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Sayaji Baug
This large park on the banks of the river in the center of the city, across from the busy railway station and bus stand, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1879 and named after him, but also commonly known as Kamati Baug. Take at least half a day to fully explore the 45 hectares of garden grounds, with 2 museums, a zoo, a planetarium, a flower clock, and an operational toy train, among other attractions, and then come back to the park whenever you need a respite from activities in the rest of the city.

The planetarium shows you the universe in half an hour, at 4pm in Gujarati, 5pm in English, and 6pm in Hindi. Entry for Adults, Rs. 7, Children Rs. 5. After the show take a look at the astronomy park next door to see the astronomical instruments of ancient India.



Vadodara Museum

One of the two museums in the Sayaji Baug is the famous Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, built in 1894, one of the various buildings peppering the city that was commissioned by Sayajirao and designed by Mant and Chisholm (see following section on palaces). Sayajirao traveled widely and commissioned various dealers and scholars to find objects to build a wide-ranging collection with everything from Mughal miniatures, to sculptures, textiles and objects from Japan, Tibet, Nepal, and Egypt and coins from all over the world to exhibits of the Indian musical instruments. There are also exhibits on Earth Sciences, Natural History and Zoology. One of the highlights is the 22m long blue-whale skeleton found in 1972 at the mouth of the River Mahi, most likely washed up in a storm. The Ethnography section has exhibits about tribes from Gujarat: the Rabaris, Gamits, Bhils, Chaudhuris and Wagharis. The museum library has nearly 23,000 books and periodicals on a range of subjects, some of them extremely rare.

The Picture Gallery displays paintings by European masters, mostly from Sayajirao's private collection. There are also two wings on modern paintings.

This is a great place to learn from before traveling to other destinations, with displays such as sculptures removed from sites at Roda and Shamlaji in Eastern Gujarat, architectural fragments and pottery from Champaner, pieces from the carved ceiling in Sheikh Farid's tomb in Patan, glazed ceramics from Ahmedabad, and the unique patola saris from Patan, and a collection of bronze images of Jain tirthankars found at nearby Akota



MS University
Maharaja Sayajirao University is one of the most respected institutes of higher learning in western India. It is home to fine work in fields such as human genome research, social work, and technology, as well as for an excellent Archaeological Department where you can find out about new findings on Harappan sites or the intriguing excavations at the Buddhist site of Dev-ni-Mori. The university is most known for being a hub of artistic activity, however The Faculty of Arts, originally Baroda College, with its easily visible dome, provides a city landmark for the confused visitor. The Faculty of Fine Arts, continuing Sayajirao's tradition of support for current progressive work, was established in the 1950s when modern Indian art was first evolving its own identity. It is known not just for conserving tradition, but for experimenting with change. It frequently exhibits the works of renowned artists. It also hosts a popular Navratri event. If interested, inquire at the office about entry regulations. The Faculty of Performing Arts is popularly known as Music College, but also has a dance program. There is also a small theatre called Play Box. Enjoy the art, concerts, plays, and general buzz at this place of learning.




Palaces

    * The Lakshmi Vilas Palace:
      Maharaja Sayajirao III commissioned Major Charles Mant (also known as 'Mad' Mant for his eccentric work) to build the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, which was later finished by R.F. Chisolm. It was built in the Indo-Saracenic tradition, with an eclectic mix of Indian, Islamic, and European elements, as if, as Philip Ward writes, “an architectural Paul Klee had taken solid lines for a walk”. The imposingly impressive interior is full of multi-colored marble, mosaic tile and various works of art and the courtyards of palms and fountains have arched entrance-ways big enough for “the tallest elephant with the largest howdah on his back” to pass through, as reported by Edward Weeden, one of the earliest Europeans to stay in the palace. The palace grounds include a golf course and Sayajirao's personal museum, containing, among other displays, original paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. While less impressive than the Vadodara Museum, this one is still worth a brief visit.

