Things to Do in Vadodara

A historic arched gateway built in 1736, topped with a later British-era clock tower marking the city's centre. It's a traffic roundabout now, but the structure itself is a solid photo stop and a good meeting point.

🕐 24/7 exterior access; tower not open to public

💡 Visit around 6pm to see the tower lit up. The small park behind it has benches and shade—better than standing in the traffic circle. No crowd, just locals passing through.

Vadodara's main public garden, spread over 113 acres along the Vishwamitri river. Contains a zoo, toy train, planetarium, and museums—all very cheap or free. Locals come for evening walks and chai.

🕐 6:00–21:00 daily; museums close at 17:00

💡 Bring your own water and snacks; the on-site vendors mark up prices. The planetarium shows are in Gujarati and Hindi, so check the English schedule at the gate.

A memorial building built by the Gaekwad family honouring the royal lineage. The architecture mixes Hindu and Muslim styles—carved pillars, a central dome, and stained-glass windows. Quiet and uncrowded.

🕐 9:00–12:00, 15:00–18:00 daily

💡 It's a shrine, not a temple, so no shoes allowed but no strict dress code. Come in the morning when the light filters through the coloured glass. No photography inside the main hall.

Houses an eclectic collection of European old masters, Mughal miniatures, Egyptian mummies, and Indian artefacts. Entry is nominal (₹10 for Indians, ₹100 for foreigners).

🕐 10:30–17:00, closed Mondays and public holidays

💡 Focus on the two Vermeer paintings in the Picture Gallery wing—they're rare outside Europe. The rest of the museum feels like a dusty attic; give it 90 minutes max.

Still the residence of the royal Gaekwad family, this Indo-Saracenic palace is four times the size of Buckingham Palace. You pay for entry to the private museum and grounds, but the exterior and gardens are free to walk around.

🕐 9:00–17:00 daily, closed during private events

💡 Skip the costly guided tour of the interior rooms. Instead, walk the grounds at 4pm when the light hits the sandstone and marble—great photos without the queue.