Teeming with a rich cultural heritage, there is no shortage of tourist places in Vadodara. With its monuments boasting architectural splendor, lush landscaped gardens and heritage buildings, one is spoilt for choice here. From the natural retreat of Moti Bagh to the cultural aesthetic of the Mandvi Gate, Vadodara has it all.
The city houses several elaborate palaces and royal dwelling places, that stand as stoic examples of Gujarat’s imperial past. Vadodara’s Makarpura Palace and Laxmi Vilas Palace stand as testaments to its royal past, while the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery serve as an ideal cultural retreat. The splendidly crafted temples of Vadodara, such as the Kirti Mandir or the Nandalay Temple, invest in the city an aura of both architectural and religious splendor.
Apart from its architectural wonders, Vadodara houses many natural splendors. The natural beauty of the city is vent through the number of landscaped gardens housed here, such as the Sayaji Baug or the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, as well as dams and tanks that line the place.
Places to Visit in Vadodara :
- Laxmi Vilas Palace
The private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the grandest places to visit in Vadodara. Known to be the largest private residence in the world, the Palace is four times the size of the Buckingham Palace and spreads across an area of nearly 500 acres. The Palace premises houses the Moti Bagh Palace, a Banquet Hall, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, which contains an extraordinary collection of paintings done by Raja Ravi Verma along with many other artifacts.
In the 1930, Maharaja Pratapsinha established a golf course within the premises for the entertainment of his European guests, and the same was made open to the public in the year 1960. The architecture of the Palace was designed in the Indo-Saracenic Revival style. The Darbar Hall in the Palace has a Venetian mosaic floor and Belgian-style stained glass windows. Outside the hall is an Italian-style fountain courtyard. The Palace also houses several different sculptures of bronze and terracotta, making Laxmi Vilas a wonder to marvel at.
2. Sayaji Garden
Also known as Kamati Baug, Sayaji Baug or the Sayaji Garden is one of the biggest public gardens in all of India. Sprawling across a massive area of 100 acres, the garden houses nearly 98 different species of trees along with a number of flora. The Park also houses the largest floral clock in India, making it one of the most unique places to visit in Vadodara.
The mammoth garden premises also houses several other attractions within itself, such as the Sardar Patel Planetarium, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, and the Zoo. It is also home to the Sayaji Toy Train, an attraction designed specifically for children and offering a tour of the entire park.
3. Baroda Museum And Picture Gallery
Located in the heart of Vadodara’s Sayaji Baug, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery is a two-storeyed house of wonders. The Museum and Gallery were constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad for the education of his subjects and contained artifacts handpicked by the Emperor himself. The architecture of the twin structure is a beautiful blend of Maratha and European designs. The Museum and Gallery includes works detailing the history of the country from the prehistoric ages to modern times.
Several European and Islamic works are also housed here. The vast collection of the Museum represents the disciplines of Osteology, Geology, Anthropology, Paleontology, Geography, Geology and many others. At the same time, the gallery contains artworks from Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch and British schools among others. The fantastic collection housed within the Museum makes it one of the most fascinating places to visit in Vadodara.
4. Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden
Adorned with landscaped gardens, the Ajwa Nimeta Garden is a perfect spot to spend a leisurely weekend. Sprawling across a massive span of 130 acres, the Garden is fashioned after the Vrindavan Gardens.
Apart from many flowering trees and manicured lawns, the Garden contains several playgrounds for children and is a perfect tourist place in Vadodara to enjoy a scenic picnic. The major attraction at the Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden, however, is the musical fountains that conduct light and sound shows every evening from Fridays through Mondays.
5. Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
The esteemed Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum occupies a prominent position within the premises of the Laxmi Vilas Palace. The Museum was initially constructed as a school for the children of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Now, the splendid structure houses valuable artwork done by esteemed artists such as Raja Ravi Verma, Raphael, Titian and Murillo. The Museum also contains several personal belongings of the Gaekwad family.
A rare attraction found in the Museum is the vast collection of marble from multiple countries such as China, Japan, and Europe. Many bronze and marble sculptures also adorn the halls. The international collection of prized possessions housed within the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum makes it one of the most popular tourist places in Vadodara.
6. Sur Sagar Lake
Formerly known as the Chandan Talav, the Sur Sagar Lake derives its name from that of its maker, Sureshwar Desai Sitting in the middle of the city of Vadodara, this 18th-century lake remains full of water throughout the year. The biggest attraction of the lake is the 120 feet tall statue of Lord Shiva that stands in the center of the lake.
On Maha Shivratri, the enormous statue is lit up. The lake itself becomes the heart of a grand celebration, making the lake one of the most prominent places to visit in Vadodara during this festival. The lake is also a popular boating spot in Vadodara, and many boating and yachting tournaments are held here.
7. Kirti Mandir
Built as a cenotaph for the Gaekwads, Kirti Mandir or the Temple of Fame was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the year 1936. Boasting architectural splendor, the building features several beautifully structured balconies, terraces and tombs. A brilliantly carved shikhara, climbing to 35 feet in height, forms the centerpiece of the attraction.
The shikhara consists of carvings of the sun, moon and earth along with a map of undivided India. The interior hallways boast a wide selection of exquisite paintings and murals, including works of renowned artists such as Nandalal Bose. The central hall within Kirti Mandir is now used for conducting prayers and musical concerts.
8. Baps Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is located in the Atladara region of Vadodara. Being one of the most significant pilgrimage sites in Gujarat, the temple is one of the most sought-after places to visit in Vadodara. The BAPS Mandir is the center of several spiritual and cultural activities, and its teachings focus on the ethics of the Hindu faith, keeping in mind the idea of Indian culture and family unity. The BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir is known for its architectural splendor.
The elaborate carvings on the temple walls showcase many religious figures, including Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna, with the main idols worshipped here being that of Swaminarayan and Gunaititanad Swami. The temple celebrates most of the Hindu festivals, attracting tourists throughout the year.
9. Sardar Patel Planetarium
The Sardar Patel Planetarium is one of the most popular attractions housed inside Vadodara’s Sayaji Baug. Essentially, it is a dome-shaped theatre built essentially for educate the public about outer space and the night sky through videos. Narrating stories of outer space, the Planetarium offers shows in three languages- Gujarati, Hindi and English. With life-like projections cast on a sizeable dome-shaped structure, the Planetarium is one of the most exciting places to see in Vadodara.
The Planetarium exhibits also contain a working model of the solar system, detailing the speed of rotation of the various planets. The major attraction of the Sardar Patel Planetarium is the high-powered telescope housed here, which allows visitors to observe the different celestial bodies in the night sky.
10. Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club
Known for being Gujarat’s oldest golf club, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club was established by the Gaekwad family to entertain their European friends. Sprawling across several acres, this premium golf club is a must-visit for any golf enthusiast. Boasting a heritage that spans nearly 125 years, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is the only golf club in India that has grown around a palatial residence.
Apart from its golf course, the Club also houses a swimming pool, a badminton court, a tennis court and a gymnasium. The Club also provides a perfect space for organizing outdoor events such as parties or exhibitions and has a vast parking space dedicated to its members.
