From handmade puppets and toys to beadwork and block printing, Vadodara is home to some of the most fascinating works of human art. The state government has always promoted the handicrafts industry that produces the most marvellous Terracotta, Kalamkari, Rogan and other magnificent handwork. These masterpieces often hark back to the wondrous history of Vadodara where it was celebrated as a centre of art and learning under its former name of Baroda.
Things to do in Vadodara
Aurobindo Ashram founded by the Indian freedom fighter Aurobindo Ghosh is a healing centre to practice yoga and meditation if wellness tourism is what you are looking for. Vadodara offers a host of other fun things to do like splashing your friends with colours at India’s biggest paintball field – Delta 9.
Popular tourist attractions in Vadodara
Laxmi Vilas Palace, Shayaji Baug Zoo, and Baroda Museum and Art Gallery are the top most popular attractions for tourists travelling with family in Vadodara. Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, the modernistic EME temple and Makarpura Palace are among other popular places for tourists to satiate the travel bug within them.
Places to shop in Vadodara
Some traditional shopping markets in Vadodara are Roupura, Mandvi, Teen Darwaza and Lehripura Mandir Bazaar. Here you can secure reasonable bargains for exotic items like ghagra cholis, appliqued quilts, beadwork saree, trousseaus and other embroidered fabric, which are exclusive to the markets of Vadodara and Gujarat.
Best time to visit Vadodara
Summer months in Vadodara are scorching hot and tourists usually avoid this time of the year. The monsoon months of July to September are a good time to visit if you prefer rainy days while the months of October to March are considered the best months for sightseeing.
Mode of Transport
With well-connected routes, VITCOS city buses run throughout the city of Vadodara. However, auto-rickshaws are still the most popular and somewhat comfortable modes of transportation for tourists in Vadodara.
Weather in Vadodara
Vadodara receives about 800 mm of annual rainfall. The city has a generally semi-arid type of weather making it somewhat humid during summers when the mercury rises to 42°C. Winters, however, experience much more pleasant weather.
Airport in Vadodara
Vadodara Airport (IATA: BDQ) is located in the north-eastern zone of the city and primarily caters to domestic traffic. IndiGo operates roughly 30 non-stop flights weekly from Vadodara to other cities of India like Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. The 4519-sq m domestic terminal has a capacity to handle 500 passengers.