Best Places to Visit Near Vadodara

Vadodara is also called the cultural capital of Gujarat where royal heritage meets modern charm. Known for its magnificent palaces, vibrant festivals, and rich traditions, Vadodara is a perfect blend of the old and the new.

If you want to explore the charm of Gujarat, you can go to many places near Vadodara. Vadodara is a perfect destination that has a variety from majestic palaces and ancient step-wells to scenic hill stations and serene temples. Whether you are a history buff, a nature lover, or just seeking a peaceful weekend getaway, the region around Vadodara has it all. Read on to know the places to see near Vadodara that you cannot miss on your next trip:

What are the best places to visit near Vadodara?

• Zarwani Waterfall
• Saputara
• Wilson Hills
• Mandvi Gate
• Sarthana Nature Park

Many tourists travel to Vadodara to explore the places to visit nearby. Mentioned below are some of the best places to visit near Vadodara on your next vacation:

Zarwani Waterfall

Tucked away in the lush greens of Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, Zarwani Waterfall is one of the best places to visit near Vadodara. Here, you will witness crystal-clear water cascading down rocky cliffs, peaceful birdsong, and rustling leaves. This is nature’s perfect retreat for the soul-seekers and thrill-lovers just a short drive from the Statue of Unity. To reach the waterfall, you will have to trek through dense forests boasting fresh, wild air and unique species of birds and wild animals.

Saputara

Saputara is where nature meets tranquillity and is rightly called a scenic gem in Gujarat’s Dang district. With cool breezes, green valleys, and scenic views, it is a perfect escape for all nature lovers. You can enjoy a boat ride at the serene Saputara Lake or take in panoramic sights from Sunset Point. If you have plenty of time, you can also visit the Artist Village, Step Garden, and Rose Garden which add a charming cultural touch to this hill station. Saputara is an ideal weekend getaway if you are exploring places to visit near Vadodara for adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both.

Wilson Hills

You cannot miss Wilson Hills on your list of attractions to visit near Vadodara. You can escape to the serene charm of this breezy hill station which is situated in the Sahyadri ranges of Gujarat. Just a short drive from Valsad, this hidden gem offers panoramic views of lush forests, rolling hills, and even the Arabian Sea on a clear day. It is located at 2,500 feet above sea level which offers the perfect views of nature. With scenic spots like Marble Chatri, Ozone Valley, and the iconic Sunrise and Sunset Points, every moment here is a picture-perfect memory, making it one of the best places of interest near Vadodara.

Mandvi Gate

Step into history at Mandvi Gate, a grand triple-arched gateway in the heart of Vadodara. It is among the places of interest near Vadodara for the history buffs as it takes them back to the olden times. It was once the city’s main entry point and now stands as a proud reminder of Mughal-inspired architecture. Built during the Gaekwad rule, this stunning structure was once a bustling toll gate for visitors. Its central dome and symmetrical arches offer a timeless charm that one cannot help but notice. While exploring places to see near Baroda, Mandvi Gate should be a must-visit on your checklist.

Sarthana Nature Park

Looking for a fun day out with nature and wildlife? Sarthana Nature Park in Surat is the perfect pick among the attractions near Vadodara! It is spread across 81 acres by the Tapi River and is home to lions, tigers, leopards, and a variety of birds. You can visit this zoological park for a family getaway as it offers peaceful vibes and a refreshing atmosphere. For a longer trip, do not miss out on other places to go near Vadodara while you are exploring Gujarat.

What are the most famous foods in Vadodara?

Apart from the places to see near Baroda, there is a variety of food items to be explored by the tourists. When you visit the city and places near it, you will find a blend of Maharashtrian, Gujarati, and Parsian flavours that have been passed on for many years. You will also taste a great influence of Mughals, Rajputs, and the British colonial times in their dishes. One of the best things to do in Vadodara India is to explore the lip-smacking food mentioned below: -

Sev Usal: While exploring the tourist attractions near Vadodara, you can have a bite of this famous street food. It is made with dried green peas and topped with onion, sev, and lemon. Sev Usal is served with three condiments, including lemon juice, red chilli oil, and green chilli chutney.

Dhokla: You cannot miss Dhokla if you are in any part of Gujarat. It is a steamed and spongy cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter. Typically, Dhokla is served with a sweet and spicy chutney to elevate its taste.

Fafda-Jalebi: A popular breakfast in Gujarat is Fafda-Jalebi, a sweet and salty combination that satiates the taste buds. Fafdas are long strips of gram flour prepared with turmeric and cardamom seeds and Jalebis are round, sticky wheat flour fried items that are dipped in sugar syrup for a sweet taste.

Gathiya: It is a fried snack made from chickpea flour. You can enjoy it with a cup of tea with your travel partner.

Special Mentions: Some other popular food items that you can enjoy while exploring the places to see near Vadodara are Batata Vada, Veg Biryani, Pav Bhaji, Kachori, and Dabeli.

What is the best time to visit Vadodara?

Vadodara welcomes you year-round, but the ideal time for Vadodara tourism in Gujarat depends on your desired experience. The winter season (October to February) is considered the best to visit Vadodara as the weather is cool and pleasant. You can enjoy sightseeing and explore places like Laxmi Vilas Palace, Sayaji Garden, and Champaner without the heat. Additionally, Vadodara hosts one of the biggest Garba celebrations in India during this time. The vibes are vibrant, colourful, and truly unforgettable. The summer season starts from March to June and is hot with temperatures reaching 42°C. But if you don’t mind the heat, you can enjoy fewer crowds and off-season hotel rates. You can also opt to go to places to visit nearby Vadodara in the monsoon season which starts in July and ends in September. During this time you will witness lush green landscapes with moderate to heavy rain. To make your trip more refreshing you can visit Ajwa Water Park and nearby waterfalls.

How can I reach Vadodara?

Vadodara, also known as Baroda, is well-connected to major cities across India. Following are the ways how you can reach this vibrant city with ease and go on to visit places near Vadodara: -

By Air: If you want to travel via air, the Vadodara Airport (BDQ) is just 6 km from the city centre. It operates daily flights from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, etc. On reaching the airport, you can take a taxi, shuttle, bus, or auto to reach your destination.

By Rail: Vadodara Junction is the major railway hub in Gujarat which you have to reach if you travelling via rail. This junction lies on the Mumbai–Delhi route where trains like Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Duronto halt.

By Road: You can also take a road trip to Vadodara with your family or friends. The city is linked by national highways like NH-48 and NH-64. The distance from Mumbai is 400 km and from Ahmedabad is 100 km. Travelling via road is beneficial for those who want to cover all the attractions near Vadodara conveniently.

From nature parks to picnic places, there is a lot to visit near Baroda. You can pick one of the Vadodara tour packages from reputed travel agencies like Veena World among others to have a well-planned vacation with family or friends.