Vadodara - 12 Attractions You Must Visit

built-in 1894 on the lines of the Victoria & Albert Museum and the Science Museum of London. Major Mant in association with R.F. Chisholm who refined some of Mant's finest works to make genuine Indo-Saracenic architecture designed the Building of this Museum. It preserves a rich collection of art, sculpture, ethnography and ethnology.

Built-in 1936 as a royal mausoleum of the Gaekwad dynasty, Kirti Mandir now stands as a glorious monument of Vadodara. The grand building, situated in the heart of the city, was set up in the honor of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III's silver jubilee celebration. This E-shaped building features beautiful elements like balconies, terraces, tombs, domes and a brilliantly carved 35 meters high central shikhara.

One of the most popular landmark of Vadodara, located near the polo ground was built in 1935 to commemorate the 60 years rule of the Maharaja Sayajirao 3rd. The sthambha is made out of pink Songadh stone.

Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the most majestic structures in India and was the private residence of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Known to be the largest private dwelling of the size equivalent to four times of the Buckingham Palace, this magnificent palace is a must visit when in Vadodara. Sprawling across an area of about 700 acres, it is still home to the royal family of Vadodara, the Gaekwads. The lush gardens of the palace add to the beauty of the entire experience of being here.

Travelers who want to peep into the life of erstwhile rulers should visit the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum on their holiday to Gujarat. The museum occupies some portion of the esteemed Laxmi Vilas Palace, which was once the official residence of the Gaekwad family of Gujarat. On display in the museum are exclusive marble collections from countries like Europe, Japan, and China. Paintings made by Raja Ravi Varma depicting the royal family of Gaekwar are the highlights of the museum.

Makarpura Palace was a Gaekwad royal palace in the city of Vadodara, It was built by Maharaja Khende Rao in 1870, designed in the Italian style. It was extended and renovated by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The palace is now used as a training school called by the Indian Air Force.

Mandvi Gate, often termed as the North gate of the Royal Enclosure, is one of the major landmarks in Vadodara dating back to the Mughal period. Built by Sultan Muzaffar (1511-26 AD), this square-shaped pavilion features three bold arched openings on each of its four sides. Marked by a market place in today’s time, this gate separates the two intermingled streets into four that meet in the centre.

Nazar Baug Palace was the Gaekwad's royal palace in the city of Vadodara, The Nazar Bāgh Palace' was built in 1721. It had three storeys and is the oldest palace in Baroda. It was constructed by Malhār Rāo Gaekwad in the late 19th century. This palace was used on ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwads. Till recently, it housed the royal family heirlooms. It had solid gold and silver guns, each barrel weighing over 100 kg. The grounds also contain the Shïsh Mahal, a Palace of Glass.

Built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in the memory of his wife, Nyaya Mandir in Vadodara is a spectacular monument designed by the Robert Chisholm. Nyaya Mandir comprises a central hall with mosaic tiles and a statue of Chimnabai, wife of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of the Gaekwad dynasty of the Marathas. This ancient building is now a district session court.

The Maharani Chimnabai tower, commonly called as Raopura tower is one of the major landmarks of the city erected in 1896. It is a five storied structure hat still dominates the skyline of the city. The fourth level features a huge clock fitted on all four sides of it. It was recently restored by the authorities of the city.

Sayaji Baug is a garden located in Vadodara, Gujarat, India. Also known as "Kamati Baug," it was built by Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad of Baroda. It is the biggest garden in Western India with the area surrounding more than 100 acres. It has one of the biggest floral clock in the World and in India.

Sur Sagar Lake also known as the Chand Talao is a lake situated in the middle of the city of Vadodara. The lake was rebuilt with stone masonry in the 18th Century. The water in this lake remains in it for the whole year. A concrete wall surrounds the lake on which the people use to sit. A 120 ft tall statue of Lord Shiva built by Vadodara Mahanagar Seva Sadan stands in the middle of the lake. There are many underwater gates in the lake that empty the lake if it overflows.