Posted 17 November 2022 in Culture & Heritage

Why Vadodara should be the next destination you travel to

Based on Vishwamitri River banks, the cosmopolitan city of Vadodara is the third-largest city in Gujarat. It is also called the cultural capital as it has been ruled by Jain, Islamic, and Hindu rulers. The enchanting city is dotted with a number of mesmerizing architectural sites, ancient temples, historical monuments, breathtaking palaces, beautiful gardens, museums and art galleries, thereby catering to different types of visitors.

Earlier, the city was called Chandravti, named after the ruler Raja Chandan and then its name was changed to Virvati. Later, because the city was widely covered with banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri river, it was named Vadpatra. The city of Vadodara has everything, from shopping centres to delectable traditional food. It has a vibrant culture and a lively environment.

Tourist attractions to visit in Vadodara

1. Laxmi Vilas Palace

With a perfect blend of luxury, beautiful architecture, and grandeur, Laxmi Vilas Palace is the residence of the city’s royal family. Built in 1980, the palace offers an insight into the Indo-Saracenic architectural style. It was constructed by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, featuring amazing architecture, fountains, artworks, multicoloured marble, paintings, mosaic tiles, chandeliers, and Belgium stained glass windows. The palace is sprawled over 700 acres and is four times larger than London Buckingham Palace. The durbar hall in the palace is the most elegant place where they host music concerts and cultural events. The palace is open from 9 AM to 5 PM and is closed on Monday. Photography is strictly prohibited in the palace. So, it is advised not to break any rules.

2. Baroda Museum

Baroda Museum is situated within Sayaji Bagh, and was built in 1894 by the Gaekwads. Along with the museum, there is also a picture gallery and these are two separate buildings constructed in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. The museum displays an amazing collection of natural history, earth sciences, textiles, miniatures, and paintings. Furthermore, the museum library displays over 23000 books on different genres and subjects. The museum opens at 10:30 AM and closes at 5:30 PM.

3. Sayaji Bagh

Sayaji Bagh, which is also popularly known as Kamati Baug, is known to be the largest garden in the Western Indian region. It was built in 1879 by Maharaja Sayajirao III and is sprawled over 45 hectares of land. The garden displays two museums, a zoo, a flower clock, a planetarium, and an operational toy train. There are around 96 species of trees in the garden. It also consists of a separate kid’s park with swings. The entry is free for all visitors.

4. Aurobindo Ashram

The popular Aurobindo Ashram was founded by the famous Indian freedom fighter, yoga guru, and philosopher, Aurobindo Ghose. Here, you can declutter your mind and reduce all your stress by meditating, doing yoga, or just sitting and relaxing in a peaceful environment. It is open between 6 AM and 8 PM and features a library, sales emporium, and a study room.

5. Sursagar Lake

The heavenly Sursagar Lake lies in the middle of the city of Vadodara. It was rebuilt with stone banks and masonry in the 18th century. Also known as Chandan Talao, the lake is one of the most liked places by tourists and it also offers boating. There is a concrete wall around the lake where visitors can sit and relax. It also displays a 120 ft. tall statue of Lord Shiva which was built by Vadodara Municipal Corporation. It is one of the most peaceful and elegant places to visit in Vadodara.

6. Kirti Mandir

Kirti Mandir is a beautiful holy temple where the annual Rangoli Exhibition takes place around Diwali. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and also features the cenotaphs of the royal family. Made of marble and carved murals, the temple is the most elegant site to plan a visit. It also displays a beautiful garden and an exhibition space.

7. Makarpura Palace

Built in 1870, the Makarpura Palace is one of the magnificent palaces to visit in Vadodara. The palace is located on the Paligate Street It has an italian touch of architecture and was renovated after it was built. Now, the Indian Air Force runs it and has now served as a training school. It is open on all the days between 9 AM to 6 PM.

