Located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara (previously known as Baroda) is home to some of the most captivating architectural excellence. Whether you are an artist, a history buff or a curious traveler, the city will impress you with its vast array of attractions including grand monuments, museums, palaces, gardens, temples, markets, and lots more. There are also several budget-friendly hotels in Vadodara that offer you the best of hospitality and facilities.

• Makarpura Palace
• Sayaji Garden
• EME Temple
• Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery
• Surya Narayan Temple
• Sur Sagar Lake
• Sri Aurobindo Ashram
• Laxmi Vilas Palace

• Nyaya Mandir
• Baps Shri Swaminarayan Temple
• Maharaja Sayajirao University
• Kirti Mandir
• Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum
• Mandvi Gate
• Nandalay Temple

Makarpura Palace

Makarpura Palace was built in 1870 to serve as the summer palace for the royal family of the Gaekwads. Designed with an Italian touch of architecture, the ornate palace remained unused as the royal family favored the cooler climes of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu over Vadodara to spend most of their summers. Today, the palace serves as a training school for the Indian Air Force, called No. 17 Tetra School. Visit this striking three-storied palace to witness its architectural brilliance and the lavish garden decorated with ivory fountains.

Sayaji Garden, Vadodara

Built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad in 1879, Sayaji Garden spans an area of over 100 acres and is regarded as one of the largest public gardens in the western part of the country. The presence of the Sardar Patel Planetarium, the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, a toy train, a zoo, an aquarium, and over 98 different species of trees make this garden one of the most enticing tourist places in Vadodara. The garden also has a one-of-its-kind gigantic floral clock with a 20-feet diameter dial.

EME Temple, Vadodara

Also known as the Dakshinamurty Temple, the EME Temple is a Shiva shrine managed by the Indian Army. The temple boasts of remarkable contemporary architecture featuring aspects of the major religions of India. Covered with aluminium sheets, the geodesic structure of the temple presents a striking sight. Sculpture art dating back to the 7th to 15thcenturies define the beauty of the garden surrounding this temple. A visit to the temple will allow you to appreciate its unique concept.

Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery, Vadodara

The Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery has been designed on the lines of London’s Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts related to geology, archaeology, and natural history. You can also find here various items belonging to the personal collection of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who was instrumental in setting up this museum. The picture gallery houses several masterpieces by European artists and an excellent collection of original paintings by British landscape painters, Turner and Constable. The major attractions of Vadodara Museum include the skeleton of a blue whale and an Egyptian mummy.

Surya Narayan Temple, Vadodara

The Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery has been designed on the lines of London’s Science Museum and the Victoria and Albert Museum. It showcases a rich collection of artifacts related to geology, archaeology, and natural history. You can also find here various items belonging to the personal collection of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who was instrumental in setting up this museum. The picture gallery houses several masterpieces by European artists and an excellent collection of original paintings by British landscape painters, Turner and Constable. The major attractions of Vadodara Museum include the skeleton of a blue whale and an Egyptian mummy.

Sur Sagar Lake, Vadodara

Located in the heart of the city, Sur Sagar aka Chand Talao is a mesmerizing lake that remains filled with water all year long. The cool ambiance of the lake provides the perfect excuse to spend some time near this water body. There’s even a concrete wall that runs along the perimeter of this lake, where you can sit during the evening hours and appreciate its serene beauty. But it is the 120-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva situated in the middle of the lake that makes it one of the most beautiful places to visit in Vadodara.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Vadodara

The historic Aurobindo Ashram is the bungalow where the famous Indian philosopher, yogi, and nationalist, Sri Aurobindo Ghosh had stayed from 1894 to 1906. It is a spacious bungalow with 23 rooms and houses a study room, a library, and a sales emporium. What draws most people to this place is its calm environment, which is ideal for meditation, introspection, and spiritual healing. You can also find here various relics of Sri Aurobindo and all the books that have been written by and about him.

Laxmi Vilas Palace, Vadodara

One of the most magnificent palaces in India, the iconic Laxmi Vilas Palace is the residence of the royal family of Baroda. Constructed in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the colossal palace is the largest private abode constructed till date and is four times larger than the Buckingham Palace in London. It is a fine example of Indo-Saracenic architectural style and counts amongst the top tourist places to see in Vadodara. Among the major attractions of the palace are the Darbar Hall that features the Raja’s throne and ornate artwork, the Moti Baug Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum.

Nyaya Mandir, Vadodara

Nyaya Mandir, which literally translates to the Temple of Justice, houses the District Court of Vadodara. Constructed in 1896 in the Byzantine style of architecture, the grand edifice has a central hall featuring a statue of the wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The centrally located structure is easily accessible from all parts of the city and is considered to be one of the top 10 places in Vadodara for tourist sightseeing.

Maharaja Sayajirao University, Vadodara

The city of Vadodara houses one of the premier universities of the country, the Maharaja Sayajirao University. Popularly referred to as M. S. University or MSU, the institution was established in 1949. The main building of this educational institution displays a fine confluence of Indian and Byzantine architectural styles and houses the Faculty of Arts. The sprawling green campus and the impressive structure of the university make it a must-visit attraction for the tourists.

Kirti Mandir, Vadodara

Kirti Mandir or the Temple of Fame is the cenotaph built for the members of the Baroda royal family. Situated near the Vishwamitri Bridge, it is an impressive structure complete with ornate carvings, balconies, terraces, and domes. You can find various murals adorning the walls of this structure that represent the battle of Mahabharata. The central arch of the structure displays a map of undivided India along with bronze structures of the sun, the moon, and the earth. The rooms of the Kirti Mandir display photographs and statues of the Gaekwad family.

Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum, Vadodara

If you are an art aficionado, you must include the Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum in your Vadodara itinerary. Located within the premises of the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the museum is housed in a building that once served as the home-school for the Maharaja’s children. Today, you can find a treasure trove of art collections within the walls of this building. Major works of art by famous painters from Europe and India are displayed here, including a special collection of paintings of Raja Ravi Varma. The museum also has an impressive collection of flawless sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses in bronze and marble.

Mandvi Gate, Vadodara

A major landmark in Vadodara, the Mandvi Gate remains in the city as a powerful testimony to the celebrated Mughal era. It is a square-shaped pavilion that features three arched openings on every side. In the ancient days, the place was used as a toll gate for traders and merchants. It was also the spot from where important announcements were made. Today, the gate stands as a historic structure and presents a beautiful sight when illuminated on festive nights.

Nandalay Temple, Vadodara

Also known as Nandalay Haveli, the Nandalay Temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna who is worshipped here as Shrinathji. The temple structure is decorated with ornate balconies and arches. The tastefully decorated interior complements the architectural beauty of the exterior. It is a place that exudes tranquil vibes that are enhanced through the slow chanting of hymns. Plan a visit to the temple during the morning or evening aarti to experience its spiritual aura.