The name of the city was officially changed from Baroda to Vadodara in 1974.
Would you like to explore a destination that has been given the title of the ‘Cultural Capital of Gujarat’? We’re talking about Baroda or Vadodara, a delightful city whose beauty you can experience with Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages. Situated in the central area of Gujarat, on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara is a shining example of the state’s cultural harmony. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, tourist attractions, and shopping scene of the city so you can understand why Vadodara is a must-visit for every traveller out there.
Would you like to explore a destination that has been given the title of the ‘Cultural Capital of Gujarat’? We’re talking about Baroda or Vadodara, a delightful city whose beauty you can experience with Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages. Situated in the central area of Gujarat, on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, Vadodara is a shining example of the state’s cultural harmony. Let’s do a deep dive into the art, history, culture, cuisine, tourist attractions, and shopping scene of the city so you can understand why Vadodara is a must-visit for every traveller out there.
The city of Vadodara was originally known as Vadapadraka, which translates to ‘a village amidst the banyan trees’. Over time, it was ruled by several dynasties, such as the Gurjara-Pratiharas, Solankis, Delhi Sultanate, and the Mughals. Vadodara came under the control of the Gaekwad dynasty in the early 18th century. They were a powerful royal Maratha family who were responsible for much of the city’s development. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, in particular, led the development of the city in several fields, including education, urban planning, and transportation. During the colonial era, Vadodara was among the princely states that were under indirect British administration. Once India achieved independence in 1947, Vadodara joined the state of Bombay. It became a part of Gujarat in 1960. The name of the city was officially changed to Vadodara in 1974.
| Category | Details |
| City | Baroda/Vadodara |
| Currency | The Indian Rupee (INR) |
| High season | October to March |
| State Flower of Gujarat | Marigold |
| Standard Voltage | 230 volts |
| State Animal of Gujarat | The Asiatic lion |
| Languages | Official: Gujarati ; unofficial: Hindi, Marathi, English |
| Famous Tourist Attractions | Laxmi Vilas Palace, Ajwa Garden, EME Temple, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple, Kirti Mandir, Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery |
| Things To Do | Trekking, hiking, camping, kayaking, rock climbing, ziplining |
| Famous Food | Sev usal, fafda-jalebi, dabeli, poha, kachori, pav bhaji |
| Best Getaways | Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park, Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, Udaipur, Mount Abu |
| Souvenirs To Buy | Patola sarees, bandhani and block prints, jewellery, handicrafts, local snacks |
Listed below are the top reasons to book Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages:
Everywhere you look in Vadodara, nature smiles widely at you, which is something you will get to experience with our Vadodara tour packages. When you visit Ajwa Garden, you can lay your eyes on its tall trees, manicured lawns, blooming flowers, and perfectly designed pathways. At the Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary, you will come face-to-face with a wide variety of wildlife, including barking deer, jackals, hyenas, and wild boars. Indulge in a delightful getaway from Vadodara to Mount Abu, which is perched at the centre of the Aravalli Range.
If you’re hoping to experience a spiritual ambience with our Vadodara tour packages, then you will get that in plenty. The city is brimming with places of religious and spiritual significance that will fill your soul with peace. There is the EME Temple, which worships Dakshinamurthy, who is a form of Lord Shiva. Pay your respects at the Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple, which is dedicated to Nilkanth Varni, the teenage yogi form of Lord Swaminarayan. Make your way to the Kirti Mandir, a structure serving as a royal mausoleum of the Gaekwad dynasty.
By grabbing our Vadodara tour packages, you will get to taste the delicious foods available in the city. The cuisine of Vadodara reflects the rich flavours of Gujarati cuisine, which has influences of Maharashtrian and South Indian foods. The city has numerous savoury breakfast items to choose from, including poha and kachoris. There is a wide variety of dishes served with pav, such as sev usal, pav bhaji, and dabeli. You should also taste the iconic food combo known as fafda-jalebi. Make sure to try out the famous sweet dishes, such as pedas and basundi.
The rich culture of Vadodara shines proudly in multiple ways, be it through the city’s cuisine, architectural beauties, handicrafts, or festivals. The markets of Vadodara are evidence of the skills of the region’s artisans. From sarees and fabrics to jewellery, wooden crafts, and handmade toys, they produce it all. The colourful festivals celebrated in the city throughout the year reflect the city’s cultural diversity. The intricate history of the region is visible in every corner of the monuments and edifices the city is home to, such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, and Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.