8. Sayaji Gardens

Situated on the Vinoba Bhave road, the Sayaji Gardens is sprawling across a land of 45 hectares and is considered to be one of the most beautiful gardens in Vadodara. It was named after the great Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. The garden features 98 types of trees, a planetarium, a zoo, a toy train for children, and a flower clock. The garden is open from 9:30 AM to 6 PM on all the days and has a very minimal entrance fee.

9. Narmada Canal

The picturesque Narmada Canal is a beautiful place in the heart of Vadodara. Suitable for couples, here at the canal, you can enjoy the mesmerizing view, can walk in the tranquil nature, or can enjoy the beautiful sunrise. The canal also features some of the amazing facilities such as food stalls, storage, locker, and washrooms.

10. S Cube Water Park

S Cube Water Park is located in Ajwa, Vadodara. It features numerous fun water rides where you can plan a visit with your family and kids. Along with the irdes, you can also enjoy the delicious food at the Food Island on the site. The place is open from 10:30 AM to 6 PM and is enjoyed by people of all ages. The cost of the entrance fee is 500 per person which makes it quite affordable for the visitors.

11. Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden

The Ajwa Nimeta Dam Garden features lush green lawns and beautiful palm trees. It is spread on a 130 acre land and is inspired by the Vrindavan Gardens of Mysore. It also features a perfectly aligned musical fountain show every evening which is liked by all the tourists.

Travel tips for Vadodara

While you are in Vadodara, don’t forget to explore the street food and the traditional Gujarati thalis. You can get a wide variety of street food at cheap prices.
You should carry a reusable water bottle as most of the places have drinking water facilities.
Gujarat is a dry state so do not carry alcohol.

How to reach Vadodara?

By Air: Vadodara International Airport serves the city and is easily accessible from the city. It offers domestic as well as international flights. IndiGo operates flights to Vadodara from major cities of the country. You can take a taxi or a cab from Vadodara airport to reach your hotel or explore the city.

By Rail: Vadodara Junction Railway Station is the busiest railway station in the state of Gujarat. It is also one of the major railway stations in India. The railway station features premium trains such as Shatabdi and Rajdhani Express that connect Vadodara to major cities of the country such as Delhi and Mumbai.

By Road: Vadodara is easily connected with highly developed and super fast highways. You can easily avail buses from STC bus station which is located in proximity to Vadodara Junction Railway Station. You can conveniently explore the different cities of Gujarat through buses.

Best Hotels to Stay in Vadodara

If you are planning to visit Vadodara, you must choose a perfect stay to make yourself feel comfortable. With a lot of luxurious and royal homestays and hotels, you will find amazing options to choose from. These hotels feature all the basic amenities as well as the luxuries to make their guests feel at home away from home.

Some of the top hotels and the most ideal places to stay in Vadodara are:

Sayaji Hotel Vadodara
Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels
Vivanta Vadodara
Hyatt Place Vadodara
Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace
The Gateway Hotel Vadodara
EastInn Residences
Royal Orchid Vadodara
Lemon Tree Hotel Vadodara
The Fern Residency

Must-try foods in Vadodara

Gujarati Thali
Mahakali Sev Usal
Pyarelal ki kachori
Khichu
Jalaram Lassi

Climate

Vadodara has a tropical climate and the average temperature is 27.2°C. During the months of summer, the city witnesses more rainfall as compared to winters. January is known to be the coldest month of the year, whereas May is considered to be the hottest.

Best time to visit Vadodara

Winter and monsoon remain the best seasons to plan your visit to Vadodara. During winters, the weather is pleasant and you will enjoy the breeze. Monsoons would be great too to plan a visit to Vadodara. The temperature lies between 24°C and 38°C during monsoons.

Conclusion

Vadodara is a cultural hub, exhibiting traditional food, clothes, antiques, ancient history, and vibrant lifestyle. The city is also popular for the Navratri festival, the pooja of Goddess Durga. The people of Vadodara celebrate this festival with ultimate enthusiasm. With innumerable tourist attractions, natural sightseeing parks, beautiful and soothing lakes, and ancient temples, you will find a lot of things to do in Vadodara. Moreover, along with these beautiful places, the city also features the most delectable traditional food.