<a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/city/Vadodara" target="_blank">Vadodara</a>, also known as Baroda, is the third-largest city in the Indian state of <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/state/Gujarat" target="_blank">Gujarat</a>. It serves as the administrative headquarters of the Vadodara district and is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, 141 kilometers (88 mi) from the state capital of <a href="https://universaladventures.in/travel-guide/places-to-visit-in-gandhinagar" target="_blank">Gandhinagar</a>. The railway line and National Highway 8, which connect <a href="https://universaladventures.in/state/Delhi" target="_blank">Delhi</a> with <a href="https://universaladventures.in/city/Mumbai" target="_blank">Mumbai</a>, pass through Vadodara. The city is named for its abundance of the Banyan (Vad) tree. Vadodara is also locally referred to as the Sanskari Nagari ( 'Cultural City') and Kala Nagari ( 'City of Art') of India. The city is prominent for landmarks such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which served as the residence of the Maratha royal Gaekwad dynasty that ruled over Baroda State. It is also the home of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.

Located within Sayaji Bagh is the impressive Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, built-in in 1894 by the Gaekwads. The museum and the picture gallery are two separate, two-story buildings built in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. You can see an extensive collection of artifacts relating to archaeology, geology, natural history, a variety of personal collection pieces of Maharaja Sayajirao III, and the 109 miniature paintings of the Mughal times, a Persian version of Mahabharata specially commissioned by Mughal Emperor Akbar. The museum and the picture gallery are well maintained and considered one of the best in the east.
 
Location: Sayaji Bagh
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 30min
Price Range: INR 10

It is said that at Khanderao Market you can buy anything and everything that might be useful, from birth to death. The Khanderao Market is one of the most vibrant and architecturally striking places in the city. It comes to life at the crack of dawn and is occupied by vegetable sellers, vendors, and flower and fruit sellers. The building was gifted by the king to the people of the city on the silver jubilee of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III's administration. It consists of two domed-shaped structures that resemble a Hindu temple with a clock tower in its center. The building also houses the office of the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. Alleys passing through the stalls lead to the wholesale market on the right and the flower market on the left.
 
Location: Khanderao Market
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 2hr
Price Range: According to shopping

By Air:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Vadodara is served by a domestic airport namely Civil Airport Harni. Airlines like Air India, Jet Airways, and Indigo, operate on a daily basis from the airports. Plenty of options like taxi, bus, shuttle, and auto services are available from the airport.</li>
</ul>
 
By Road:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Travelling the road is the best way to reach Vadodara as the highways and byways are beautiful and well maintained. One can hire a private cab from the nearby town or can opt for Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation (GSRTC) webpage buses to reach Vadodara.</li>
</ul>
 
By Train:&nbsp;
<ul>
 <li>Vadodara Junction Railway Station (Indian Railways station code: BRC) is the busiest railway station in Gujarat. High-speed trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani link Vadodara with different parts of India.</li>
</ul>

Vadodara, Gujarat's third-largest city, is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri and is famous as the cultural capital of Gujarat as well as a center of educational activities. Vadodara was originally known as Vadapradaka, which means a village amidst Banyan trees. Archaeological findings show that there was human habitation here from prehistoric times. Vadodara passed through the hands of the Imperial Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Solankis, Sultans of Delhi, the Mughals, and finally the Marathas. Present-day Vadodara owes its grandeur to Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, a great ruler, a socio-economic reformer, and a patron of arts, architecture, and music. It was he who visualized the development of Vadodara. Today Vadodara is a city of palaces, gardens, and industrial giants. So, Vadodara is a must-visit for sure!!!

Laxmi Vilas Palace is a majestic building, a true demonstration of luxury and affluence. It is the residence of Vadodara’s royal family and was built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The palace was designed and built in the Indo-Saracenic architectural style (which represents a synthesis of Muslim designs and Indian materials developed by British architects in India). The interior, with its chandeliers, artworks, water fountains, and Belgium stained glass windows, resembles a large European country house.
 
