Top Sights
Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Lakshmi Vilas Palace
Lakshmi Vilas Palace is the residence of the Gaekwad family, rulers of Baroda State. It's one of the largest private residences in the world, four times the size of Buckingham Palace.
You can take a guided tour to explore the palace's opulent interiors, including the Durbar Hall, the Royal Armoury, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. The palace grounds also feature a golf course and a small zoo.
Photography is restricted in some areas. The audio guide is highly recommended for a comprehensive understanding of the palace's history and architecture.
Hours: 10:00-17:00 daily
Closed: Mondays
Best Time: Morning to avoid crowds and the midday heat.
Getting There: Taxi or auto-rickshaw are the most convenient options.
Honest Take: Worth the visit for its grandeur and historical significance, but the entry fee is steep for foreigners.
Insider Tip:
Book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues, especially during peak season.
Sayaji Baug
Sayaji Baug
Sayaji Baug is a large garden named after Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, offering a green oasis in the city.
The park features a zoo, a museum, a planetarium, and a toy train. You can also enjoy boating in the lake or simply relax on the lawns.
The zoo is small but houses a variety of animals. The museum has a collection of art and artifacts related to the region's history.
Hours: 09:00-21:00 daily
Best Time: Late afternoon or evening for a relaxing stroll.
Getting There: Easily accessible by auto-rickshaw or local bus.
Honest Take: A good place to relax and escape the city's hustle and bustle, especially if you're traveling with children.
Insider Tip:
Visit the planetarium for an informative show about astronomy (check show timings).
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery
The Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery houses a diverse collection of art, archaeology, and ethnography. It showcases artifacts from various periods of Indian history.
The museum's highlights include Egyptian artifacts, European paintings, and sculptures. The collection includes Mughal miniatures and Tibetan art.
The museum is well-maintained, but some exhibits lack detailed descriptions. Photography is allowed with permission.
Hours: 10:30-17:00 daily
Closed: Mondays
Best Time: Morning to avoid crowds.
Getting There: Located within Sayaji Baug, easily accessible.
Honest Take: A must-visit for history and art enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the region's rich cultural heritage.
Insider Tip:
Take your time to explore the different sections, as the museum has a vast collection.
EME Temple
EME Temple
The EME Temple, also known as the Dakshinamurthy Temple, is a unique temple run by the Indian Army. Its architecture represents the diversity of Indian religions.
The temple features a geodesic dome and displays artifacts representing various faiths. It promotes a message of unity and harmony.
Visitors are expected to dress modestly. Photography is restricted inside the temple.
Hours: 06:30-20:30 daily
Best Time: Anytime during the day.
Getting There: Taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Honest Take: Worth a visit for its unique architecture and message of religious harmony.
Insider Tip:
Learn about the temple's symbolism from the resident priests.
Kirti Mandir
Kirti Mandir
Kirti Mandir is a memorial dedicated to the Gaekwad rulers. It houses statues and paintings of the family members.
The monument is located near the Vishwamitri River. It's a place of historical significance and architectural beauty.
The site provides insight into the Gaekwad dynasty's contributions to Vadodara.
Hours: 09:00-12:00, 15:00-18:00 daily
Best Time: Morning or late afternoon.
Getting There: Taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Honest Take: A peaceful place to learn about the history of the Gaekwad family.
Insider Tip:
Take a walk along the riverbank after visiting the memorial.
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum
The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum houses a collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts collected by the Gaekwad rulers. It is located within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace complex.
The museum features works by European masters such as Raphael, Titian, and Murillo. It also has a collection of Indian paintings and sculptures.
Photography is restricted inside the museum. Guided tours are available.
Hours: 10:15-17:00 daily
Closed: Mondays
Best Time: Morning to avoid crowds.
Getting There: Located within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace complex.
Honest Take: A must-visit for art lovers, offering a glimpse into the Gaekwad family's art collection.
Insider Tip:
Focus on the European art collection, which is particularly impressive.
Hazira Maqbara
Hazira Maqbara
Hazira Maqbara is a mausoleum complex housing the tombs of Qutb-ud-din Muhammad Khan and his son Naser-ud-din Muhammad Khan. It showcases Mughal architecture.
The complex features intricate carvings and a peaceful atmosphere. It's a historical site with cultural significance.
The site offers a quiet escape from the city's bustle.
Hours: All day
Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon.
Getting There: Taxi or auto-rickshaw.
Honest Take: A good place to appreciate Mughal architecture and enjoy a peaceful environment.
Insider Tip:
Visit during sunset for beautiful lighting.