Overview
About Vadodara
Vadodara, still widely known by its older name Baroda, is a cultured city on the banks of the Vishwamitri river in central Gujarat. It was the capital of the Gaekwad rulers, and much of its character comes from Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, a reformer who filled the city with palaces, museums, libraries, gardens and the institution that became the Maharaja Sayajirao University.
That legacy is still easy to see. The grand Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Sayaji Baug, and buildings such as Nyay Mandir and Kirti Mandir reflect a striking blend of Indian and European architecture. The university's Faculty of Fine Arts has also given the city a strong reputation in the art world.
Vadodara is best known across India for its Navratri, when huge garba grounds fill night after night with dancers in traditional dress. It is also the ideal base for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh and for the Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar, both within a day's drive.
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace
- Navratri garba
- Champaner-Pavagadh
- Gaekwad heritage
- Art and culture
Sightseeing
Best Places to Visit in Vadodara
Palaces & Heritage
Lakshmi Vilas Palace
The Gaekwad family's Indo-Saracenic palace, one of the largest private residences in India, with ornate interiors, mosaics and landscaped grounds. Guided tours cover parts of the palace.
Kirti Mandir
The memorial of the Gaekwad family, with a distinctive tower and murals inside by the artist Nandalal Bose.
Nyay Mandir
An impressive Indo-Saracenic building in the old city that houses law courts, one of the city's architectural landmarks.
EME Temple
A modern temple to Lord Shiva (Dakshinamurthy) run by the Army, notable for its aluminium-clad geodesic design.
Museums
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Set within the Lakshmi Vilas estate, this museum displays the royal collection, including well-known paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.
Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery
A grand museum inside Sayaji Baug with collections of art, archaeology, natural history and sculpture, alongside a picture gallery of European paintings.
Parks & Lakes
Sayaji Baug
A large public garden, also called Kamati Baug, with lawns, a zoo, a toy train and the museum, popular with families in the evenings.
Sursagar Lake
A lake in the heart of the old city with a tall statue of Lord Shiva at its centre, beautifully lit after dark.
Nearby Excursions
Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 km away with mosques, tombs, step-wells and fortifications, below the Pavagadh hill and its Kalika Mata temple.
Statue of Unity
The towering statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel at Ekta Nagar (Kevadia), about 90 km away, with a viewing gallery, gardens and attractions around it.
Experiences
Top Things to Do in Vadodara
- 1
Dance at Navratri garba
Join the crowds at one of Vadodara's famous garba venues during Navratri, usually around September or October, when the whole city dances late into the night.
- 2
Tour Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Take the guided tour of the palace and combine it with the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum on the same grounds.
- 3
Climb Pavagadh
Visit the Kalika Mata temple on Pavagadh hill by ropeway or on foot, then explore the monuments of Champaner below.
- 4
Explore the old city
Walk through Mandvi, Raopura and the lanes around Nyay Mandir for old gates, havelis and busy markets.
- 5
See the art scene
Look out for exhibitions linked with the Faculty of Fine Arts and galleries around the university area.
- 6
Snack your way through Baroda
Try sev usal, lilo chevdo and bhakharwadi from local farsan shops and street stalls.
Weather
Best Time to Visit Vadodara
The best time to visit Vadodara is October to March. Here is what each season is like.
Summer
March to June
25°C to 42°C
Hot and dry, with harsh afternoons. Plan palace and museum visits for the morning and keep the evenings for the gardens.
Monsoon
July to September
25°C to 33°C
Heavy rain at times, which can cause the Vishwamitri river to overflow. Pavagadh and Champaner look their greenest in this season.
Winter
October to February
12°C to 30°C
Pleasant weather and the festival season, from Navratri and Diwali to the Uttarayan kite festival in January. The best time to visit.
Getting there
How to Reach Vadodara
By Air
Vadodara Airport at Harni, a short drive from the city centre, has direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and other cities. Ahmedabad's airport, with wider connections, is about two hours away by road.
By Rail
Vadodara Junction is one of the busiest stations on the Mumbai–Delhi route, with a large number of trains to cities across India. It is centrally located, with autos and taxis available outside.
By Road
An expressway links Vadodara with Ahmedabad (about 110 km), and the national highway connects it with Surat and Mumbai (about 420 km). Gujarat state buses and private coaches run regularly from the city.
Taste of the city
Famous Food of Vadodara
Sev usal
A spicy white-pea curry topped with sev and onions, eaten with pav, and a Vadodara favourite.
Lilo chevdo
A savoury mix made with green peas, potato and spices, a classic Baroda snack.
Bhakharwadi
Crisp spiral snacks filled with a sweet-and-spicy masala.
Gujarati thali
A generous vegetarian spread of dal, kadhi, vegetables, rotis, rice, farsan and sweets.
Khichu
A soft, steamed rice-flour dough seasoned with green chillies and cumin, served with oil and pickle masala.
What to Buy in Vadodara
- Bandhani and Gujarati textiles in the Mandvi markets
- Farsan and namkeen from local shops
- Handicrafts and embroidered items
- Chaniya choli for Navratri
Travel Tips for Vadodara
- Gujarat is a dry state, and alcohol is available only with a permit.
- Book garba passes and stays early if you are visiting during Navratri.
- Check opening days for the palace and museums, as some close on certain weekdays.
- Start early for Champaner-Pavagadh to avoid the midday heat and crowds at the temple.
FAQs
Vadodara Travel FAQs
What is the best time to visit Vadodara?
October to March is the best time to visit Vadodara, when the weather is pleasant and the city celebrates Navratri, Diwali and Uttarayan.
How many days are enough for Vadodara?
Two to three days is enough to see the palaces and museums and take a day trip to Champaner-Pavagadh or the Statue of Unity.
What is Vadodara famous for?
Vadodara is famous for the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, its Gaekwad-era heritage, its Navratri garba celebrations and nearby Champaner-Pavagadh.
Is Baroda the same as Vadodara?
Yes. Baroda is the older name of Vadodara, and both names are still widely used.
How far is the Statue of Unity from Vadodara?
The Statue of Unity at Ekta Nagar is about 90 km from Vadodara, a drive of roughly two hours, making it an easy day trip.
Why is Vadodara famous for Navratri?
Vadodara hosts some of the largest and most spirited garba events in Gujarat, with thousands of people dancing in traditional attire every night of Navratri.