Location: Laxmi Vilas Palace Estate
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 1hr
Price Range: INR 200 per person

Also known as Kamati Baug, Sayaji Baug is the largest garden in Western India, built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879. Spread over 45 hectares of land, the garden houses two museums, a zoo, a planetarium, a flower clock, and an operational toy train, among other attractions. The planetarium is situated near the main gate and has daily public shows as well as offering special shows to educational institutions in Hindi, English, and Gujarati. The zoo was opened as part of the original park in 1879and now has 167 types of 1103 animals with the Asiatic lions being the most popular. It also has an impressive aviary. The garden is the finest in the whole of India and is visited by thousands of people every day to get a reprieve from urban life and bask in the beauty of flora and fauna.
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Location: Vadodara
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: &nbsp;30min
Price Range: INR 20-40 per person

Baroda Prints is one of Vadodara’s most famous destinations for hand-printed dress materials in original, colorful, and attractive designs. Started more than 50 years ago, today it provides a wide range of products such as dress material, sarees, and salwar in cotton, butter-silk, and satin. Quality is excellent and it’s one of the most popular fabric shops in the city. There’s also a branch on Salatwada Rd, where you can see the printers at work upstairs. It’s a great place to purchase excellent quality Indian dress pieces which are beautiful and perfect for the hot and humid weather, at really affordable prices.
 
Location: Alkapuri, Vadodara
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: &nbsp;1-2 hr
Price Range: According to what you shop

<a href="https://universaladventures.in/travel-guide/top-8-places-to-visit-in-champaner" target="_blank">Champaner</a> is a historical city in the state of Gujarat. It is located 47 kilometers from the city of Vadodara. It was founded by Vanraj Chavda of the Chavda Dynasty, in the 8th century, and he named it after the name of his friend and general Champa. Today, Champaner is the site of the Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, which UNESCO designated a World Heritage Site in 2004. The heritage site is studded with forts with bastions starting from the hills of Pavagadh and extending into the city of Champaner. The park’s landscape includes archaeological, historic, and living cultural heritage monuments such as chalcolithic sites, a hill fortress of early Hindu capital, and remains of the 16th-century capital of the state of Gujarat.
 
Location: Champaner
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 45min

Founded by the famed Indian freedom fighter, philosopher, and yoga guru, Aurobindo Ghose, the Aurobindo Ashram is a community center where you can meditate, relax, and remove the stresses brought upon by modern society through yoga, meditation, and many other ways. The main ashram is situated in <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/city/Pondicherry" target="_blank">Pondicherry</a>, South India. The ashram in Vadodara houses a library, study room, and sales emporium. Aurobindo Ashram served as the residence of Aurobindo Ghose during his stay in Baroda (1894–06). The ashram is open for all to meditate; it’s a fantastic place to visit if you have time to spare while in Vadodara.
 
Location: Jambu Bet, Vadodara
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 40min
Price Range: Entry free

Situated in the middle of the city of Vadodara, the Sursagar Lake also known as Chandan Talao is a peaceful place to visit. Rebuilt with stone banks and masonry in the 18th century, this lake remains full of water throughout the year. A concrete wall has been constructed around the lake making room for people to sit and relax while gazing at the lake and the 120 ft. tall statue of Lord Shiva in standing posture was constructed in the middle by the Vadodara Municipal Corporation. The lake is also used for boating and has become a favorite among the locals. Another tip is to visit at the weekend when light shows illuminate the water.
 
Location: Sayanigunj, Vadodara
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: &nbsp;30min
Price Range: Entry free

Delta 9 is Vadodara’s favorite place to play <a href="https://www.universaladventures.in/city/Vadodara/things-to-do?adventure=Paintball" target="_blank">paintball</a>. With three different paintball fields in one location; it is the biggest paintball operator in India. They also conduct cage football matches and have a brilliant shooting range. They also have a play area for kids filled with ball pools, trampolines, air bouncers, slides, and swings. After all the adrenaline rush, you can head to Forget the Food (the food court), which offers snacks and sodas to refresh you. They also have a staging area for karaoke performances. Delta Nine is the perfect place for fun with friends and family.
 
Location: Delta 9, Gorwa, Vadodara
Best Time to Do: October to March
Duration: 30min
Price Range: INR 1000 (approx)

Top 9 Things to do in Vadodra

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