THINGS TO DO

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Set in the heart of Champaner city and amidst the Pavagadh hills, this wonderful archaeological park is considered to be one of the best places to visit in Vadodara. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this park comprises of splendid architectural wonders of both Hindu & Islamic designs. The hill of Pavagadh is believed to be a chunk of the Himalayas that was originally carried by Hanuman to Lanka.

Sayaji Gardens

Spread across a land of 45 hectares, this garden is named after the great Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Considered to be one of the famous sightseeing places in Vadodara, the park features 98 types of trees, two museums, a zoo, a planetarium, a flower clock, and a toy train for children.

Sursagar Lake

Set at the heart of Vadodara city, the Sursagar Lake is one of the popular places to visit near Vadodara in summer as it offers the perfect respite in the hot weather. One can enjoy boating during the moonlit nights, and enjoy during the relaxed evenings with their loved ones. Built on the stone banks, and established in the 18th century, this lake remains full of water throughout the year.

Nyaya Mandir

Constructed in 1896, the Nyaya Mandir, or the Temple of Justice houses the District Court of Vadodara city in the state of Gujarat. This building features an Indo-Saracenic architecture designed by the Madras architect Robert Fellowes Chisholm. Elements of Gothic, Renaissance, and Mughal architecture styles can be witnessed in the building which is definitely one of the must-visit tourist attractions in Vadodara.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

Spread across an area of about 700 acres, Laxmi Vilas Palace is home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. One of the majestic structures in India, this palace is one of the favorite tourist attractions in Vadodara. The museum houses an amazing collection of paintings by Raja Ravi Verma, and various other artefacts gathered from across the globe.

Sri Aurobindo Ashram

Located at Dandia Bazar, Aurobindo Ashram is one of the best places to visit in Vadodara. Being an ideal spot for meditation, and spiritual healing, the Ashram features 23 rooms, a library, a study room, and a sales emporium. Relics of Sri Aurobindo, and all the rare books that have been written by or about him can also be found here.

Surya Narayan Temple

Dedicated to the Sun God, the famous Surya Narayan Temple is famous not only to have bestowed its divine grace upon the devotees but also to relieve them from their ailments. Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Vadodara, this temple also provides dinner and residence facilities to visitors as it attracts large crowd throughout the year.

Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary

Jambughoda Wildlife sanctuary is a famous spot for those who’re looking forward to one-day picnic near Vadodara. The reserve is known for many wild species like wild bear, antelopes, sloth bear, and boars. The forest department usually organizes trekking, camping, and safari tours that makes Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, one of the most adventurous places near Vadodara.

Vadodara Museum & Picture Gallery

Among the many places to see in Vadodara, the Museum and Picture Gallery is a must-visit for all. Built in 1894 AD by the Gaekwads, the museum displays an extensive collection of artefacts related to archaeology, geology, natural history, and a variety of personal collection by Maharaja Sayajirao III. For all the architecture admirers, this is the place to be.

EME Temple

Featuring a remarkably contemporary architecture, EME Temple is a pride of Vadodara tourism. Dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy, a form of Shiva as supreme teacher, this temple depicts the army architecture. The aluminium building of this temple is ringed by a garden featuring a rich collection of 106 ancient statues that date back to the period from 6th to 16th century.

Makarpura Palace

Makarpura Palace is one of the ideal places to visit in Vadodara during summer. This palace was initially built in 1870 with the motive that it will serve as a summer palace for the Gaekwads. With an Italian touch of architecture, it was renovated after years it was built. However, it now serves as a training school and is run by the Indian Air Force.