Vadodara, historically known as Baroda, is Gujarat's third-largest city and its undisputed cultural capital. Shaped by the visionary Gaekwad dynasty, particularly Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, the city wears its royal legacy with quiet pride. Grand palaces, leafy avenues, art galleries and one of India's finest universities give Vadodara a refined, almost old-world charm that sets it apart from the state's busier commercial hubs. The centrepiece is the spectacular Laxmi Vilas Palace, a sprawling Indo-Saracenic marvel said to be several times larger than Buckingham Palace and still home to the royal family. Beyond the palaces, Vadodara rewards wanderers with elegant gardens, museums brimming with art and antiquities, vibrant markets and a thriving Navratri tradition that fills the streets with garba dancers each autumn. The food scene is a delight, blending classic Gujarati thalis with beloved street snacks. Compact, welcoming and easy to navigate, Vadodara makes an ideal weekend escape for travellers wanting heritage and culture without the crowds. Whether you are admiring royal architecture, strolling through Sayaji Baug or sampling sev usal at a roadside stall, the city offers a relaxed, rewarding pace that lingers long after you leave.
Top Attractions
Laxmi Vilas Palace
The jewel of Vadodara, this magnificent Indo-Saracenic palace was completed in 1890 and remains the residence of the Gaekwad royal family. Spread across vast grounds, it dazzles with domes, mosaics, stained glass and imported Italian marble. A guided audio tour leads you through the Durbar Hall, armoury and royal collections, while the palace's own golf course and museum round out a regal visit.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: INR 200-400 per adult (audio tour included)
- Hours: 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM, closed Mondays
- Best Time: Morning, to beat the heat and crowds
- Tip: Carry a valid photo ID and arrive early; photography inside the main palace is restricted.
Sayaji Baug (Kamati Baug)
One of the largest urban gardens in western India, Sayaji Baug was laid out by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879. The sprawling green expanse houses a zoo, a planetarium, a toy train, a floral clock and the Baroda Museum. It is a favourite spot for morning walkers, families and picnickers, offering a peaceful retreat from the city bustle along the Vishwamitri river.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free entry; small charges for zoo, train and planetarium
- Hours: 5:00 AM - 8:00 PM (attractions vary)
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon
- Tip: Combine the garden visit with the adjoining Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Set inside Sayaji Baug, this Indo-Saracenic museum was modelled on London's Victoria and Albert and Science museums. Its galleries hold an eclectic collection spanning Mughal miniatures, European oil paintings, Egyptian artefacts, a blue whale skeleton and sculptures from across the world. The picture gallery showcases works by European masters collected by the art-loving Gaekwads.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: INR 10-30 for Indians; higher for foreigners
- Hours: 10:30 AM - 5:00 PM
- Best Time: Midday, when the gardens are hot
- Tip: Allow at least an hour; the natural history section is a hit with children.
Maharaja Sayajirao University
Founded in 1949, MSU is one of India's most prestigious universities and an architectural landmark in its own right. Its iconic Faculty of Arts building, crowned by a striking dome reminiscent of the one at Bijapur's Gol Gumbaz, anchors a leafy, heritage campus. Art and architecture enthusiasts enjoy strolling the grounds and admiring the blend of Indo-Saracenic and colonial styles.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free (campus grounds)
- Hours: Daytime; respect academic hours
- Best Time: Weekday mornings
- Tip: The Faculty of Fine Arts often hosts exhibitions worth checking out.
EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy Temple)
A striking and unusual temple maintained by the Army's Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, the EME Temple is famed for its gleaming aluminium-sheet geodesic dome. Inside, it embraces all major faiths, with symbols of Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism and more. The serene, manicured grounds and futuristic design make it one of Vadodara's most photographed spots.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Roughly 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM (timings vary)
- Best Time: Evening, when the dome catches the light
- Tip: Dress modestly and note that photography rules may apply near the army premises.
Champaner-Pavagadh (day trip)
About 50 km from Vadodara, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines the ruined medieval city of Champaner with the hilltop Pavagadh fort and the revered Kalika Mata temple. The site is a treasure trove of mosques, stepwells, gates and palaces blending Hindu and Islamic architecture. A ropeway carries pilgrims and visitors up to the temple atop Pavagadh hill.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians; ropeway extra
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset
- Best Time: Cool morning hours; avoid weekend pilgrim rush
- Tip: Start early to comfortably cover both Champaner and Pavagadh in a day.
Food & Local Flavours
Vadodara's food scene blends refined Gujarati thalis with much-loved street snacks unique to Baroda.
Sev Usal
A spicy, soupy curry of white peas (usal) topped generously with crunchy sev, chopped onions, sev and a tangy-sweet sauce. A beloved Baroda street-food specialty, it is hearty, fiery and best mopped up with fresh pav. Locals have fierce loyalties to their favourite stalls around the city.
Price: INR 50-100 per plate
Try: Famous stalls around Mandvi and the old city
Gujarati Thali
An unlimited feast of rotis, rice, dal, kadhi, several seasonal vegetable sabzis, farsan, sweets and chutneys served on a single platter. Slightly sweet and beautifully balanced, the Baroda thali is a satisfying full meal and a great introduction to homestyle Gujarati cooking.
Price: INR 250-500 per person
Try: Heritage thali restaurants across the city
Lilo Chevdo (Green Chevdo)
A signature Baroda snack made from flattened poha tossed with green chillies, peanuts, spices and herbs, giving it its distinctive green tinge. Crisp, savoury and lightly spiced, it is a popular tea-time munch and a favourite edible souvenir to carry home from the city.
Price: INR 100-300 per kg
Try: Traditional namkeen and farsan shops
Fafda-Jalebi
A classic Gujarati breakfast pairing of crispy gram-flour fafda served with sweet, syrupy jalebi, along with fried green chillies and papaya sambharo. The salty-sweet combination is especially popular on weekends and festival mornings at sweet shops across Vadodara.
Price: INR 60-120 per plate
Try: Sweet shops and farsan houses citywide
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Auto-rickshaw: INR 30-150 per ride - widely available; agree on the fare or insist on the meter
- App cabs (Ola/Uber): INR 100-400 - convenient for longer hops and the airport
- City buses (VTCOS): INR 10-40 - cheap but can be crowded and slower
- Rented scooter/bicycle: INR 300-600 per day - good for exploring the compact city centre at your own pace
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: INR 1500-2500 (~$18-30): Dorm or budget hotel, street food, rickshaw travel and free or low-cost sights
- Mid-range: INR 3500-6000 (~$42-72): Comfortable 3-star hotel, restaurant meals, app cabs and paid attractions
- Luxury: INR 9000+ (~$108+): Heritage or 5-star stay, fine dining, private car and guided palace tours
Best Time to Visit
- October to February: Pleasant, cool weather ideal for sightseeing and walking tours
- September-October (Navratri): The city comes alive with garba and dandiya dancing every night
- Avoid April-June: Summers are very hot, often exceeding 40C and uncomfortable for daytime exploring
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Vadodara — Emmanuel DYAN from Paris, France, CC BY 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons