Vadodara is located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River and is home to some of the most mesmerizing architectural masterpieces. Whether you are an artist, a history enthusiast, or an inquisitive visitor, the city will awe you with its wide variety of attractions, which include great monuments, museums, palaces, gardens, temples, marketplaces, and much more.
Let’s look at some of the most beautiful and popular places to visit in Vadodara that should be on your list.
1. Laxmi Vilas Palace
Laxmi Vilas, home of Vadodara’s royal family, was made in the 19th century and includes Indo-Saracenic splendor. This is the largest private residence to date and is four times the size of Buckingham Palace, having been constructed across 500 acres. It is Vadodara’s most beautiful Raj-era palace, with lavish interiors that feature well-kept mosaics, chandeliers, and artwork in addition to an extremely outstanding collection of art and weapons. A part of the palace is open to tourists.
- How to Reach: A taxi from the city center, Shankheshwar Parshwanath Marg, will take you around 10 minutes.
2. Vadodara’s Sayaji Garden
Sayaji Garden, built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad in 1879, encompasses over 100 acres and is considered one of the most outstanding public gardens in the western portion of the nation. This Park is one of the most appealing tourist destinations in Vadodara due to the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, the Sardar Patel Planetarium, a toy train, over 98 different tree species, an aquarium, and a zoo are all available. The garden also has a one-of-a-kind giant flower clock with a dial 20 feet in diameter.
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: The garden is close to the famous Sayaji Baug location and is effortlessly available by road. The nearest bus stop to Vadodara’s Sayaji Garden is the Sayaji Garden Bus Stop.
3. Waterfalls of Zarwani
Zarwani Waterfall is situated in the middle of the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Reserve and is ideal for a picnic away from the hustle and bustle of the city. When you reach the Sanctuary, you can hear beautiful water rushing through the rocks. These beautiful waterfalls offer much more than simply swimming; you can also go hiking or on a safari to learn about the flora and animals. Monsoon season is the most fantastic time to view waterfalls.
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: The waterfall is about 7 km from the Thawadia check post and 90 km from Vadodara. It is advisable to travel in your vehicle or rent a car for convenience
4. The Museum and Picture Gallery of Baroda
The Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery is a two-story wonderland in the heart of Vadodara’s Sayaji Baug. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad built the Museum and Gallery for the instruction of his people, and it housed artifacts selected by the Emperor himself. The architecture of the twin buildings is a lovely mix of Maratha and European styles. The Museum and Gallery house works that trace the country’s history from ancient times to the present.
- Timing for The Museum and Picture Gallery of Baroda: 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
- Entry fee: INR 100 per Indian person
- How to Reach: It is situated within the Sayaji Baug vicinity, and easily accessible by vehicle, taxi, or public transportation. The nearest bus stop to The Museum and Picture Gallery of Baroda, also known as the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, is the Baroda Museum Bus Stop.
5. The EME Temple in Vadodara
The EME Temple, also known as the Dakshinamurty Temple, is a Shiva temple administered by the Indian Army. The temple has exceptional modern construction with features from India’s major traditions. The geometric architecture of the temple, covered in aluminum sheets, is remarkable.
The beauty of the landscape surrounding this temple is characterized by sculptural art dating back to the seventh to the fifteenth centuries. A visit to the temple will enable you to admire its one-of-a-kind design.
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: To reach the temple, you can take a taxi or drive to the Fatehgunj area of Vadodara, where the temple is located. The nearest bus stop to The EME Temple is Fatehgunj E.M.E. School Bus Stop. It is located near the temple, making it a convenient transportation option for visitors.
6. Vadodara’s Surya Narayan Temple
As the name suggests, the Surya Narayan Temple is devoted to the Sun God or Surya Devta. The temple was designed in a magnificent style with impressive architectural characteristics. It is thought that if you pay your respects to the Sun God here, you will be cured of your diseases and misery. It’s no surprise that the temple is always filled with worshipers.
- Entry fee: No entry fee
- How to Reach: To reach the temple, you may take a taxi or drive to the Ratri Bazaar place of Vadodara, where the temple is situated. The nearest bus stop is the Kothi Khadi Bhawan which is 200 m away. You can take the bus 10D to get there.
7. The Statue of Unity
The statue of Iron Man of India is called the Statue of Unity, Sardar Vallabh Bhai Patel, and is the highest monument in the world. One of the technical wonders is the memorial constructed alongside the Narmada dam in the middle of the Narmada River. Aside from that, it features a viewing gallery within the statue that is 135 meters high and offers a spectacular panoramic view of the reservoir and lofty mountain ranges.
- Timings: 8:00 am to 6:00 pm. It is closed on Mondays.
- Entry fee: INR150 per person
- How to Reach: The Statue of Unity is around 33 kilometers from Rajpipla Railway Junction, the closest train stop. From here, you can take a local bus, taxi, or cab to the Statue of Unity. It is around 90 km from Vadodara.
Final Words:
Vadodara, a city overflowing with history, culture, and natural beauty, offers many experiences for every traveler. From the grandeur of Laxmi Vilas Palace to the attractive Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park and the spiritual ambiance of Kirti Mandir, there is something for everyone.
Immerse yourself in the vivid native food, tour bustling markets, and engage in colorful festivities. Vadodara perfectly mixes tradition and modernity, where history whispers, art blooms, and nature thrives.
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