Places to visit in Vadodara: Best tourist spots

Source: Pinterest

Vadodara is the third biggest city in Gujarat and is recognised for being the cultural capital of Gujarat as well as a centre for educational activities. It is located on the banks of the river Vishwamitri and has a beautiful landscape. Historically, the city of Vadodara was known by the name Vadapradaka, which translates to “a settlement among Banyan trees.” 

The Imperial Guptas, the Chalukyas, the Rashtrakutas, the Solankis, the Sultans of Delhi, the Mughals, and lastly, the Marathas all held sway over the city of Vadodara at one point or another. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was a magnificent king, a socio-economic reformer, and a patron of the arts, architecture, and music is responsible for the splendour that exists in the city of Vadodara today.

Vadodara 

As a rapidly developing commercial centre and a significant tourist attraction, Vadodara is well located such that it is accessible from almost anywhere in India. 

By Air 

Civil Airport Harni, located 6 km from the city centre, is the 3rd busiest airport in Gujarat after Ahmedabad and Surat. Airlines such as Air India, Vistara, and Air Asia Indigo operate direct flights to all of India’s main destinations regularly. Transportation options from the airport include taxis, buses, shuttles and auto rentals.

By Train 

The Vadodara Junction Railway Station, also known as the BRC station on the Indian Railways, is the 2nd busiest station after Ahmedabad in the state of Gujarat. Vadodara is connected to other cities and regions around India by high-speed trains such as the Shatabdi and the Rajdhani. 

By Road 

The roads leading to Vadodara, including major highways and smaller byways, are in excellent condition and make driving there the most enjoyable experience possible. India’s National Expressway 1 connects Ahmedabad to the city of Vadodara. The Vadodara Railway Terminal is also located in very close proximity to this bus station.

 

If you are planning a trip to Vadodara but are unclear about how to get started, don’t worry; we’ve got you covered. The following is a list of 19 incredible places to visit in Vadodara, all of which should be on any traveller’s must-see list.

19 tourist places Vadodara to take advantage of all the city has to offer 

Laxmi Vilas Palace

Source: Pinterest

Laxmi Vilas is the most spectacular Raj-era palace in Gujarat of the Gaekwad family. Only the public areas of the palace are open to visitors since the royal family continues to utilise other parts of the palace as their primary home. Arguably the most famous place in Vadodara, the palace is almost four times the size of Buckingham Palace and draws inspiration from both Eastern and Western styles of architecture. 

The lavish interiors are designed to mirror the level of luxury seen in its well-maintained mosaics, chandeliers, and artworks, which have an Indian influence. Additionally, the palace has a highly outstanding collection of weapons and art. 

See also: Top 15 places to visit in Udaipur

Nazarbaug Palace 

Source: Pinterest

The Nazarbaug palace was completed in 1721 and is the oldest palace in Vadodara, having three stories when it was built. The Gaekwads hosted ceremonial events at this palace throughout their reign. It wasn’t until later that it became home to the treasures of the royal family. The palace possessed guns made of pure gold and silver, with each barrel weighing more than one hundred kilogrammes.

In addition, the grounds include the Sheesh Mahal, commonly known as the Palace of Glass. The word “Nazar” was derived from the Gujarati phrase “Nazar na lage,” which refers to the palace’s traditional appearance and is where the phrase originated. The name of the palace derives from the lovely garden that was located on the grounds of the palace. As a result, this Vadodara tourist place came to be known as the Nazarbaug Palace.

Makarpura Palace

Source: Pinterest

Another magnificent Gaekwad palace located in Vadodara, the Makarpura Palace, was constructed in the year 1870 by Maharaja Khende Rao. The architecture of the palace is based on that of the Italian Renaissance, and it has chandeliers, multifoil fountains, beautiful chambers built of bricks, wooden stairs, arch-shaped balconies, brilliant murals and paintings gracing the ceiling, resplendent murals, and a large Japanese garden. 

The Makarpura Palace is an outstanding illustration of the luxury and grandiosity of the Royal Gaekwad Family, and it is one of the most magnificent Vadodara tourist places.

 

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park 

Source: Pinterest

One of the most interesting Vadodara places to visit is the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park which can be found right in the middle of the city of Champaner and is surrounded on all sides by the Pavagadh Hills. This magnificent park is included on the prestigious list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It is home to many spectacular forts, bastions, water installations, and other architectural marvels such as mosques, temples, tombs, and step-wells. In general, the park does a fantastic job of documenting the transition from Hindu to Islamic culture. 

 

BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir

Source: Pinterest

The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is one of the most well-known sites in all of Vadodara’s many offerings to visitors. The temple boasts a complex layout, awe-inspiring architecture, a calming atmosphere, and a spotless interior, all of which work together to quickly relax your mind and spirit. 

