Things to Do in Vadodara

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 artefacts.

In the 1930's, 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 window. 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. 

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

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 a number of 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.

Location: Vinoba Bhave Rd, Near Kala Ghoda, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390005

Timing: 05.00AM-11.00PM on all days of the week. The Toy Train services and zoo remains closed on Thursdays.

Price: There is no entry fee required for the park itself. However, the entry fee for its individual attractions are as follows: 

Planetarium Prices: Adults- INR 7

Children- INR 5

Toy Train: Adults- INR 40

Children- INR 20

Zoo Admission Prices: Adults- INR 10

Children- INR 5

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Sayaji Gardens would be during the cooler months between October and March, when the weather remains cool and pleasant, allowing one to enjoy the open outdoors.

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 was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad for the education of his subjects and contained artefacts 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, Palaeontology, Geography, Geology and many others. At the same time, the gallery contains artworks from the 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.

Location: University Rd, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390018

Timings: 10.30AM-05.30PM on all days of the week

Entry fee: Entry is free for children below the age of 12 years. Entry tickets are priced at Rs. 5 per person for everybody else.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Museum and Gallery is between the months of October to March.

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 a number of personal belongings of the Gaekwad family.

A rare attraction found in the Museum is the vast collection of marbles from multiple countries such as China, Japan, and Europe. Many bronze and marble sculptures also adorn the halls. The international collection of prized possession housed within the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum makes it one of the most popular tourist places in Vadodara.

Location: Laxmi Vilas Palace Estate, Next Motibaug Cricket Ground, Vadodara 390001

Timings: The Museum remains closed on Mondays. It remains open between 10.30AM and 05.30PM on all other days of the week.

Entry Fee: 

Rs. 150 per person for non-Indians.

Rs. 60 per person for Indians.

Rs. 40 per person for children.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Museum and Gallery would be between the months of October and March.

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 Monday. 

Location: Ajwa Nimeta Road, Vadodara, India

Timings: 08.00AM-09.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: Rs. 20 per person for adults and children above the age of 12.

                                 Rs. 15 per person for children below the age of 12.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden would be during the winter months between November to February. During this time, the temperature remains suitable to enjoy the outdoor activities.

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 centre 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.

Location: Mandvi, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timings: Open 24 hours on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Sur Sagar Lake would be during the winter months between October to March, when the temperature remains relatively low, making it easier to enjoy the water activities.

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 of architectural splendour, the building features a number of beautifully structured balconies, terraces and tombs. A brilliantly carved shikhara, climbing to 35 feet in height, forms the centrepiece of the attraction.

The shikhara consists of carvings of the sun, moon and earth along with a map of undivided India. The interior hallways boasts of 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. 

Location: Kothi Rd, Dak Bunglaw, Sayajiganj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timing: 10.00AM- 06.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Kirti Mandir would be between the months of October and March, when the weather remains cool and pleasant.

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 centre 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 splendour.

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.

Location: Shastri Yagnapurushdas Marg, Atladara Vadodara 390 012 Gujarat India

Timing: 07.30 AM- 08.30PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit: The best time therefore to visit Shree Swaminarayan temple is during the winter months of October to March. The summer months between March to June should be avoided due to extreme temperatures.

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 educating the public about the 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 on 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.

Location: Gate No. 1, Kala Ghoda Cir, Dak Bunglaw, Sayaji Baug, Vadodara, Gujarat 390005

Timings: The Planetarium remains closed on Thursdays. It remains open between 03.45PM-06.00PM on all other days of the week.

Entry Fee: Entry is free for children below the age of 3 years. The entry fee is Rs. 20 per person for everybody else.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the Sardar Patel Planetarium would be at night, when it is easier to observe the planets in the sky. It may also be visited during rare natural occurrences, such as meteor showers or eclipses, for better observation.

Kabirvad in Vadodara is a small island nestled in the middle of the river Narmada. Although the island is plain to look at, the gigantic banyan tree growing here makes it one of the most frequented tourist places in Vadodara. Sprawling across an area of 3 kilometres, the banyan tree is considered to be sacred by locals.

The island is named after Saint Kabir, who had sought repose here for several years. Kabirvad is also home to a beautiful temple dedicated to the Saint, which is famed for its atmosphere of peace and sanctity.

Location: River Narmada, Gujarat 393017

Timings: Open 24 hours on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: No entry fee required.

Best Time to visit: The best time to visit would be during the winter months, between November and February. The island is best avoided during the rough monsoons between August and October, as the river remains turbulent during this time.

Fashioned after the tomb of Humayun in Delhi, the Hazira Maqbara is a mausoleum housing the grave of Qutubuddin Muhammad Khan. A quintessential example of authentic Mughal architecture, the Hazira Maqbara is one of the gorgeous places to visit in Vadodara.

Standing in the middle of a large lawn, this red brick structure displays Quranic and Arabic texts carved on its walls. Apart from its historical significance, the gardens surrounding the tomb is also a popular picnic spot among tourists and locals alike.

Location: ONGC, Danteshwar, Vadodara, Gujarat 390004

Timing: 08.00AM-06.30PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit: The Hazira Maqbara can be visited at any time of the year. However, it is better to visit the tomb during daytime, to fully enjoy the architectural brilliance of it.

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 of a heritage that spans across 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.

Location: Gate 3 , Moti Baug Palace,, Laxmi Villas Palace Estate ,, J .N.Marg,, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timings: 06.00AM-09.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit the Golf Club. However, availing a membership here will warrant separate charges.

Best time to visit: The cooler months between November to February is the best time to visit the Gold Club. During this time, precipitation is less if not rare, offering the perfect dry premise for a game of golf.

