Baroda (Vadodara) is renowned as the “City of Palaces”. One of the most visited Gujarat cities, it’s a multicultural metropolis with history, cuisine and great architecture. Whether you’re in the city only for a few days on business or you seek to explore everything the city has to offer over an entire holiday, there’s something to keep everyone occupied – all within easy reach of your accommodation near Vadodara station.

This convenient location is close to several of the State’s most prise centers, making your easy instead of hours long travel. To ensure that you are comfortable and not hassled in between your journey, there are some good hotels near railway station vadodara.

Well, here is a guide on the top 5 tourist attractions around Vadodara Railway Station which you should visit.

1. Laxmi Vilas Palace – A Royal Marvel in Stone

Only 3 km away from Vadodara Railway Station, Laxmi Vilas Palace is a beautiful reminder of royal regime and architecture. Constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890, the stupendous building is around four times bigger than Buckingham Palace and ranks amongst the most grandiose palaces in India. The palace combines the work of several architects and artists and covers a mix of Indo-Saracenic attire, with Romanesque arches, rosettes, minarets along with domes on system which can be clearly native to India. From each side, visitors are overwhelmed by the scale and ageless design of this heritage site – which is a sight to behold for any history and architecture buff.

Highlights:

  • A fascinating museum within the palace showcases personal collections of former royal family members, which include some wonderful paintings by world-famous artist Raja Ravi Varma.

     

  • Sprawling gardens and fountains that become pretty photographs.

     

  • Trails The course features as well as heritage walks and is open to visitors.

     

Travel Tip: Get there early to see the palace in a softer light, and to avoid crowds! It can be readily visited by auto or cab from the railway station.

2.Sayaji Garden (Kamati Baug) – Green Lungs of the City

Let not the first day end before you have visited Sayaji Garden, or Kamati Baug as the locals call it. Spread over more than 100 acres, it is one of Western India’s largest public gardens, and a favourite respite for both tourists and locals.

It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and claims to get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a place for families to gather, joggers and nature lovers.

Attractions Inside Sayaji Garden:

  • A neat and clean zoo with different types of animals & birds are there.
  • The Baroda Museum and the Picture Gallery open art treasures : It was founded in 1881, lying within the Maharaja Fateh Singh Rao Gaekwad Park.
  • Sardar Patel Planetarium for those who are interested in astronomy.

     

Why Visit:  If you want a quiet walk in the morning, or take kids somewhere away from the crowds, Kamati Baug has the perfect amalgamation of nature and culture. This garden is also great for people checking into hotels near railway station vadodara – where they can manage to get a jog or on your evening walks just a few minutes away.

3.Kirti Mandir – Respect to the Royal Descent of Vadodara

If you are inclined towards art, history and spirituality Kirti Mandir is a must visit place for you. Located approximately 1.5 km from the station, this lovely cenotaph was erected by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in honour of his forebears.

It is built in a blend of traditional and modern style and has murals that portray episodes from the Mahabharata, Ramayana and Bhagavad Gita. The main shikhara of the building goes up elegantly to the sky as a representation of peace and unity.

What to Expect:

  • Peaceful environment perfect for mediation or reflection.
  • Delicate carvings and historical association that reflect the royal spirit of Baroda.
  • Free to enter and accessible from all parts of the city.

It is one of those offbeat, less-crowded places to visit near Vadodara railway station and thus an apt halt for tourists seeking meaningful peace.

4.Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery – The Storehouse of Culture

Another place to visit is the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery situated in Sayaji Garden. It was opened in 1894 by the then Gaekwad rulers, it includes a large number of antique Indian and foreign artifacts.

Inside, there’s everything from Mughal miniatures and ancient sculptures to European paintings and Egyptian antiquities. An Egyptian mummy is one of its special draw amongst all generations of visitors.

Highlights:

  • Paintings from Indian and foreign artists.
  • Zoological, geological and archaeological galleries.
  • Tranquil with enough downtime to wander at your leisure.

If you are staying at any of the hotels near the railway station, then it’s just a walk away from the museum or a small drive there and hence can be easily accommodated in your sightseeing list for the day.

5. Mandvi Gate and Lehripura Gate – Heritage at the City’s Core

  • If you are one who loves to visit the historical gates then Vadodara would be an amazing place to be in – Mandvi Gate – Lehripura Gate, both speak of ancient vibes of the city.
  • An old city area, Mandvi Gate was constructed during the Mughal rule around 15th -16th Century and was once the gateway frequented by visitors to Vadodara. Its graceful arches and elaborate carvings provide a glimpse into the city’s fabled past.
  • Walk to Lehripura Gate, built in the early 19th century. Adjacent to a bustling market place, this is the perfect gate for blending history with local life.

Things to Do:

  • Peruse crafts, traditional textiles and local snacks.
  • Get lovely street snaps in your travel pictures.
  • Sample the authentic Gujarati street food right here!
  • These gates are not merely architectural Monuments, but they also stand for the spirit of continuity-Vadodara’s traditions till considered as the city today.

Additional Travel Tips for Visitors

  • Best Time: The months of winters from October to February make up the most ideal time to go sightseeing.
  • How to reach:Auto-rickshaws, taxis or e-rickshaw are always available from in and around railway stations.
  • Local Food: Don’t miss the delicious local snacks Sev Usal, Farsan and traditional Gujarati Thali of Vadodara.
  • What to Shop: Bandhani (a textile), handicrafts and silver jewellery are a few good buys.

Conclusion

Vadodara, an expression of everything we associate Gujarat with – majestic heritage, history that is as deep as the bay you soak in and a magnificent modern experience. Here are some places near Vadodara railway station to have a glimpse while travelling without wasting much time on traveling. This palace is actually another reason why I like to take the train from Mumbai to Baroda rather than a plane and then get stuck in traffic heading into town.Royal (Laxmi Vilas Palace), greenery (Sayaji Garden) or historical, such as Mandvi Gate; where ever you go out of the station area there is a story waiting. Enjoy your vacation even more, choose the perfect place to stay! If you are staying near the station especially, and visit these places.. helps… somehow. For those seeking warm ambience, excellent staff and comfort, Hotel President is the perfect hotel in the heart of the city. So pack your bags, book a ticket and go out to explore the royal city — Vadodara, where every street and monument itself tells you a tale.