      The museum is open from 10:30am - 5:30pm and the entrance fee is Rs. 25/- for Indians and Rs. 100/- for Foreigners.

      The palace is open from 11am - 5pm and entrance fee is Rs.100/-. To view the palace you must ask for a permit from the Maharaja’s secretary in the palace office or call +91 265 242 6372. Both palace and museum are closed on Mondays.

    * The Nazarbaugh Palace:
      Nazarbaugh Palace was once a royal guesthouse, and now houses royal family heirlooms for public viewing (though the building is a little dilapidated). The former royal residence at Pratap Vilas Palace, now converted into the Railway Staff college, has an free entry, but you must ask for permission from the authorities who can also arrange a guided tour from 9am - 6pm.

    * The Makarpura Palace:
      Makarpura Palace, the supposed royal summer palace, though the royal family mostly spent their summers in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu, is now used for Indian Air Force training and is not open to the public. Still, the striking 3-storey Italian Renaissance structure is worth peeping at from the outside.




EME temple
The Indian army does not usually have separate places of worship for the different faiths, but this temple, built by the Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (EME) corps entirely out of aluminum sheets, worships Dakshinamurti, another name for Shiva as an ultimate teacher. This uncommonly modern-looking temple is, however, built with holy symbols from various religions. It is open from 6:30am-8:30pm. Photography is prohibited.




Sri Aurobindo Niwas
Aurobindo Ghose, who was once the personal secretary of Sayajirao III, and later was Vice Principal of Vadodara College, lived here during his time in Vadodara. He then went through various dramatic transitions, and was later more widely known, as a freedom fighter and then a yogi, as Sri Aurobindo. The Niwas, with a library, sales outlet and space for meditation is open from 9am-7pm.


Sursagar Talav
This restored artificial lake is large and always full, which makes it a great place to hang out, as well as for boating. It also receives the majority of Ganesh idols during Ganesh Chaturthi.



Other buildings

    * Tambekar Wada:
      Tambekar Wada, a 4-storey haveli, the residence of the Diwan of Vadodara acquired by the Archeological Survey of India, is famous for its wall paintings from the 19th century Maratha tradition depicting scenes from the Mahabharata, Lord Krishna's life and from the Anglo-Maratha war.

    * Kirti Mandir:
      Kirti Mandir was the royal mausoleum of the Gaekwads, commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao on his 75th birthday for his ancestors with a bronze sun, moon, earth and the map of India atop its spire. It is known for its murals by Nandlal Bose, a famous painter from Tagore's Shantiniketan, with scenes from the Mahabharata and of Mirabai's life.

    * Qutbuddin Hajira:
      Qutbuddin Hajira is a tomb over the grave of Qutbuddin Muhammed Khan, one of Mughal Emperor Akbar's generals and later the local governor, built in 1586 and now the most significant Mughal monument in the area. Its quiet charm is enhanced by an old stepwell nearby.

    * Nyaya Mandir:
      Nyaya Mandir, “Temple of Justice”, is an ancient building now used as the district sessions court.




Kadia Dungar Caves: Dist:Bharuch (Bharuch To Rajpipla road)

Seven rock-cut caves and monolithic lion pillars are present at Kadia Dungar, near Bharuch. The caves suggest that they were viharas. A Brick stupa was also found in the foothills. These caves were in use during 1st and 2nd century AD.
 


Department Of Archeology (M.S.University,Vadodara)

In the M.S. University of Vadodara department of archeology has well maintain museum on the relics of buddha which was found from the buddhist site of Dev Ni Mori in the northern site of Gujarat. You can see the museum whenever you are in Vadodra.  
 


Ankottaka
Now known as Akota, this site began as a small settlement among Akola trees, a kilometer west of where would later lie Vadodara. Towards the 5th century AD it was known as a center of Jainism and Jain studies. The 68 bronze statues of tirthankars recovered from the site so far are now housed in the Vadodara Museum and they provide an insight into metallic art at the time.


