Gujarat · India
Vadodara
Gujarat's cultured 'Sanskari Nagari' — the Gaekwad royal city of grand palaces, gardens and museums, gateway to the Champaner UNESCO ruins.
Vadodara (Baroda) is art, music and royalty: the vast Laxmi Vilas Palace, MS University, Navratri garba, and a great Gujarati thali culture.
Plan your trip
Vadodara Tour Itineraries
Timed, walkable day plans — plus the best season to go.
Where to shoot
Vadodara Photo Spots
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Champaner-Pavagadh
- Best timeEarly morning for soft light on the carved stone and a quiet site; late afternoon for warm light on the Jama Masjid's minarets.
- ColorsRustCreamIndigo
Low crowdEntry Free
EME Temple (Dakshinamurthy)
- Best timeMorning, when the silver dome shines in soft sunlight and the garden is quiet, if photos are allowed that day.
- ColorsWhiteSilver-greyBlue
Medium crowdEntry Ticketed
Laxmi Vilas Palace
- Best timeMorning, soon after the gates open, for softer light on the facade and quieter lawns; late afternoon for warm light on the domes before closing time.
- ColorsEmeraldGoldCream
Entry Free (attractions extra)
Sayaji Baug
- Best timeEarly morning for soft light, cool air and quiet paths; late afternoon for warm light filtering through the old trees.
- ColorsWhiteCoralGreen
Medium crowdEntry Free
Sursagar Lake
- Best timeBlue hour just after sunset, when the gold statue is lit and the sky still has some colour.
- ColorsWhiteSaffronTeal
For the feed
Trending Wear in Vadodara
Modern, Instagram-friendly looks
Rooted in the city
Vadodara Traditional Wear
Local, cultural, handcrafted outfits
Taste the city
Food to Eat in Vadodara
Trusted tables
Where to Eat in Vadodara
About Vadodara
Vadodara, still widely known by its old name Baroda, is Gujarat's third-largest city and sits on the banks of the Vishwamitri River. It was the capital of the Gaekwads, the Maratha rulers of Baroda State. Much of what visitors come to see, including Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Baug and the Baroda Museum, dates from the reign of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, who ruled from 1875 to 1939. The city is often called Sanskari Nagari, the "cultured city", and the Faculty of Fine Arts at MS University is one of India's best-known art schools.
Two days covers the city well. Take a morning walk in Sayaji Baug and visit the museum inside it, then take the audio tour of Laxmi Vilas Palace and see the silver dome of the EME Temple. End the day at Sursagar Lake, where the gold Shiva statue is lit after dark. Add a day for Champaner-Pavagadh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site about 50 km away, and come hungry: sev usal, fafda jalebi and an unlimited Gujarati thali are the local staples. If you can, time your visit for Navratri, when the city dances garba (Gujarat's circle dance) for nine nights.
Questions
Vadodara — FAQ
What is Vadodara famous for?
Vadodara is famous for Laxmi Vilas Palace, the home of the Gaekwad royal family, and for Sayaji Baug, the Baroda Museum and the gold Shiva statue at Sursagar Lake. It is also known for its Navratri garba, the fine arts faculty of MS University, sev usal, and as the base for visiting Champaner-Pavagadh, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
How many days are enough for Vadodara?
2 days is enough for Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Baug and the Baroda Museum, the EME Temple and Sursagar Lake. Add a day for Champaner-Pavagadh, about 50 km away, and another if you want to see the Statue of Unity, about 90 km away by road and usually closed on Mondays.
What is the best time to visit Vadodara?
October to March is the most comfortable time, with warm days and cool evenings. April to June is very hot, often above 40 °C, and July to September brings monsoon rain. Navratri, usually in September or October, is the city's liveliest and busiest time. See the best time to visit Vadodara for a month-by-month guide.
How do I reach Vadodara?
Vadodara Junction is a major station on the Western Railway main line, with direct trains from Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Delhi. Vadodara Airport, at Harni on the north-eastern side of the city, has flights to Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru and other cities. By road, Ahmedabad is about 110 km away on the Ahmedabad–Vadodara Expressway.
Is Vadodara the same as Baroda?
Yes. Baroda is the city's older name, and it was officially changed to Vadodara in 1974. Both names are still in everyday use, and you will see "Baroda" in names like MS University of Baroda and Bank of Baroda, which was founded here in 1908.