Vadodara Travel Guide

Discover the top attractions, things to do, and travel tips for your trip to Vadodara in Gujarat, India.


Introduction to Vadodara

Located in central Gujarat, Vadodara is a beautiful city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Known as Baroda in the past, Vadodara is home to various temples, palaces, museums, art galleries, and beautiful gardens. The city is a cultural hub of Gujarat and attracts thousands of tourists each year.

List of Places to Visit in Vadodara

Vadodara has a long list of places to visit, from historical monuments to natural attractions, including:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Laxmi Vilas Palace
  • Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery
  • Sayaji Baug
  • Tambekar Wadi

Natural Attractions of Vadodara: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Sursagar Lake
  • Ajwa Nimeta Dam
  • Hathni Waterfall
  • Pavagadh Hill

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vadodara

For outdoor enthusiasts, Vadodara has many hiking and biking options. One such route is the Sayaji Baug- Sursagar Lake Circuit, which covers some of the major attractions of the city.

Best Things to Do in Vadodara: Activities and Tours

Apart from visiting historical and natural attractions, Vadodara offers various activities and tours, such as:

  • Heritage Walks
  • City Tours by Tuk-Tuk
  • Food Tours
  • Wildlife Safaris

Week-Long Itinerary for Vadodara

A week-long itinerary for Vadodara may include the following:

Day Activities
1 Explore Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery and Laxmi Vilas Palace
2 Visit Sayaji Baug and Kirti Mandir
3 Take an excursion to Hathni Waterfall and Sursagar Lake
4 Visit Tambekar Wadi and Sindhrot
5 Visit Ajwa Nimeta Dam and Dabhoi
6 Take a city tour by Tuk-Tuk and enjoy local street food
7 Take a wildlife safari at Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary and enjoy a sunrise at Pavagadh Hill

Food and Drink Scene of Vadodara

The food scene in Vadodara is a combination of traditional Gujarati cuisine and modern fusion food. Some of the must-try dishes in Vadodara include:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Fafda-Jalebi
  • Makkhan-Phirni
  • Sev Usal
  • Khichdi-Kadhi

Local Beverages

  • Buttermilk
  • Aam Panna
  • Gujarati Masala Chai

Where to Stay in Vadodara: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vadodara has a lot of options for accommodation in every budget range, from luxury hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and hostels. Some of the best options include:

  • Welcomhotel Vadodara
  • Sayaji Hotel Vadodara
  • GenX Vadodara
  • Backpacker Panda

What to Buy in Vadodara: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best things to buy in Vadodara are:

  • Bandhani Sarees
  • Patola Sarees
  • Silver Jewelry
  • Handicrafts

Local Culture and Customs of Vadodara

Vadodara follows traditional Gujarati culture and customs, and it is best to respect them. Appropriate dressing is expected, with the covering of shoulders and knees when visiting religious places.

Best Time to Visit Vadodara

The best time to visit Vadodara is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant, and the temperature is moderate.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vadodara

Do:

  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Try local delicacies and cuisines
  • Bargain in the local markets

Don’t:

  • Wear inappropriate clothing
  • Drink tap water
  • Travel alone at night

Safety and Health

Safety in Vadodara

Vadodara is generally a safe city, but it is always advisable to take precautions, such as:

  • Avoid dark and secluded areas at night
  • Keep your valuables safe

Health in Vadodara

It is essential to carry your medicines and stick to bottled water to avoid health issues.

Getting to Vadodara: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vadodara

  • Vadodara Airport
  • Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport, Ahmedabad

Bus Stations Near Vadodara

  • Vadodara Central Bus Station
  • Vadodara Bus Terminal

Other Options

  • Private and Shared Taxis from Ahmedabad and Surat

How to Get Around in Vadodara

The best way to get around in Vadodara is by auto-rickshaws, taxis, or private cars.

Where to Go Next from Vadodara: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some of the nearby destinations from Vadodara are:

  • Ahmedabad
  • Surat
  • Udaipur
  • Mumbai

Conclusion

Vadodara is a city that offers a perfect blend of traditional and modern cultures, with a range of historical and natural attractions, activities, and food scenes. A trip to Vadodara is a must-do for anyone visiting Gujarat.

A statue of Shiva watches over Sursagar Lake A statue of Shiva watches over Sursagar Lake The arrival hall at Vadodara Airport The arrival hall at Vadodara Airport Vadodara's distinctive bus station, opened in 2014 Vadodara's distinctive bus station, opened in 2014 Laxmi Vilas Palace Laxmi Vilas Palace Inox Movie Theater Inox Movie Theater People performing Garba (dance) as part of Navratri celebrations in Vadodara People performing Garba (dance) as part of Navratri celebrations in Vadodara Kala Bhavan, a former palace which houses the Faculty of Technology and Engineering of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Kala Bhavan, a former palace which houses the Faculty of Technology and Engineering of Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda Mangal Market Mangal Market Khandvi is a popular Gurajati snack Khandvi is a popular Gurajati snack Tomb of Qutb-ud-Din Muhammad Khan, the tutor of two of Mughal Emperor Akbar Khan's sons Tomb of Qutb-ud-Din Muhammad Khan, the tutor of two of Mughal Emperor Akbar Khan's sons Sayajirao Palace Gate Sayajirao Palace Gate