Nicknamed the Sanskari Nagar (Cultural City) and Kala Nagari (City of Art), Vadodara is a prominent city in the state of Gujarat. The significance of this city increases further as the NH 8, which connects Delhi and Mumbai, passes through Vadodara. The same makes Vadodara a prominent stop for tourists travelling between these two metro cities. Vadodara is named for its abundance of Vad (Banyan) trees.
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Vadodara, the third-largest city in Gujarat, has a deep-rooted history in India’s historic and cultural past. Located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara is home to numerous well-known landmarks. Witness captivating architectural marvels and bustling city markets while here. Find places to visit in Vadodara below.
Places To Visit In Vadodara
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace
- Sayaji Baug
- Vadodara Museum And Picture Gallery
- EME Temple
- Nimeta Garden
- Kirti Stambh
- Sindhrot Check Dam
- Tapovan Mandir
- Sur Sagar Lake
- Khanderao Market
Lakshmi Vilas Palace
The beauty of Lakshmi Vilas Palace makes it not just one of the must-see places in Vadodara but also a major part of places to visit in Gujarat. This iconic palace served as a residence of the royal family of Baroda (Vadodara’s former name). Lakshmi Vilas Palace was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890.
Constructed in Indo-Saracenic architectural style, Lakshmi Vilas Palace is four times larger than Buckingham Palace and is the largest private royal residence to date. Feel yourself among the royals by walking past the Darbar Hall. Over here, your eyes are certain to get stuck on Raja’s Throne and the Moti Baug Palace.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Raja’s Throne and the Moti Baug Palace
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Learn more about Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s reign
Sayaji Baug
A piece of land on the bank of river Vishwamitri was chosen by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III to develop an expansive public garden and zoo. The zoo was opened to the public in 1879 and featured the Maharaja’s private collection of Indian and Exotic Animals. Today Sayaji Baug is one of the largest public gardens in Western India and is spread over 113 acres of land.
Sayaji Baug Zoo is home to over 98 species of trees and also houses Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery, the Sardar Patel Planetarium, and the Sayaji Baug Zoo. It is a hotspot for morning walkers. There is also an aquarium in the vicinity. Sayaji Baug Zoo should certainly make it to the top of your places to visit in Vadodara.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Sayaji Baug Zoo, Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery
- Ideal duration to explore: 2-4 hours
- Things to do: Animal Spotting, Picnicking
Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery
Vadodara Museum And Picture Gallery is a gallery housed within a striking building. Built in Indo-Saracenic architecture, the building is a beauty in itself. The museum was founded by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III from the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas. The major attractions here include an Egyptian mummy and the skeleton of a baby blue whale.
Come across a collection of Mughal miniatures, a gallery of Tibetan Art and the famous Akota bronzed from the 5th century while visiting this museum. The picture gallery within the Vadodara Museum also features a collection of original paintings that depicts works of numerous renowned British painters. Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery often make it into the list of places to see in Vadodara.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Egyptian mummy, baby blue whale skeleton, Mughal miniatures
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
EME Temple
EME Temple aka the Dakshinamurthy Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is managed by the Indian Army. Covered with aluminium sheets, the temple reflects the contemporary architecture and features aspects of major religions in India. The temple is surrounded by a beautiful garden that is embellished with sculpture art dating back to the 7th and 15th centuries.
Visit this uniquely structured temple to come across one of the beautiful architectural wonders in the city. The EME Temple, a short form of Electrical and Mechanical Corps, stands as a symbol of secularism practised within the Indian Army. It is one of the most prominent holy places to visit in Vadodara for devotees.
This temple represents the following regions of India via different symbols incorporated in the structure and design of the temple:
- Kalash: symbolize hindusim
- Dome: refpresent islam
- Tower: stands for christianity
- Entrance: represent the jainism
- Opening hours: Monday to Saturday from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM
- Major Attractions: Temple garden
- Ideal duration to explore: 1 hour
- Things to do: Worship
Nimeta Garden
Nimeta Garden or the Ajwa Nimeta Garden is where you can find an escape amidst the chaos of the city. This lush green oasis is located around 20 kilometres from the heart of Vadodara. Nimeta Garden is a well-maintained piece of green land that is lined with palm trees. Decorated with colourful flower beds, Nimeta Garden is one of the popular places to visit in Vadodara for families.
The garden is packed during the day with morning walkers. During the evening, Nimeta Garden comes to life and you can witness the musical fountain show. There is a play area for children to make the most of their time while here. The garden also has a small swimming pool where one can take a dip to escape from the scorching heat.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Musical fountain, swimming pool
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Morning and evening walks, picnicking
Kirti Stambh
Vadodara is dotted with popular landmarks and Kirti Stambh has to be one of the best landmarks in the city. Made of pink Songadh stone, the tall stambh was built in 1935 to pay homage to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III’s 60-year rule. The tall statue has a lion perched at the top and faces eastwards. Kirti Stambh also goes by other popular names such as Tower of Fame or Tower of Triumph.
The monument depicts great philosophical value. The lion perched on top has its rear towards the Lakshmi Vilas Palace Gate. Which symbolizes Maharaja’s departure from the kingdom, leaving everything behind. A symbolic monument as such cannot be missed while in the city. Kirti Stambh is one of the most-visited destinations in Vadodara. It is the epitome of architectural marvels in and around the city.
