Vadodara, earlier known as Baroda, is a city located in the western Indian state of Gujarat. One of its historical landmarks is Kirti Mandir, a memorial dedicated to the Gaekwad royal family, who ruled the region until 1949. Inside, you can find murals painted by the famous Bengali artist Nandalal Bose.
Another notable place is Tambekar Wada, a four-story wooden mansion that features colorful wall paintings from the 1800s, illustrating stories from the ancient Indian epic, the Mahabharata.
The grand Lakshmi Vilas Palace stands out for its unique blend of Indian and European design elements.
Near the Vishwamitri River, Sayaji Baug is a large public garden with scattered statues and several attractions, including the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, which displays Egyptian artifacts and exhibits on natural history. The garden also includes the Sardar Patel Planetarium, which hosts shows about space and the universe.
At the heart of the city lies Sur Sagar Lake, an artificial lake with a large statue of Lord Shiva in the center. Just east of the lake is the Lehripura Gate, a beautifully decorated gateway that marks the entrance to the old part of Vadodara. South of the lake is the Khanderao Market, known for its vibrant fruit and flower stalls.
A little outside the city, you’ll find the Dabhoi Fort, which dates back to the 6th century. It is famous for its four gates, especially the Hira Bhagol, which is richly carved with intricate designs.
places to visit in Vadodara
Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Located in Vadodara, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad royal family. Designed by Major Charles Mant, the palace features Indo-Saracenic Revival architecture. It’s famously known as one of the largest private homes ever built—reportedly four times bigger than Buckingham Palace.
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
This museum, established in 1894, was inspired by London’s Victoria and Albert Museum and its science museum. It houses a diverse collection of artifacts and artworks, making it a major cultural spot in the city.
Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug)
Sayaji Baug is a beautiful garden built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1879 along the Vishwamitri River. Gifted to the people of Vadodara, the garden is also called Kamati Baug and features a zoo, planetarium, and museums.
EME Temple (Dakshinamurty Temple)
Managed by the Indian Army, the EME Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. What makes it stand out is its modern geodesic structure, covered in aluminum, giving it a unique and futuristic appearance.
Kirti Mandir
Also known as the Temple of Fame, Kirti Mandir is a royal memorial built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III to honor his ancestors. It is located in Vadodara and features striking architecture and artwork.
Sur Sagar Lake (Chand Talao)
This man-made lake lies at the heart of Vadodara. Rebuilt in the 18th century with stone walls, it’s also called Chand Talao. A tall statue of Lord Shiva stands in its center, making it a popular city landmark.
Tambekar Wada
Tambekar Wada is a historical wooden mansion from the Maratha era. Inside, the walls and ceilings are decorated with vibrant murals and paintings that reflect stories from Indian mythology.
Hazira Maqbara
This historic mausoleum is the resting place of Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan, who served as a tutor to Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir), son of the Mughal ruler Akbar. It is located in Vadodara and features Mughal-style architecture.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)
Kirti Stambh is a tall monument in Vadodara, symbolizing pride and victory. It stands as a landmark in the city and is often visited for its historical importance.
Shri Swaminarayan Mandir
This Hindu temple is part of the Swaminarayan Sampraday, a religious movement founded by Swaminarayan. These temples focus on devotion, discipline, and spiritual values, and are recognized for their intricate architecture.
Best Time to Visit Vadodara
The ideal time to explore Vadodara is during the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is pleasant and dry. Temperatures during this season usually range between 15°C and 30°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing. Summers (March to May) can be extremely hot, while the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rainfall, which may affect travel plans.
