Formerly famous as Baroda, the city is now known as Vadodara and is in the state of Gujarat. Nestling on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, the city is the third-largest in population.
The city proudly boasts its architectural, historical, archaeological, and cultural legacy of more than a thousand years. Regin of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III was the golden era in Vadodara's history. Hence the city is also reckoned as 'the Sayaji Nagari.'
Historical Background
The history of Vadodara has many interesting and hidden facts. The initial entry was made by trade settlers in 812 AD. Further, Hindu Kings ruled Vadodara till 1297. The intense rivalry between the Gupta Empire and Chalaukya Dynasty led to the battle. And finally, the Chalaukya Dynasty ruled the place.
Further in the hands of Rajputs, Mughals, Sultans, Maratha Gaekwads, and finally Britishers. The city hides the secrets of all these dynasties. The glorious history began with Maratha General Pilaji Rao Gaekwad and his descendants conquering and defeating the Mughals from 1726-1734.
Hence, Gaekwad became the most powerful ruler of the region. The regin of Maharaja Sayajirao III became golden period in 1875. As it was an era of achievements and progress in all fields. In addition, establishing education, library systems, art and architecture, university, factory, and museums. A Jain writer in the medieval period described Vadodara as “Tilak on the Brove of Lata.”
Vadodara – A city of rich architecture, art, and culture and a business hub
The town is famous for its palaces and museums that are a source of major tourist attractions. The palaces unfold the history of Vadodara with interesting facts about the same. The city is also emerging fast as a business hub.
The city is proud to be home to some of the world-famous educational institutes, including the MS University. Currently, Baroda is blooming in the field of the industrial and commercial hub. It has also engrossed itself in many international IT Companies to set up their operational centers.
Culture
Vadodara, synonym with a laurel, 'The Sanskari Nagari,’ means ‘the city of culture and values.’
The city is referred to as the most cultured city because of the broadmindedness of the people and the quality education offered.
Boasting its true cosmopolitan culture, Vadodara shelters people from diverse casts, creeds, religions, and geographical and cultural backgrounds without biases or discrimination. The majority of the people are Hindus, and the festival celebrated with great pomp and show is Garba during Navratras.
Festival
Over 90% of the population of Vadodara follows Hinduism. Therefore, the culture of Vadodara is heavily tinted with the influence of Hindu traditional festivals. Such as Diwali, Holi, Uttarayan, Navaratri, Ganesh Chaturthi, and Gudi Padva, and so on. Vadodara has achieved tremendous acclaim as the most sought-after destination for enjoying and relishing the most authentic taste of Garba culture in the entire Gujarat State. Navaratri Festival is the largest annual Vadodara festival. The celebration with unparalleled gusto and enthusiasm by young and old alike.
The youngsters wearing colorful traditional clothes dance to the tunes of Dhol for nine nights. And the city never sleeps for the whole Navaratri Festival. The ambiance turns thoroughly vigorous, lively, and electrifying. Hence this is the most ideal time to pay a visit to Vadodara. The local musicians' Garba and Ras songs comprise the exclusive feature of the Gujarati ethnicity.
Current Scenario
With the establishment of Gujarat refinery and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. in 1962, Vadodara gained momentum in the industrial segment and education and cultural sector. Various major large-scale industries in Vadodara offer a lot of employment opportunities to the people living there.
In the fields of sports, Vadodara has its own professional cricket team, which has won Ranji Trophy six times. Even in the field of education also, the institutes of Vadodara offer quality education to their students.
Climate and best time to visit
Tropical and savannah type of climate is seen in Vadodara with a variance in climatic conditions. The best time to visit Vadodara is from October to March.
Accommodation
Get the royal treatment in some of the luxurious hotels in Vadodara like Hotel Surya Palace or Hotel Express Towers. If you are looking for mid-range hotels, the city has an ample amount of options like The Fern Residency.
If you are traveling solo or with friends and looking for inexpensive accommodation options, the city has those as well, like Hotel Avista.
By Air:
Vadodara has an airport, Vadodara Airport. From the airport, take an auto or hire a taxi to visit places in Vadodra.
By Train:
The nearest railway station is Vadodara Junction Railway Station. The station connects to all the major cities of the country. Hire an auto or a cab to reach the desired location.
By Bus:
Vadodara connects to the rest of the cities in the country with good highways. Hence it is a most comfortable and speedy option.
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