Let’s take a look at what each season in Vadodara brings about so you can accordingly decide when to book Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages:
During the summer season, the range of temperatures in Vadodara usually oscillates between 28 degrees Celsius and 42 degrees Celsius. Due to the scorching heat, this isn’t the ideal time to visit Vadodara. Therefore, tourists are advised to explore the indoor places in the city, such as the museums. Since this is the off-season, you can grab our Vadodara tour packages at discounted rates. Make sure to pack light cotton clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats. Always carry a bottle of water when you go sightseeing, as it can prevent dehydration. You might also want to carry an umbrella to shield yourself from the extreme heat.
The temperature range during the monsoon season in Vadodara usually ranges between 24 degrees Celsius and 38 degrees Celsius. The city receives heavy rainfall from the southwest monsoon during this season, making the natural beauty of the region come alive. Although the temperature goes down a bit, there is still humidity. It’s a good time to explore the parks, waterfalls, and gardens in Vadodara. Remember to pack umbrellas and rain boots. The festivals that you could experience in the city with our Vadodara tour packages include Teej, Raksha Bandhan, Nag Panchami, and Saputara Monsoon Festival.
As Vadodara welcomes the winter season, the temperature usually fluctuates between 15 degrees Celsius and 30 degrees Celsius. The pleasant weather makes this the best time to explore the city with our Vadodara tour packages. Some of the festivals celebrated in Vadodara at this time are Navratri, Diwali, Dussehra, and Makar Sankranti. Make sure to grab Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages in advance since this is the peak tourist season.
The Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park is situated in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. It was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The site includes tombs, monuments, mosques, fortresses, forts, arches, and stepwells, all of which were built between the 8th and 14th centuries. Built during the reign of Sultan Mahmud Begada, the park is a piece of the country’s history, back when Champaner was the capital of Gujarat. Some of the most architecturally and culturally relevant spots to explore at this location with our Vadodara tour packages are the Jama Masjid and the Kalika Mata Temple.
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. Sprawling over an area of about 130.38 sq km., the sanctuary is renowned for its rolling hills, rich biodiversity, and dense forests. Established in 1989, it was officially declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1990. Some of the animals you could come across at this location with our Vadodara tour packages include wild boars, hyenas, jackals, barking deer, nilgais, and chausinghas.
Udaipur, which is popularly known as the ‘City of Lakes’, is situated in the southernmost part of Rajasthan in the Aravalli Range. It was founded in 1559 by Maharana Udai Singh II of the Sisodia Rajput clan and became the capital of the Mewar kingdom in 1568. The cultural heritage of Udaipur is tied deeply to its cuisine, monuments, architecture, and arts and crafts, among other things. The architectural marvels of the city stand as a testament to its regal past and the royal members who once ruled Udaipur. From intricate carvings and arches to mirror work, palaces, and courtyards, there is much to admire about Udaipur’s architecture. Some of the architectural gems to explore in Udaipur with our Vadodara tour packages are City Palace, Bagore Ki Haveli, Monsoon Palace, and Jagdish Temple.
Mount Abu is situated in the heart of the Aravalli Range and is known to be the only hill station in Rajasthan. Guru Shikhar, which is located in Mount Abu, is the highest peak in the Aravalli Range, standing at a height of 5,650 feet. Some of the attractions you must visit in Mount Abu with our Vadodara tour packages are the Dilwara Temples, Toad Rock, Nakki Lake, Mount Abu Wildlife Sanctuary, Guru Shikhar, and Gaumukh Temple.
With Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages, here are the places you can visit and the activities you can explore:
The Laxmi Vilas Palace is the private residence of the royal family of Vadodara. Sprawling over an area of over 500 acres, the palace is renowned as the largest private residence in the world. It’s said to be almost four times bigger than Buckingham Palace and 10 times larger than Turkey’s Presidential Complex (known as the White Palace). The palace was commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III, and the construction was completed in 1890. The design of the palace was taken up by Major Charles Mant, the British architect. After he passed away, the work was completed by Robert Chisholm.
