Day Tour

The day begins with pickup from the guest’s preferred location within Vadodara city. Explore the royal legacy and cultural richness of Gujarat’s cultural capital, known for its palaces, museums, and vibrant public spaces.

Begin your day at the Laxmi Vilas Palace, the grand residence of the Gaekwad royal family. Built in 1890 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, this Indo-Saracenic architectural marvel is four times the size of Buckingham Palace.

Highlights include:

• The ornate Darbar Hall with Belgian stained glass and Venetian mosaic flooring
• A collection of marble statues, old armory, and Raja Ravi Varma paintings
• The lush palace grounds with a golf course and heritage interiors >This is one of the finest royal residences still inhabited by a royal family.

Next, head to Sayaji Garden (Kamati Baug), one of the largest public gardens in western India. Located within the garden is the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, founded in 1894.

Explore:

• Natural history exhibits, art collections, and an Egyptian mummy
• European oil paintings, Indian miniatures, Tibetan artefacts, and Buddhist sculptures
• Indo-European architectural design of the twin buildings

Continue your heritage trail to Kirti Mandir, built in 1936 by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III to commemorate his ancestors. This cenotaph honors the Gaekwad dynasty, featuring:

• Marble domes, murals, and a central spire
• Wall paintings depicting Mahabharata, Ramayana, and Indian history The peaceful setting and intricate carvings reflect royal reverence and historic pride. The peaceful setting and intricate carvings reflect royal reverence and historic pride.

Enjoy a delicious Gujarati lunch at a popular local restaurant. The typical thali includes items like rotli, dal, shaak, kadhi, rice, farsan, and sweets such as basundi or shrikhand.

Post-lunch, visit the EME Temple, managed by the Indian Army. Dedicated to Lord Dakshinamurthy (a form of Lord Shiva), the temple is unique for its:

• Aluminium geodesic dome structure, a symbol of modern architecture
• Elements of multiple religions (Hindu, Christian, Jain, Buddhist, Zoroastrian, and Islamic) reflected in its design. The tranquil campus also features a small war memorial and a well-maintained garden.

Conclude your day with a stop at Sur Sagar Lake, located in the heart of the city. Surrounded by ghats and urban views, this artificial lake features:

• A massive 120-feet tall statue of Lord Shiva in the middle
• Peaceful surroundings ideal for photography and leisure strolls. During the evening, the statue and waterside area are beautifully lit.

After a full day of exploring royal palaces, spiritual spots, and city landmarks, return to your preferred drop location in Vadodara. The tour ends with pleasant memories of Vadodara’s regal and cultural charm.