Vadodara (Baroda) India Travel Guide

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Vadodara History

The city’s original name was Vadapadraka meaning the city between the banyan trees. The first noted history of the city was of the early trader settlers who settled in the region in 812 A.D.

The province was mainly Hindu-dominated with Hindu kings ruling till the year 1297. The Gupta Dynasty was the first power rulers of the region. After fierce battles, the region was taken over by the Chalukya Dynasty. Finally, the kingdom was annexed by the Solankis.

By this time the Muslim rule had spread across India, and the reins of power were then snatched by the Delhi Sultans. The city was ruled for a long time by these Sultans, until they were easily overthrown by the grand Mughal emperors.

The Mughals biggest problem were the mighty Marathas who slowly but eventually took over the region.

It became the capital of the Maratha Gaekwads. Sayaji Rao III was the most able ruler of them, and he made many public and bureaucratic implementations in the region.

The British had a major influence on the region but Vadodara remained a princely state till Independence and like all other princely states, Vadodara also joined the Republic of India in 1947.

Vadodara Things To Do and Attractions

Laxmi Vilas Palace is one of the major tourist places in the city.

This former residence of the Maharajas has an interior decorated mostly in European style with marble statues to suffice it.

Close to the edifice is a step-well built in the previous era, known as the Naolakhi Baoli, meaning a well that can hold up to 9 million gallons of water.

Another popular Vadodara thing to do is to visit the Museum and Art Gallery. The museum has fine artefacts of the royal family, as well as a good collection of many European paintings and sculptures. An important display is the Akota Bronzes, which are Jain images dating back to the 5th century of that culture. Also on display are palm sized original Buddhist and Jain manuscripts.

The Pratap Vila Palace, another Vadodara attraction, is an example of the city’s rich culture. It is has a very interesting architecture, with an astonishing collection of sculptures made in terracotta and marble. It also has an incredible collection of old armoury.

If you have a passion for wildlife, a visit to the Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary is a must for Vadodara tourism. Sloth bears, leopards, barking deer and a variety of different animals and birds of prey are on display.

Vadodara Excursions

About 30 kilometers from the city is the Dabhoi Fort, a popular thing to do near Vadodara.

Built in the Solanki era, it has a reservoir and farm inside the fort to survive a long blockade.

One of the hotspots near the city is the Champaner-Pavagadh Archeological Park. It is located at a distance of about 50 kilometers, with a blend of Gujarathi- Islamic architectural buildings and palaces in the town. With more than 170 pillars, the Jama Masjid is a perfect example of the architecture of that era. The Patai Rawai Palace in Champaner, is another attraction near Vadodara worth visiting.

Approximately 95 kilometers from the city is the sacred city of Dakur, where it is believed that the original idol of Lord Krishna was found.

About 112 kilometers away is Ahmedabad, the capital of the state of Gujarat.

Vadodara Shopping

Vadodara being a commercial centre has it shares of malls, which have all the international brands to sell. Alkapuri and National Plaza are examples of such malls in the Vadodara, though the major Vadodara shopping areas are the Roopura and Lehripura Mandir bazaar.

Most goods in Vadodara are priced cheaper than in other cities, as a lot of manufacturing units of many companies are located on the outskirts of the city.

Vadodara Restaurants

Vadodara has many multi-cuisine restaurants alongside its own speciality. The city, being in Gujarat, has Gujrathi Thali as its speciality, as well as the Kathiwad style of cooking. It is a crime to leave the city without tasting the sweetmeats made of jaggery.

Vadodara Nightlife

Not much to write about here. Liquor is banned in the state of Gujarat, as it is the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi. Still, drinks are available at most of the 5-star rated hotels, although at costly prices.

Vadodara Getting There and Around

This is indeed a very charming city with a great climate. It is well connected by airways, roadways and railways.

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