Bike Rental in Vadodara Scooty on Rent in Vadodara for Palaces, Museums & Lakes

Laxmi Vilas Palace was completed in 1890 for Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III and is often described as one of the largest private residences ever built. Designed in the Indo-Saracenic style by Major Charles Mant, it still belongs to the royal family. Audio-guided tours cover the Durbar Hall, armoury and gardens. The Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum in the grounds displays paintings by Raja Ravi Varma. The estate also includes a golf course and the Moti Bagh cricket ground, and morning light on the facade is the best for photographs.

Sayaji Baug, also called Kamati Baug, was laid out in 1879 by Sayajirao Gaekwad III on the banks of the Vishwamitri river. It includes a zoo, a planetarium, a toy train and shaded lawns. Early mornings are popular with walkers and joggers. Two-wheeler parking is available at the main gate. Children enjoy the floral clock and the Sardar Patel Planetarium.

The Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery opened in 1894 and holds an impressive collection that includes the Akota bronzes, an Egyptian mummy and European paintings collected by the Gaekwads. Check the opening days before you visit and allow at least an hour inside. The building, by the same architects who worked on the palace, mixes Indian and European elements.

Kirti Mandir was built in 1936 as a memorial for the Gaekwad family. Its central shikhara is flanked by domes, and the inner walls carry murals by the Bengal artist Nandalal Bose. Access to the interior may be limited, so check before you ride over. It stands near the river, and the surroundings are quiet in the early morning.

The EME Temple, dedicated to Dakshinamurthy, was built by the Army's Corps of Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in 1966. Its geodesic dome is clad in aluminium sheets, giving it a unique look, especially when it is lit up after dark. The temple is inside a cantonment, so carry ID and follow security instructions. The sanctum features symbols from several faiths, reflecting the Army's secular spirit.

Sursagar Lake in the heart of the old city is crowned by a towering gilded statue of Shiva standing on a pedestal in the water. The promenade around it is a favourite evening hangout. Ride over after sunset to see the statue glowing, then park and walk around the lake. Riders arriving at Vadodara railway station will find Sayaji Baug, the museum and Kirti Mandir only a short ride away. Snack carts on the promenade sell pani puri and bhel in the evenings.