- Opening hours: 24 x 7
- Ideal duration to explore: 15-30 minutes
- Things to do: Photography
Sindhrot Check Dam
Sindhrot Check Dam is built across the Mahi River and is a famous picnic spot in Vadodara. This dam is the place where locals and tourists visit in large numbers to take a dip and beat the heat during the summertime. Despite enduring a large number of visitors all around the year, Sindhrot Check Dam is a serene place where one can spend some peaceful time.
Visit this dam during the evening time to catch the mesmerizing sunset. The place is flooded with local food vendors, thus making the Sindhrot Check Dam a haven among people seeking places to visit in Vadodara for food. Click plenty of Instagram-worthy pictures while visiting the Sindhrot Check Dam. It is a famous tourist spot for family and romantic couples.
- Opening hours: 24 x 7
- Major Attractions: Street food
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Relax, Watch Sunset, Street-food tasting
Tapovan Mandir
Tapovan Temple radiates bright colours that would light up your day. Standing as the representation of the diversity of India and its cultural differences, Tapovan Temple is one of the famous places in Vadodara. The vibrant temple has a number of shrines dedicated to Mansa Devi, Lakshmi-Narayana, Tirupati Balaji, Navgraha and Satyanarayan.
At the entrance of the temple, you can find a mesmerising fountain. Surrounded by a beautiful garden, the Tapovan Mandir is a peaceful spot by all means. The meditation hall is a popular attraction within the temple. The meticulously carved sculptures are a treat for the art-lovers.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 6:00 AM to 11:00 AM; Monday to Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
- Major Attractions: Fountain, Garden, Shrines of Mansa Devi, Lakshmi-Narayana, Tirupati Balaji, Navgraha and Satyanarayan
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hoursThings to do: Worship
Sur Sagar Lake
Sur Sagar aka Chand Talao is located at the heart of the city and is lauded as one of the most visited attractions in Vadodara. Filled with water all around the year, Sur Sagar is a favourite spot among locals and tourists alike. The concrete wall that perimeters the lake facilitates for the visitors to sit and spend some quality time alone or with a group.
The major attraction of this serene lake is the 120-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva. The lake was built in the 18th century. The lake also features many underwater gates placed in order to prevent flooding. Visiting the Sura Sagar Lake during Navratri is highly recommended. Its beauty and secluded location make Sursagar Lake one of the most beautiful places in Vadodara.
- Opening hours: 24 x 7
- Major Attractions: Statue of Lord Shiva
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Sunset and Sunrise views, Photography
Khanderao Market
Khanderao Market is one of the marvellous structures erected by none other than Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III himself. The building is named after Khande Rao Gaekwad who was the Maharaja of Baroda from 1856 to 1870. The building now serves as the office of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation and a fresh vegetable and flower market.
After sundown, Khanderao Market becomes fully lit and could be seen from a far distance. The place is flooded with shoppers and photographers. It is a prime location for street photography. And also, one of the prominent places to visit in Vadodara for shopping. The market is always bustling with locals and tourists. Khanderao market is where one can find the freshest fruits and vegetables in Vadodara.
- Opening hours: Monday to Sunday from 7:00 AM to 8:30 PM
- Ideal duration to explore: 1-2 hours
- Things to do: Shopping, Photography
In conclusion, Vadodara is a city that you just cannot miss while in Gujarat. The city caters to all sorts of travellers. Whether you seek tranquillity, soulful food, historic places or cultural temples, Vadodara has it all. This city is a favourite destination among families. With a proper itinerary, one can cover the entirety of Vadodara in 2-3 days.
Vadodara is easily accessible from other major cities in Gujarat. Thus, while visiting Vadodara, you can also check out places to visit in Gandhinagar. Another perk of visiting Vadodara is that you can pick any time of the year. The summer is a bit too strong in this city. Make sure you are equipped with a cap and sunscreen if you are on a summer vacation to Vadodara.
FAQ
What is famous about Vadodara?
The city is studded with the history of its rulers. For the same reason, Vadodara is dotted with numerous architectural wonders, historic places and alluring temples. Vadodara portrays the fine rule of Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Maratha Empire through sculptures, paintings and monuments. It is a haven for history buffs.
Is Vadodara worth visiting?
Appreciated for its architectural marvels, Vadodara would please you if you are a history-lover or simply someone who appreciates beauty. The beaches around here are serene in their own way and you cannot ask for a better spot to spend your evening time. Especially with family or loved ones.
What is there to do in Vadodara?
From sightseeing and learning about the city’s history to tasting delicious traditional cuisine to spending an evening by the beach or a dam, there’s a lot to do in Vadodara. People from all over the country are fascinated by the wide variety of local food in Vadodara.
Why is Vadodara the best city?
Vadodara earns the title of being the “best city” for many. The city is home to one of the best street food and cultural monuments within the state. From a tourist perspective, many appreciate the multiple facets of Vadodara that fulfil every traveller’s journey.
Carry your camera as Vadodara is home to countless striking monuments. It could be the perfect place for you to brag a little about your journey to the Sanskari Nagari.
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