kothi Rd, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timing for Kirti Mandir, Vadodara

Kirti Mandir Timing: 09:00 am – 07:00 pm

Best time to visit Kirti Mandir(preferred time): 09:30 am – 06:20 pm

Time required to visit Kirti Mandir: 00:40 Mins

More About Kirti Mandir Vadodara

With exquisite carvings and lovely marble work, the temple is constructed in a fusion of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The temple’s main dome is made of gold, and there are murals on the walls that show the Gaekwad dynasty’s accomplishments and life. In addition to the temple, the building has a museum that displays the history and culture of the area and exhibits on the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III.

An emblem of Gujarat’s and Vadodara’s rich cultural legacy, Kirti Mandir is more than just a place of worship. It is a well-liked tourist site and frequently serves as a location for festivals and cultural events.

5. Makarpura Palace, Vadodara

In the Indian state of Gujarat, the city of Vadodara is home to the old Makarpura Palace. The palace is located around 7 KM southeast of the city’s center in Vadodara’s Makarpura neighborhood.

click here to get location of Makarpura Palace, Vadodara

Address : Himmat Nagar, Makarpura, Vadodara, Gujarat 390014

Makarpura Palace Vadodara Timings

09:30 am to 06:00 pm

Makarpura Palace Vadodara Entry Fee

Entry Fee: ₹ 125 per person

More About Makarpura Palace Vadodara

The Maharaja Khanderao Gaekwad erected the palace in the 19th century, and the royal family used it as a hunting lodge and summer resort. The palace was constructed using a combination of European and Indian architectural traditions, and it has a stunning exterior with elegant balconies and finely detailed carvings. The palace’s interior is as stunning, featuring large halls, marble flooring, and priceless chandeliers.

Since it serves as a training facility for the Indian Air Force today, the palace is not accessible to the general public. Visitors can still get images of the stunning architecture outside the palace walls, though. A sizable, beautifully maintained garden surrounds the palace and is accessible to the general public. Locals frequently travel to the garden to unwind and take in the tranquil surroundings.

Top Place to visit in vadodara with family

Makarpura Palace	Sayaji Garden
EME Temple	Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery
Surya Narayan Temple	Sur Sagar Lake
Sri Aurobindo Ashram	Laxmi Vilas Palace
Nyaya Mandir	Baps Shri Swaminarayan Temple
Khanderao Market	Maharaja Sayajirao University
Kirti Mandir	Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum
Mandvi Gate	Nandalay Temple
Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden	Sardar Patel Planetarium
Hazira Maqbara	Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club
Narmada Canal	Ajwa Water Park
S-Cube Water Park	Champaner – Pavagadh Archaeological Park
Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary	Kabirvad
Hathni Mata

Top Place to visit in vadodara with family

Trip Plan For Vadodara :

Day 1:

Morning: Arrive in Vadodara and check into your hotel.
Afternoon: Visit the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the home of the Gaekwad royal family. Explore the opulent palace, which is four times the size of Buckingham Palace, and stroll through its lush gardens.
Evening: Head to the Sayaji Garden, a beautiful park with fountains, a zoo, and an amusement park. Enjoy a leisurely walk or take a ride on the toy train.

Day 2:

Morning: Explore the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located about 50 Km from Vadodara. This site contains the ancient city of Champaner and the sacred Pavagadh Hill. Visit the Jami Masjid, a beautiful mosque, and explore the various temples and step wells in the area.
Afternoon: Return to Vadodara and visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, located within the Laxmi Vilas Palace complex. Respect the collection of art, sculptures, and artifacts showcasing the artistic heritage of Gujarat.
Evening: Take a leisurely stroll along the Vishwamitri Riverfront and enjoy the serene ambiance. You can also explore the nearby Kirti Mandir, a memorial devoted to Mahatma Gandhi and his wife Kasturba.

Day 3:

Morning: Visit the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, which houses a vast collection of art, artifacts, and natural history exhibits. Don’t miss the Egyptian mummy and the collection of Akota Bronzes.
Afternoon: Explore the Vadodara Street Food scene. Indulge in local delicacies such as khandvi, fafda, dhokla, and sev usal at popular food joints like Mandap and Havmor.
Evening: Witness a performance at the Darbar Hall, located in the Nazarbaug Palace. This beautifully restored hall hosts classical music and dance performances, providing a glimpse into the royal heritage of Vadodara.

Day 4:

Morning: Visit the EME Temple, a unique temple dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy and run by the Indian Army. Admire the incredible architecture and serene atmosphere.
Afternoon: Head to the Sardar Patel Planetarium and enjoy an educational show about astronomy and the universe.
Evening: Explore the bustling street markets of Vadodara, such as Mandvi Gate and Raopura. Shop for traditional textiles, handicrafts, and jewelry. You can also test local snacks like jalebi and gathiya.

Day 5:

Morning: Take a day trip to the nearby Ajwa Water Park and enjoy exciting water rides and slides. Relax by the pools and indulge in some water-based fun.
Afternoon: Visit the Vadodara Central Library, one of the oldest and largest libraries in Gujarat. Expend some time browsing through the vast collection of books and manuscripts.
Evening: Enjoy a leisurely boat ride in the Sursagar Lake and soak in the picturesque views.

Street food to enjoy in vadodara

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is famous for its delicious street food. Here are some of the best street foods to enjoy in Vadodara:

Sev Usal
Vada Pav
Dabeli
Kachori
Bhel Puri
Pani Puri
Ragda Pattice
Sandwiches
Kulfi Falooda
Jalebi and Fafda

These are only a few of the mouthwatering street meals that can be found in Vadodara. These recipes are all delicious and each has its own distinctive flavors.

Best Places to visit in Vadodara With Fees & Timing

Best Places to visit in Vadodara