The Ajwa Garden, also known as the Ajwa Nimeta Garden or Vrindavan Garden, is a beautiful garden that is spread over an area of 130 acres. It is situated near the Ajwa Reservoir, about 25 km from Vadodara. The garden was modelled after the Brindavan Gardens in Mysore. The location is filled with lush green manicured lawns, colourful flowers, tall trees, and neatly arranged pathways. A fountain show takes place every Saturday, Sunday, Monday and on public holidays. With our Vadodara tour packages, you can visit the Ajwa Garden for walks and picnics.
The EME Temple in Vadodara, which is also known as the Dakshinamurthy Temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Located within the campus of the Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) School, the temple is managed by the Indian Army. Dakshinamurthy is a form of Lord Shiva, representing knowledge and wisdom. Built by the Electronics and Mechanical Engineers (EME) Corps of the Indian Army in 1966, the design of the temple is both attractive and modern, aiming to represent religious harmony. While the dome represents Islam, the kalash or holy pot represents Hinduism. The tower symbolises Christianity, and the golden structure on top of the tower represents Buddhism. The entrance was built as per the traditions of Jainism, and the sacred fire (havan kund) in the temple represents the customs of Zoroastrianism.
The Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum in Vadodara was originally built as a school for the children of the Gaekwad royal family. Back in the day, it was known as the Motibaug School. The school was converted into a museum in 1961. Situated within the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the aim of the museum was to preserve and showcase the extensive art collection of the royal family. One of the most prominent features of the museum is the wide collection of paintings by the renowned Indian artist, Raja Ravi Varma, most of which were commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III. Within the museum, visitors will also come across royal portraits and captivating scenes from Hindu mythology.
The Nilkanthdham Swaminarayan Temple, also known as the Poicha Temple, is dedicated to Nilkanth Varni, who is the teenage yogi form of Lord Swaminarayan. Situated on the banks of the Narmada River in the village of Poicha in Gujarat, the temple was built by the Swaminarayan Gurukul Rajkot Sansthan. Inaugurated in 2013 by Guruvarya Shree Devkrushndasji Swami, the temple complex has a 151-foot statue of Lord Swaminarayan. Within the complex, tourists will come across the Sahajanand Universe, an immersive cultural exhibition featuring various attractions, such as a diorama of Swaminarayan’s life and light and sound shows. There is also a mirror maze and a horror house that are particularly attractive for children.
The Kirti Mandir, also known as the Temple of Fame, is a royal mausoleum of the Gaekwad dynasty. It was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1936 to honour his ancestors and commemorate his Diamond Jubilee. Located near the Vishwamitri Bridge in Vadodara, the temple complex is E-shaped, featuring architectural features such as tombs, terraces, domes, balconies, and an intricately carved shikhara. The architecture displays a blend of Hindu, Jain, Mughal, and Buddhist designs. The interiors of the structure display murals by Nandalal Bose, who was a key figure of modern Indian art.
The Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery is a museum situated within the Sayaji Baug in Vadodara. Commissioned by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1887, the construction of the museum was completed in 1894. The art gallery was completed in 1914 and was opened to the public in 1921, with the delay being caused by the First World War. The museum was designed by architects Robert Chisholm and Major Mant in the Indo-Saracenic style of architecture. It was inspired by the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The location houses an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, textiles, miniatures, and archaeological artefacts. The pieces belong to India and various places around the world, including Europe, Nepal, China, Japan, and Egypt.
When you book Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages, you can experience the beauty of the city’s markets. The following are the things to buy and the markets to explore in Vadodara:
Patola sarees are silk sarees that originated in the city of Patan in Gujarat. Featuring the popular and intricate double ikat technique, these sarees are the symbol of luxury. Known for being durable, Patola sarees have detailed, vibrant, floral, and geometric designs.
One simply cannot leave Vadodara without witnessing the beauty of bandhani and block prints. The history of these textiles is deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Gujarat. There are numerous kinds of items you can buy with these prints, including sarees, dupattas, kurtas, and ghagras.
The artisanal craftsmanship of the workers of Vadodara is also evident in the form of jewellery. This includes tribal jewellery and beaded jewellery. Designed using traditional motifs, it reflects the cultural diversity of the region. You will also come across silver jewellery that’s perfect for both everyday wear and grand occasions.
