Old City Mandvi
A 16th-century city gate and bustling market, rich in history, culture, and vibrant street life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere and lights
Old City Mandvi
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere and lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 16th-century city gate and bustling market, rich in history, culture, and vibrant street life.
"Epicenter of Vadodara, housing a temple and surrounded by markets, offering great shopping and a taste of history."
🎯 Navratri Shopping Hotspot
A must-visit for Navratri shopping! Find traditional attire and accessories.
🚗 Parking Woes
Parking is a major issue, especially with a car. Arrive early or consider alternatives.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mandvi Gate
Center of Old City, Vadodara
An iconic 16th-century city gate with grand architecture, a symbol of Vadodara's royal history.
Rani no Hajiro
Manek Chowk Road, Old City
Historic mausoleum complex with intricate architecture, dedicated to queens of Ahmed Shah I.
Manek Chowk Market
Old City, Mandvi ni Pol
A vibrant market area, especially popular for Navratri shopping and traditional Gujarati snacks.
Azad Sevwala
Manek Chowk Road
A 75-year-old shop famous for its delicious 'chavanu' (savory snack) and 'puri shak'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Bustling Market
Historical Significance & Preservation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Navratri Shopping Hotspot
A must-visit for Navratri shopping! Find traditional attire and accessories.
🚗 Parking Woes
Parking is a major issue, especially with a car. Arrive early or consider alternatives.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for photography, especially in the evening when illuminated.
😋 Taste of Tradition
Don't miss local delicacies like 'chavanu' and 'puri shak' at historic eateries.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Navratri Shopping Hotspot
A must-visit for Navratri shopping! Find traditional attire and accessories.
🚗 Parking Woes
Parking is a major issue, especially with a car. Arrive early or consider alternatives.
📸 Photo Opportunities
Great for photography, especially in the evening when illuminated.
😋 Taste of Tradition
Don't miss local delicacies like 'chavanu' and 'puri shak' at historic eateries.
🚶♂️ Explore the Old City
Wander through the narrow lanes and discover century-old buildings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Old City Mandvi is lauded for its historical significance and vibrant market atmosphere, especially during Navratri. Visitors appreciate the grand architecture of Mandvi Gate and the culinary delights of Manek Chowk. However, some reviews mention the need for better maintenance of historical structures and significant challenges with parking and traffic congestion.
"A good architecture, but it is not maintained well . We cant get a proper photo of the gate as there is no photo point and traffic going around the gate. But if u r in baroda for the first time you can visit the place and the market near this place."
Jeevan Perutil
"One of the ancient structure built 500 years ago, later renovated and upgraded in 18th and 19th century, the tower assumes significance in the history of Vadodara city. The clock tower, with clocks affixed in all the four directions, is situated in the centre of old walled city, with four entrance gates built in four directions. It is one of the historical marvel of engineering having survived for five centuries, representing the cultural development of the region. It is built in such a way that clock is visible from all the four gates built in four sides of the city. The tower also has a small temple at its base and also housed a police camp therein. Now the condition of structure is dilapidated requiring immediate renovation and so has been vacated. The area around mandvi tower is highly populated and also is lined with shops resulting in regular traffic jams. Only experienced driver can drive through the city in evening time as also during holidays. There are numerous century old buildings. There are very less parking areas. Waiting time is shown only for traffic jams."
Kirankumar Somaiya
"Mandvi Gate is one of the most iconic and historic landmarks of Vadodara, reflecting the city’s rich cultural heritage. Built during the Gaekwad era, it stands tall in the heart of the city and immediately catches your eye with its grand architecture and beautiful carvings. The gate is not only a popular tourist attraction but also a symbol of Vadodara’s royal history. Surrounded by a busy market and vibrant local life, it gives you a real taste of the city’s charm. During festivals, the area around Mandvi Gate becomes even more lively with decorations and celebrations, making it a must-visit spot for locals and tourists alike. It’s well-maintained and offers great photo opportunities for history and architecture lovers. A true pride of Vadodara!"
urmish hirapara
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Old City Mandvi is centrally located in Vadodara. You can reach it by auto-rickshaw or taxi. If driving, be prepared for traffic congestion and limited parking options.
Local buses and auto-rickshaws are readily available to reach the vicinity of Mandvi Gate. It's a well-connected area within the city.
Walking is often the best way to explore the narrow lanes and markets of the Old City. For longer distances, auto-rickshaws are convenient.
Mandvi Gate itself serves as a major entrance. The area is a network of interconnected lanes and markets, so you can enter from various points.
Old City Mandvi is approximately 3-4 km from Vadodara Railway Station, a short auto-rickshaw or taxi ride away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Mandvi Gate is a historical landmark and public space, so there is no entry fee. You can visit it freely.
Mandvi Gate is accessible at all times. The surrounding market, including Manek Chowk, typically operates from morning until late evening, with specific shop timings varying. Some food stalls in Manek Chowk are open late into the night.
