A Checklist for Your Next Amazing Vacation at Vadodara
The city of Vadodara is known as the cultural capital of Gujarat and it is home to some of the best architectural sites in the country. History lovers have much to enjoy in this city as there are a number of important monuments, historical buildings, landscaped gardens and museums dotting the city. The people are very warm and it is a pleasure going around the marketplaces and digging into authentic Gujarati cuisine as well!
Here are some amazing places to visit in Vadodara:
| Places | Location |
| Makarpura Palace | Himmat Nagar, Makarpura |
| Sayaji Garden | Vinoba Bhave Road, Sayajigan |
| EME Temple | Fatehgunj |
| Vadodara museum and picture gallery | Sayaji Garden |
| Surya Narayan Temple | Jambubet |
| Sur Sagar Lake | Mandvi |
| Sri Aurobindo Ashram | Dandia Bazar |
| Lakshmi Vilas Palace | J. N. Marg |
1. Makarpura Palace
This amazing Palace was built in 1870 and was once the summer palace for the royal family of the Gaikwads. The architecture of the palace is the most interesting aspect about it, because it has a distinctly Italian touch to it. Although at certain times of the year the palace remained unused, because the royal family moved to the Nilgiri Hills during summers, the palace was still a major seat of power for them. Today it is the training school for the Indian Air Force, and the beautifully landscaped Gardens and grounds are open to the general public. It is one of the best places to visit at Vadodara.
- Location: Himmat Nagar, Makarpura
- Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: ₹ 125 per person
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2. Sayaji Garden
This Garden was built by the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad in 1879 and covers about hundred acres of space. It happens to be the largest public garden in the Western region of the country. The garden is so huge that it houses the Sardar Patel Planetarium, Baroda museum and picture gallery, as well as a toy train along with an aquarium. There are about 98 species of trees in the garden and there is also a huge 20 feet diameter floral clock. Make sure you have enough time on your hands when you visit. It is a great place to visit in Vadodara for one day.
- Location: Vinoba Bhave Road, Sayajigan
- Timings: 9:30 am to 6:00 pm
- Entry Fee: Free entry, but the attractions within the garden are chargeable
3. EME Temple
This temple is also known as the Dakshinamurthy temple and it is dedicated to Lord Shiva. What is interesting about this temple is that it is managed by the Indian Army. There are a number of other religious tokens to be found inside. Sculpture that is seen inside date back to the 17th and the 15th century. Even if one is not religious what should visit the premises to experience the eclectic nature of the place. It is a beautiful place to visit in Vadodara for couples.
- Location: Fatehgunj
- Timings: 6:30 am to 8:30 pm; closed on Sunday
4. Vadodara museum and picture gallery
This Museum has been designed with inspiration from London Science Museum at the Victoria and Albert Museum. The Museum houses a number of personal belongings of the Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad who contributed heavily to the establishment of this museum. There are a number of paintings mostly by European artists like Turner and Constable. One of the main attractions here is the blue is the skeleton of a Blue Whale and Egyptian mummy carefully preserved. The beautiful weather for Vadodara make the outing extra special.
- Location: Sayaji Garden
- Timings: 10:30 am to 5:00 pm; closed on government holiday
- Entry Fee: ₹ 10 for Indians; ₹ 200 for foreign nationals
5. Surya Narayan Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Sun God and one of the few temples in India to be so. The temple is extremely grand and the architectural features draw at enthusiasts from all over the country. It is believed that by paying respect to the Sun God in this Temple what can be relieved of all illnesses and unhappiness. This temple happens to be one of the top five places to be visited in Vadodara.
- Location: Jambubet
- Timings: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
6. Sur Sagar Lake
The Sur Sagar Lake is located centrally and it is also known as the Chand Talaav. The beauty of the lake is mesmerizing and some are a perfect time to spend time at this Lake because of the cool breeze that emanates from it. The water in this Lake never dries up and there is a beautiful hundred and twenty feet tall statue of Lord Shiva in the middle of the lake. The entire ambiance is extremely serene and one can find spiritual peace here. It is one of the best places to visit near Vadodara during monsoon.
- Location: Mandvi
- Timings: 24 hours
7. Sri Aurobindo Ashram
The Aurobindo Ashram is where famous Indian philosopher and Yogi Sri Aurobindo Ghosh stayed from 1894 to 1906. The bungalow is large with 23 rooms and there is a study room a library and a sales emporium inside the premises. People come to this place to practice yoga and meditation and also for introspection and spiritual healing. Various relics of Sri Aurobindo are to be found here and one can also buy books on spirituality written by him from the counter.
- Location: Dandia Bazar
- Timings: 9:00 am to 7:00 pm
8. Lakshmi Vilas Palace
This happens to be one of the grandest palaces in the entire country and is the residence of the royal family of Baroda. The palace was constructed in 1890 and happens to be the largest private Palace till date and it is about 4 times larger than the Buckingham Palace. That itself makes the palace Grand and the Indo-Saracenic architectural style is mesmerizing. The Durbar hall, with the Throne of the Rajya and the Moti Bagh Palace and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum which are located inside the premises are the principal attractions here.
- Location: J. N. Marg
- Timings: 9:30 am to 5:00 pm; closed on Mondays and public holidays
- Entry Fee: ₹ 150 per person
The beautiful attractions of Vadodara will make you fall head over heels in love with this beautiful city! You are sure to experience Gujarati culture in a whole new way when you visit.
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