Also called the lifeline of Gujarat, the Narmada Canal is the primary source of irrigation in Gujarat. Offering a scenic view, the waters of the canal covers an area of about 500 kilometres. The Canal area is home to several eco-camps by its bank. One can also view the mammoth Statue of Unity from the Narmada Canal, which is a giant statue of India.

The Canal, being an important spot for piscine agriculture, is home to a rich fish life. To heighten your experience at the Narmada Canal, you could also choose to stay at one of the camps arranged here during winters.

Location: New Sama Road, Vadodara 3900008, India

Timings: Open 24 hours on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: No entry fee required.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit the Narmada Canal would be during the winter months between October to February.

A venture of the Ajwa Fun World, the Ajwa Water Park is a water-based amusement park catering to all ages. Home to nearly 22 rides, the Water Park houses attractions suited for leisure-mongers as well as thrill-seekers alike. While the family slides or the Kid Slide pulls children in crowds, the more adventurous options of the Dark Hole or the Tube Slide attracts thrill-seekers who seek a daring experience.

The water park also houses a rain dance floor, where once can dance along to groovy beats in the presence of sprinklers. Ajwa Water Park also has several fun entertainment options for those who do not want to venture into the water, such as dry-land playgrounds and gaming zones.

Location:  Ajwa - Nimeta Road, Ajwa Compound, Rayan Talavadi, Vadodara, Gujarat 390019

Timings: 10.30AM-08.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: Rs. 850 per person.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Ajwa Water Park would be during the summer months between April to August. During this time, the weather remains fairly calm and the temperature high enough to enjoy the water attractions.

A splendid example of Byzantine architecture, the Nyay Mandir was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in memory of his wife, Chimnabai. The building was initially built to house a vegetable market, but it was then decided that it would be used as a Town Hall. Sprawling across an area of 6000 square metres, the massive structure is flanked with two courtyards. The gem of the building, however, is the white marble statue of Maharani Chimnabai, which stands in the central hall.

With its beautiful architectural splendor, Nyay Mandir is a must visit for history buffs and photography enthusiasts alike.  Now, the building is entirely undergoing restoration, but is still accepting visitors.

Location: National Highway No. 8 G.N.F.C Corner, Zadeshwar, Bharuch, Gujarat, 392011

Timings: 5 AM - 12 PM & 4 PM - 9 PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Nyay Mandir is during the cool winter months between October to March.

The Aurobindo Ashram in Vadodara, also known as the Aurobindo Nivas, is the Ashram in which Shri Aurobindo resided between the years 1894 and 1906. The Ashram itself consists of 23 rooms in all, including a study room, a library and a bookstore.

The bookshop contains all relics ever composed by Shri Aurobindo, along with the several rare books written about him. Vadodara's Shri Aurobindo Nivas is known for the atmosphere of peace that prevails here. The Ashram's meditation halls are kept open for anyone and everyone who is interested in meditation.

Location: Jambubet Rd, Dandia Bazar, Jambubet, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timings: 09.00AM-07.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: No entry fee required.

Best time to visit:  The best time to visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram is during the winter months of October to March. During this time, the cool and pleasant weather makes it easier to enjoy the outdoor meditation sessions at the Ashram.

Located a short drive away from Vadodara, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a large number of plant and animal species. Most of the sanctuary grounds are covered with rolling green hills having a generous forest cover and small human settlements dotting the valley area. The forest area of Jambughoda is mainly populated by teak and bamboo trees.

The sanctuary houses around 17 species of animals, such as the Indian flying fox,  the giant squirrel, sloth bears and the rusty-spotted cat among others. Jambughoda is also home to a variety of bird species, and reptiles such as pythons and crocodiles are found in abundance here. The aesthetic beauty of the place is further heightened by the presence of the Tardol and Kada tanks, which irrigates the sanctuary.

Location: Mota Raska, Zand Hanuman Road, Jambughoda, Panchmahal, Gujarat 391761

Timing: 06.00AM- 07.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry fee: Rs. 50 per person.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit the sanctuary would be during the cool winter months between October to March. During this time, the heat is not as scorching as during summers. Precipitation is also less, if not negligible, allowing one to take full advantage of the open sanctuary.

Its name translates to mean “a pillared hall” in Sanskrit, the Mandvi gate is a pavilion or Mandapa standing precisely on the midpoint of the city of Vadodara. The structure was initially built as a two-storied pavilion by the Gujarat Sultanate and later expanded to four storeys by the Gaekwads.

The massive structure consists of three arched doorways and a domed clock tower on the top. During the Gaekwad era, the celebrated Mandvi Gate was the place from which all essential announcements were made. This historical wonder, which is now one of the most significant tourist places in Vadodara, is decked with lights during all festivals and becomes a sight of wonder.

Location: Mandvi Cir, Sulemani Pol, Mandvi, Vadodara, Gujarat 390001

Timings: 10.00AM-10.00PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: No entry fee required.

Best Time to visit: A trip to Mandvi Gate can be enjoyed throughout the year. There is no specific recommendable time to visit the Gate. However, it is best to visit the place during festivals, to watch it decked up in all its glory.

Strategically located right across the Ajwa Gardens, the S-Cube Waterpark is one of the biggest water parks in the city. The park houses about 16 unforgettable rides and attractions of different sizes. Several thrill rides, family slides and children’s pools cover the park grounds. Built primarily to suit the needs and tastes of tourists, the S-Cube Waterpark is one of the most convenient tourist places to visit in Vadodara. The park also houses a Food Island, and several video gaming facilities.

Location: Ajwa, OPP. VRINDAVAN GARDEN, Vadodara, Gujarat 391510

Timings: 10:30 AM to 6:00 PM on all days of the week.

Entry Fee: Rs. 500 per person.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit S-Cube Waterpark would be during the warmer months between April to August, when the weather remains warm enough to enjoy the water rides.