The BAPS Mandir serves as a hub for various religious and cultural events. Its teachings are centred on the moral principles of the Hindu religion, with the concept of the importance of family unity in Indian society also being taken into consideration. This place of worship has a significant amount of importance for Hindu believers.

 

Hazira Maqbara  

Source: Pinterest

The grave of Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan, who was the teacher of Emperor Akbar’s son Salim, and his son Naurang Khan can be found at Hazira Maqbara, which is located in Vadodara. One of the most popular tourist destinations in Vadodara, Hazira Maqbara, was designed in the style of the Mughal tombs in Delhi. It has five arches, a double dome, a step-well, and a garden that has been well maintained. In addition, there are phrases from the Quran engraved on the walls of the burial chamber, as well as on the arches and other spots. Pay a visit to this location and look at the marvellous building that the Mughals left behind when they were in control of this area.

 

Kirti Mandir

Source: Pinterest

The Kirti Mandir, also known as the Shrine of Fame, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III as a beautiful temple in honour of the Gaekwad dynasty of Marathas and its influential forefathers. It was constructed in 1936 as part of the festivities commemorating the Maharaja’s Diamond Jubilee. It consists of balconies, domes, terraces, and a shikhara in the centre that displays the sun, the moon, the earth, and an undivided map of India. 

 

Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery 

Source: Pinterest

In 1887, Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III laid the groundwork for what is now known as the Vadodara Museum of Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery. This museum is an important and interesting site and one of the best tourist places in Vadodara. It houses treasured artworks, the famous Egyptian mummy, the skeleton of a baby blue whale, paintings, Tibetan art, Agota bronze, and other items that are the primary attractions here. A visit to this museum will provide you with the opportunity to examine artefacts from a variety of disciplines, such as geology, archaeology, and ethnology.

 

ISKCON Vadodara 

Source: Pinterest

ISKCON Vadodara is a well-known temple and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city of Vadodara. The temple’s three altars are each devoted to a different deity: Radha-Krishna, Jagannath, Baladeva, and Subhadra. To show respect to the gods and to ask for their blessings, this place is visited by thousands of visitors and locals every day. The temple is rather large and has many impressive altars, an ashram for the brahmacharis and a lovely farm. In addition to that, it is encircled by verdant gardens that are well cared for, and it has a restaurant that serves tourists cuisine that is both sanitary and delicious.

 

Sri Aurobindo Ashram 

Source: Pinterest

The ashram, often referred to as Arvind Ashram or Auro Nivas, served as Aurobindo Ghosh’s home during his 1894–1906 sojourn in Vadodara. There are a total of 23 rooms at the Ashram, and they include a library, a study room, and a sales emporium. You may find relics of Sri Aurobindo here, as well as copies of all of the rare publications that have been published by or about him.

Anybody interested in meditation, spirituality, or the Mother is welcome to come and spend time at the ashram. The Mother, whose given name was Mirra Alfassa when she first entered the world, was a student of Sri Aurobindo and worked closely with him. The Ashram was a national monument in British times, and many notable people from the era made their way there to pay their respects. All guests express gratitude for the serene atmosphere that can be found across the campus and its meditation halls in particular. This should be on your places to visit near Vadodara list.

 

EME Temple 

Source: Pinterest

The EME Temple, also known as the “Dakshinamurthy Temple” was constructed in 1966 and is managed by Indian Army officials. The temple is devoted to Lord Shiva. Archaeologists have high praise for the structure’s geodesic design and the aluminium sheets that cover it, both of which contribute to its one-of-a-kindness as an idea and a design. It was erected by the Engineer and Military Engineer Corps of the Indian Army. This well-known Marathi author and architect Madhav Achwal is responsible for the conception of the idea behind this temple as well as its one-of-a-kind design concept. The fact that this temple is the only one of its sort anywhere in the world contributes to its status as a key destination for religious and secular visitors alike.  

 

Sardar Patel Planetarium 

Source: Pinterest

The magnificent pyramid-shaped structure that is the Sardar Patel Planetarium can be seen in Vadodara’s Sayaji Baug. It has a seating capacity of two hundred people and is open to the public. The Sardar Patel Planetarium is one of the best places to visit in Vadodara and a great site to learn about outer space. It captivates curious children with its hour-long, breathtaking videos on interstellar space, satellites, solar system, and cosmology three times a day, in English, Hindi, and Gujarati. These videos are shown in all three languages.

