Places to visit in Vadodara

• Laxmi Vilas Palace: It’s no surprise that Laxmi Vilas Palace tops the list of places to visit in Vadodara. A guided audio tour allows you to learn about the history of the building, and by extension, the Maratha’s kingdom and influence across Gujarat and Maharashtra. Time your visit so that you’re there as the sun sets for some stunning photos of the palace’s imposing façade. Within the palace is the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, with works from the royal collection, including paintings by European and Indian artists. Many Raja Ravi Verma portraits of the royal family are a highlight.
• EME Temple: Those who want to take in the temples that dot the city would start by visiting the one built by the engineers. EME Temple, which was constructed by the Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (hence the name, EME) of India, features an aluminium canopy and an idol cast in concrete. Built and maintained by the Indian Army, the temple is open only to Indian nationals.
• The Nilkanth Dham Swaminarayan Temple: Open to everyone, though, and its opulent architecture and site on the banks of the Narmada river will leave you in awe. Other shrines include the Kirti Temple, Tapovan Temple and the imposing Baps Swaminarayan Temple.
• Kirti Mandir: One of the must place to visit in Vadodara is Kirti Mandir, built in the memory of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Kasturba Gandhi. The building is an epitome of architectural grandeur, and Maharaja Sayajirao established it.

High-end shopping/luxury shopping/shopping malls in Vadodara

• Inorbit Mall
• M Cube Mall
• Vadodara Central
• Bansal Mall
• Seven Seas Mall
• Reliance Mega Mall
• Eva The Mall
• Cinemall
• Southwest Central Mall
• Shreem Shalini Mall
• Center Square

Street shopping in Vadodara

• If you’re looking for artisanal hand-printed fabric, you must stop at Baroda Prints. They have two branches in the city—at the Salatwala Road outlet, you can watch the skilled printers working on the fabric in the workshop upstairs.
• Khadi Bhandar is another option for those looking for hand-woven clothing.
• For keepsakes from your trip that can range from jewellery to fabric to sculptures, make your way to Sejal Handicrafts, which stocks a range of handcrafted products, all made using traditional techniques.
• When it comes to shopping in crowded lanes, where small stalls heave under the weight of their wares, make your way to Khanderao Market, where you can find fruits, vegetables and flowers. It might not be something you can carry back home, but to get a sense of the market, and produce available, a visit at the crack of dawn is worth it.

Nightlife/party places in Vadodara

• Stoners Club
• Cloud 3 Disco Lounge
• Madness Party Centre

Sursagar Lake

If you’re looking to engage with nature, make your way to Sursagar Lake, where you can catch a glimpse of the massive statue of Lord Shiva that sits in the middle of the water.

Sayaji Baug

The small zoo is also worth visiting, especially if you are in the city with children, as they will enjoy the variety of animal life and the aquarium, planetarium housed here. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879, it’s a royal legacy that the city has made its own.

Nazar Baug Palace

Built in 1721, Naza Baug palace is a beautiful structure and Gaekwad’s royal household. Constructed during the reign of Malhār Rāo Gaekwad, it is the oldest building in the city, and you should not miss it in your itinerary.

Aurobindo Ashram

Depending on your state of being, you can experience complete opposites while in Vadodara. If you’re seeking to get in touch with your inner peace, make it a point to visit the Aurobindo Ashram, where you can meditate or peruse their extensive library of spiritual books. Located near Dandia Bazaar, the ashram is open throughout the day (and for those looking to spend a couple of days in the vicinity, there are numerous hotels in the area).

Delta 9

Delta 9, on the other hand, is run by the country’s largest paintball operator, and for those looking to spend an afternoon ‘shooting’ at each other and trying their hand at tactical team games, this is the place to do so.

Champaner - One of best places to visit near Vadodara

A weekend getaway to Champaner to explore the historic Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park. Built by Mehmud Begda, the architecture here features a blend of Hindu and Islamic and, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is undoubtedly worth a visit.

Navaratri Festival is the largest and the most popular annual festival of Vadodara that is celebrated with great zeal and enthusiasm. This festival is spread across nine days, where everyone dresses up in traditional wear and dance to the tunes of the dhol.