The former Gaekwad capital with a grand Indo-Saracenic palace, museums and a large city garden.
Vadodara (Baroda) was the seat of the Gaekwad dynasty and its Laxmi Vilas Palace, completed in 1890, is among the largest private residences ever built, with Indo-Saracenic domes and a collection of art and armour. Sayaji Baug houses the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum holds works by Raja Ravi Varma. The old city has Nyay Mandir and the Vadodara Mandvi gate. A day trip by train is efficient and can be extended to Champaner-Pavagadh the next day.
| Distance | About 110 km south-east of Ahmedabad |
|---|---|
| Travel time | 1.5-2 hours each way by train |
| Getting there | Mode: Train; Detail: Frequent Vande Bharat, Shatabdi and express trains run from Ahmedabad Junction to Vadodara Junction in about 1.5-2 hours; the palace is a 10-15 minute ride from the station. |
| Cost | Train ₹150-600 (approx $1.56-6.25 USD) each way; palace entry a few hundred rupees including audio guide |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Laxmi Vilas Palace, Fatehgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002, India |
How to get there
- Train: Vande Bharat or express, about ₹150-600 (approx $1.56-6.25 USD) each way
- Car: about ₹3,000-4,500 (approx $31-47 USD) for the day via the Ahmedabad-Vadodara Expressway
- Bus: GSRTC and private AC buses, 2-3 hours
- Organised tour: Vadodara-Champaner combinations
Location
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Fatehgunj, Vadodara, Gujarat 390002, India
22.2937, 73.1917 View on map
Highlights
- Laxmi Vilas Palace and its durbar hall
- Sayaji Baug with Baroda Museum
- Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum with Ravi Varma paintings
- Mandvi Gate and old-city bazaars
- Sev usal and lilo chevdo street food
Tips for visiting
- Take the early Vande Bharat or Shatabdi to maximise time
- Check the palace's audio-guide slot on arrival
- Use app cabs and autos for the museums and garden
- Allow about 6-7 hours in the city
- Stay overnight if adding Champaner-Pavagadh
When to visit
Winter days, arriving by mid-morning
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from Ahmedabad to Vadodara?
About 1.5-2 hours on Vande Bharat, Shatabdi and fast express trains.
What is Vadodara known for?
Laxmi Vilas Palace, the Gaekwad art museums and the Baroda cultural scene.
Is it a good base for Champaner?
Yes, Champaner is about 50 km from Vadodara.
Can it be done in a day?
Yes, an early train allows the palace and a museum before an evening return.