Dabhoi
This ancient fortified town, originally known as Darbhavati, and given significant mention in the Jain scriptures of Girnar, was first walled by Solanki rulers and then developed by the Vaghelas and is impressive both in its sweeping grandeur and its fine detail. Legend has it that the mason who built Hira Gate, today the least weathered of the four gates, was buried alive within it for misappropriating city labor and materials to build a talav for his lover, so ponder love and justice as you look up at the magnificent structure. In more recent history, the town is significant  for its narrow-gauge railway station, the largest in Asia, and one of the oldest in the world which was still functioning till a few years ago.



Vadhvana Wetland & Eco Campsite
This irrigation reservoir and wetland located 10 kms from Dabhoi & 20 kms from the Jambughoda village, is the water source for 25 nearby villages, and a popular birdwatching site for species including stork, tern, ibis, and spoonbill. To get here you will have to rent a vehicle from Dabhoi, taking the Nanderi Gate road.

Apart from being a wetland, it also has an eco tourism campsite. The best time to visit the wetland is from October to March cause that is the main migratory seasons for birds which migrate here from all over the world.

Facilities at the Campsite:

    * Orientation Centre
    * Cottage accomodations with bath & toilet facilities
    * Tented Accomodations only with separate bathing & toilet facilites
    * Separate Kitchen & Dining places
    * Observation Towers for bird watching
    * Also has boats available for boating on the wetland to enhance the experience of bird watching
    * Separate area for Campfire

Tips:
Being a responsible nature lover is our way of showing reverence to Mother Earth, a few tips for you to remember -

    * Make sure to visit the orientation centre first before you start exploring the campsite as that would give a good picture of what you are about to experience during your stay.
    * Most of these Eco Campsites use electricity which is generated by using solar energy, hence please use it responsibly.
    * No smoking whatsoever (cigarette butts cause many forest fires.)
    * No flash or intrusive photography (for example, don’t pluck leaves to clear a better view; reposition the camera instead.)
    * Do not carry any music system or sound making device along with you and remember to keep them switched off if you are driving around.
    * Picking plants or insects is prohibited in any area; do not remove anything from the parks or sanctuaries.
    * Do Not indulge in any quick or sudden movements to scare off wildlife.
    * Do not try going too close to the animals.
    * No pets should accompany you.
    * No littering. Trash is only to be disposed of in proper receptacles.
    * No hunting devices or other weapons should be carried, as well as used.




Sankheda
While many communities revolving around Indian traditional craft have withered, the Kharadi community with its lacquered woodwork technique has in fact prospered under the modern process of markets and products. The finely applied and polished lattice work (lacquer) turns to beautiful browns and oranges after heating; it is called sankheda after its location and it is known internationally in the craft world. Take a bus or a train to reach the town and watch the artists at work or buy their craft.



Chhota Udepur

Towards the border with Rajasthan, Chhota Udepur shares a history with Devgadh Baria and Rajpipla as one of the three princely states of eastern Gujarat. The small town sits on the edge of a big lake, with a series of temples along the skyline. The Jain temple is an interesting example of the influence of Victorian art on local building styles. Structures from the 1920s such as the Kusum Vilas Palace(also a heritage hotel) and Prem Bhavan are also worth visiting, though they need permission from the local royal family. For information on Kali Niketan, a heritage hotel on the Orsang river, contact Tel: +91 79 26302019.

The essence of the town, however, is that it lies in the heart of a tribal area with rich indigenous history and culture.  Every Saturday there is a haat or tribal market. The town is a good base from which to explore the surrounding tribal villages, particularly in the Rathwa communities.  The Tribal Museum is also worth a visit, though of course not nearly as important as day-to-day interaction with people alive today.

ST buses from Vadodara are frequent, though also frequently crowded. Another interesting possibility for travel is the narrow-gauge rail which goes every day except Mondays and Fridays, but ask around to make sure it's still functioning when you go.

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