The skilled craftsmen of Vadodara are known to create some of the most intricate and alluring items that you can decorate your home with. This includes wooden objects, pottery, terracotta items, and handmade toys. Remember to also check out the wall hangings and carpets that will elevate the beauty of any space.
Given that Vadodara is filled with an eclectic variety of snacks, it’s only natural to carry back some of it for yourself and your loved ones. There are numerous snacks to choose from in the city, such as khakda, dhokla, gathiya, fafda, and farsan.
Let’s recommend some of the lip-smacking dishes you must try out during your trip with Travel Guru’ Vadodara tour packages:
Sev usal is one of the most popular snacks and street foods in Vadodara. It’s consumed for breakfast, brunch, and even lunch. Made using peas, it’s a spicy and tangy curry that includes a variety of Indian spices. It’s topped with sev, chopped onions, coriander, and a squeeze of lemon. The dish is usually served along with pav or bread buns.
When it comes to food combinations, there are very few as iconic and beloved as fafda and jalebi. Commonly eaten during breakfast, this snack is also popular during festivals and slow Sunday mornings. Fafdas are crispy and slightly salty strips made using yellow gram flour, cardamom seeds, and turmeric, served with a green chutney. Jalebis are hot, crispy desserts made by deep-frying flour batter, which is then dipped in a sugary syrup. The combination of the salty fafdas and the sweet jalebis will surely leave you asking for more.
Dabeli is a popular snack that originated in the Kutch region of Gujarat. It consists of a tangy and spicy potato filling that is garnished with sev and pomegranate seeds. The filling is stuffed inside a bun or pav and is served along with a chutney.
Poha is a go-to breakfast item in Vadodara and is the perfect mix of delicious and healthy. Made using flattened rice, the dish also includes turmeric, cumin, onions, chillies, and curry leaves. At times, it can also have other vegetables such as potatoes, tomatoes, and green peas. It’s usually garnished with coriander and lime juice.
Kachori is a beloved spicy and crispy snack in Vadodara. Made using refined flour, the batter is turned into round balls and deep-fried till they turn crispy and golden brown. It’s usually garnished with tomatoes, onions, tamarind chutney, and different sauces. The mixture also includes puffed rice and sev.
Pav Bhaji is yet another bun-based dish that’s popular in Vadodara. The bhaji is a thick gravy wherein different vegetables are cooked and mashed together, thereby creating a rich and complex flavour. The bun is soft and generously buttered. The combination is served alongside onions and lemon.
The rich cultural heritage of Vadodara comes alive in numerous ways, such as through its cuisine, architecture, handicrafts, and festivals. In the artisan villages of the region, the skill of creating handmade items is not only perfected over generations but also celebrated. This leads to the development of handicrafts and products that are popular as souvenirs among visitors and tourists. The handicrafts of Vadodara include wooden objects, handmade toys, terracotta items, and pottery. The handmade beauty of objects also extends to textiles in Vadodara, such as bandhani prints and Patola sarees. The monuments of Vadodara take you back to the glorious past of the region, as is seen through structures such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery.
Several vibrant festivals are celebrated in Vadodara throughout the year. One of the most popular festivals is Uttarayan. It’s a two-day festival which usually takes place in January. Also known as the Festival of Kites, the sky gets filled with kites of different colours and designs as various communities come together to celebrate this festival on rooftops. It marks the end of winter as the city gets ready to embrace the summer season. Some of the other festivals celebrated in Vadodara are Navratri, Holi, Diwali, Dussehra, Rath Yatra, and Janmashtami.
The name of the city was officially changed from Baroda to Vadodara in 1974.
The title given to Vadodara is that of the 'Cultural Capital of Gujarat' or 'Sanskari Nagari'.
Vadodara is famous for many things, including its rich culture, interesting history, architectural marvels, and delicious cuisine.
The city is called Vadodara because of its historical abundance of banyan trees, as the term 'vad' means 'banyan' in the Gujarati language.
We recommend you set aside about four days for a trip to Vadodara.
The Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary is about 70 km away from Vadodara.
The Bank of Baroda was established in 1908.
January is usually the coldest month in Vadodara.
Yes, it's very much doable to drive from Vadodara to Udaipur.
It takes around six hours to travel from Vadodara to Mount Abu by road.
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