Rani no Hajiro is a historical site and generally accessible without an entry fee, though it's advisable to check for any recent changes.
Yes, there is a temple at the base of Mandvi Gate that visitors can access.
While official guided tours might be limited, you can hire local guides in the area or explore independently, soaking in the atmosphere.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
You can find a wide variety of goods, including traditional clothing, jewelry, handicrafts, and street food. It's particularly famous for Navratri shopping.
Manek Chowk is a food paradise! Look for famous spots like Azad Sevwala for 'chavanu' and 'puri shak', and Shree Ram Vijay Hindu Hotel for 'fafda jalebi'.
Yes, the area is dotted with numerous eateries, from street food stalls to traditional restaurants offering authentic Gujarati cuisine.
Many food stalls in Manek Chowk are open late into the night, making it a popular spot for evening snacks and meals.
Bargaining is common in the local markets, especially for clothing and accessories. Be polite and have fun with it!
📸 📸 Photography
Mandvi Gate itself, Rani no Hajiro, and the bustling market lanes offer great photographic opportunities. The evening light adds a magical touch.
It can be challenging to get a clear, unobstructed photo of Mandvi Gate due to traffic and vendors. Try to find a vantage point or visit during less busy hours.
Evenings and nights are particularly photogenic as the gate and surrounding areas are often illuminated.
Generally, photography is allowed in public areas. However, always be respectful of people's privacy and ask permission before photographing individuals.
A smartphone with good low-light capabilities is sufficient for most visitors. A wide-angle lens can be useful for capturing the grandeur of the gate.
🎫 🏛️ History & Culture
Mandvi Gate is a 16th-century city gate, a historical marvel of engineering that has survived for centuries and represents Vadodara's rich cultural development.
Rani no Hajiro is a historic mausoleum complex dedicated to the queens of Ahmed Shah I, known for its intricate architecture.
Yes, the Old City is lined with numerous century-old buildings, offering a glimpse into the region's past.
This area is the epicenter of Vadodara's cultural heritage, reflecting its royal history and vibrant local life.
While Mandvi Gate is a historical marvel, some reviews suggest it requires maintenance. Rani no Hajiro is also noted for its intricate architecture.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the historical sites like Mandvi Gate are interesting, the bustling nature of the area might require keeping a close eye on younger children. Parking can be a significant challenge, so consider using public transport or arriving early to avoid the evening rush. The vibrant atmosphere during Navratri can be exciting, but also overwhelming, so plan your visit accordingly.
🛍️ Budget Travelers
Navigating the area is also budget-friendly, with local auto-rickshaws and buses being cost-effective options. While parking might incur a small fee, it's generally less expensive than in more commercialized areas. The overall experience provides great value for money, allowing you to soak in the local culture and history without breaking the bank.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for challenging lighting conditions and crowds. Early mornings offer softer light and fewer people, while evenings provide dramatic lighting from street lamps and shop signs. Experiment with different angles to overcome the traffic and vendor obstructions around Mandvi Gate. Capturing the essence of the local culture and the historical charm of the area will yield rewarding photographic results.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Historic Mandvi Gate
While it's a symbol of pride for Vadodara, some visitors note that the structure could benefit from better maintenance. Despite this, its presence in the heart of a bustling market makes it a focal point of local life and a must-see for those interested in the city's past. The gate is particularly striking when illuminated in the evening, offering a different perspective than its daytime grandeur.
For photographers, capturing the Mandvi Gate can be a challenge due to the constant traffic and vendors surrounding it. However, finding the right angle or visiting during quieter hours can yield impressive shots. The gate's historical significance and its integration into the vibrant daily life of the city make it a compelling attraction.
The Culinary Delights of Manek Chowk
Another highly recommended spot is Shree Ram Vijay Hindu Hotel, which serves popular items like 'fafda jalebi'. These eateries offer a genuine taste of local Ahmedabad cuisine and are a significant draw for both residents and tourists. The vibrant atmosphere of Manek Chowk, particularly in the evenings, adds to the dining experience, making it a popular spot for locals to gather and enjoy a meal.
Beyond these specific recommendations, the entire Manek Chowk area is a hub for street food. Visitors can explore various stalls offering everything from chaat to local sweets. It's advisable to try a few different things to get a true sense of the culinary diversity. Remember that many of these food stalls operate late into the night, making it a perfect destination for an evening snack or a late-night meal.
Navratri Shopping Extravaganza
Vendors set up stalls showcasing the latest trends and traditional designs, making it a one-stop shop for all your Navratri needs. The atmosphere is electric, with music and a palpable sense of excitement filling the air. It's not just about shopping; it's an experience that captures the essence of Gujarati culture during this auspicious time.
Visitors are encouraged to explore the various lanes and shops to find the best deals and unique items. Bargaining is a common practice here, so don't hesitate to negotiate prices politely. The sheer variety and vibrancy of the shopping experience make it a highlight for many who visit the Old City during this period.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit