Vadodara – Kingdom of Pathans, Mughals and Marathas
The city of Vadodara, earlier known as Baroda, is over 2000 years old and its origins go back deep into Indian history. It is one of the most popular cities in the state of Gujarat. This ancient city has been ruled by Pathans, Mughals and most recently by the Marathas. It is bordered by the Vishwamitri River, named after the revered Hindu Saint Vishwamitra. Vadodara is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pavagadh and Champaner.
Things to do in Vadodara
Visiting the EME Temple in Vadodara to experience how the Indian Army administers a holy site is an enlightening experience one can indulge in. Or, if you have a botanical bent of mind, the banyan tree that has its roots stretching 3 to 4 km wide at Kabirvad is surely going to be a delight.
Popular tourist attractions in Vadodara
The Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda which is a popular university to this day is of great historic as well as architectural importance here. Or, you could spend a lazy day at Sindhrot Check Dam and watch the beautiful fauna of cranes and storks. More conventionally, you can always visit the epically famous Laxmi Vilas Palace of Vadodara.
Places to shop in Vadodara
The Khanderao Market, Sayajipura Market, Kadak Bazaar, Ratri Bazaar, Tibetan Market and Madar Market are some of the exquisitely local markets and street markets for the pocket light shoppers. You are guaranteed to find some of the hottest bargains of Vadodara local products at these bustling flea markets.
Best time to visit Vadodara
The cold northerly winds during the months of October to March attract the highest influx of tourist crowds to Vadodara, making it the best time of the year to visit. The pleasant to mildly chilly weather during this time is responsible for it being the peak tourist season.
Mode of transport
The cheapest modes of transportation in Vadodara are buses and auto-rickshaws which are readily available all around the city. Also, the VITCOS buses cater to locations outside the city.
Weather in Vadodara
Vadodara has tropical savannah type weather which means a highest recorded temperature of 46.7 °C in the months of May and lowest temperatures recorded at around 10 – 15 °C during the winter months of November to January.
Airport in Vadodara
Vadodara International Airport (IATA: BDQ) has a domestic terminal that serves 500 passengers and operates around 30 weekly flights of IndiGo. The international terminal is newly constructed and set to operate even more flights and cater to a larger number of passengers.