 

Sayaji Garden 

Source: Pinterest

Sayaji Baug, also known as Kamati Baug, is the largest garden in Western India and one of the most famous places in Vadodara. This picture-perfect garden was constructed by the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Vadodara, and it is now home to the largest floral clock in the world. It is reported that there are 98 different types of trees in the enormous garden, which is home to a diverse range of flora and animals. Sayaji Garden is, without a doubt, one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vadodara. It is home to many attractions, including the Sayaji Baug Zoo, the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, and the Sardar Patel Planetarium.

 

Hathni Waterfall 

Source: Pinterest

One of the impressive tourist places near Vadodara is the Hathni Waterfall. The stunning waterfalls can be found at Jambughoda, which is also a wonderful picnic site close to Vadodara. This is the kind of place that you can go to with your friends or family to spend some quality time together and take in the scenery. The seductive beauty of the Hathni Mata Waterfalls is a sight to appreciate, and the lush flora that surrounds them adds charm to the scene. The waterfalls drop from a height of one hundred metres.

 

Sursagar Lake

Source: Pinterest

One of the most breathtaking Vadodara tour places, Sursagar, also known as Chand Talao, can be found in the middle of the city and is highly recommended for couples, families, and visitors alike. The lake is encircled by verdant vegetation, and a Shiva statue that is 120 feet tall stands smack dab in the centre of the lake. It is possible to get the most out of the breathtaking scenery of Sursagar by taking a boat ride around the lake, which is also an excellent option for a stress-free evening out.

 

 

Maharaja Sayajirao University 

Source: Pinterest

One of the most prestigious educational institutions in India, Maharaja Sayaji University, formerly known as Vadodara College, is among the top attractions in the city of Vadodara. It was founded in 1881, and in 1949, it was given its current name in honour of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. 

There are several faculties available at this educational establishment, including the faculties of the arts, sciences, management studies, medicine, and pharmacy. In addition, it is well-known for its magnificent architecture, which includes a dome that was inspired by the Gol Gumbaz, arches that combine Indian and Byzantine design elements, and a faculty of arts building that was constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style.

 

 

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum

Source: Pinterest

The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum is a museum that can be found inside the Lakshmi Vilas Palace. The structure had a previous life as a school for the children of the royal family, but it was eventually renovated so that it could house a museum instead. There are works of art on display in the museum that was formerly owned by the distinguished Maratha family. The collection includes works of art from the Renaissance and Rococo periods in Europe, as well as portraits, marble busts, and more than thirty original paintings from Raja Ravi Verma’s collection of portraiture. The Maharaja himself was responsible for commissioning a significant portion of this work of art. 

 

Tambekar Wada

Source: Pinterest

The paintings from the 19th century are shown throughout all three floors of the 140-year-old Tambekar Wada, which is located in the Raopura Area. The structure is in disrepair, yet it is nonetheless intriguing to look at since it showcases former Maratha architecture. The property is constructed in the shape of a courtyard, and it has two separate wings: the front and the dwelling. The mansion is decorated with delicate woodwork and paintings that have aged with time. The paintings are created with the use of water-based pigments and are done in the tempera medium on dry lime.

 

Khanderao Market 

Source: Pinterest

If you want to do some shopping in Vadodara, Khanderao Market is the place to go. The Maharaja constructed a beautiful structure that now serves as the location of the market. The structure also has some office buildings. The Khanderao market is a popular destination for amateur and professional street photographers alike since it is home to stalls selling a variety of fresh produce and flowers. While you are in town, don’t pass up the opportunity to sample some genuine Gujarati specialities at one of the area’s restaurants.

Know about: Ahmedabad pin code 

FAQs 

What is it that makes Vadodara so well-known?

Patola silk sarees, traditional ghagras, bandhinis, bangles, khadi, and Jewellery are some of Vadodara's most well-known handicrafts. The city is also well-known for the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, which serves as the home of the Gaekwad Royal Family.

Who should make the trip to Vadodara?

Vadodara is culturally diverse, easy to reach and one of the most visited destinations in Gujarat. If you are a history buff, you will enjoy your time here. It is a wonderful place to visit for people of all ages, as well as a wonderful retreat for Gujarat residents.

What is the ideal time of year to visit Vadodara?

Vadodara endures one of the nation's warmest summer seasons. Summertime temperatures may occasionally reach 42 degrees Celsius, which is uncomfortably hot. The ideal time to visit Vadodara would be between October and March so that travellers can also attend the renowned Navratri celebration.

Which Vadodara delicacies should I try?

Vadodara boasts a wide variety of eateries providing traditional Gujarati thalis as well as other cuisines. However, this city has more vegetarian eateries. Vadodara is famous for farsan, undhiyu, fafda and jalebi.

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at Jhumur Ghosh