Population: About 1,306,035
Climate: Unless heat is something you absolutely need, summer may be skippable when temperatures can smoulder at 44°C.Winters are a much better bet, being pleasant at 31°C. Monsoons are moderate and last from mid-June to mid-September.
Main Language(s): Gujarati, Hindi and English Time Zone: GMT + 05:30 Phone Area Code: 0265
Best Time To Visit: You could plan a trip here the year around but the cooler months from October to March are the best.
Airport Distance from City Center: 10 kms Taxi Rates from Airport to City: Private taxis available for a flat rate of Rs. 250 for non-A/C and Rs. 350 for A/C within octroi limit.
Laxmi Vilas Palace The royal residence of the royal family is royally splendid. Built by Maharaja Sayajirao III in 1878 in the Indo-Saracenic style, the palace was completed in 1890. There are extensive collections of sculptures, both bronze and marble, as well as old armour that stir interest. The Fatehsingh Rao Museum on the grounds houses old paintings and other pieces of art and is a definite must see. Also make time and visit the nearby Naulakhi Well, which is called a baoli or a step-well. Baroda Museum Things from times gone by are what museums are normally about and this one is no different. Built in 1894, the Baroda Museum has an extensive art collection including several works by reputed British and European artists. To mention a few of the other attractions would be unfair to all that is in display but to give you a little idea, an Egyptian mummy, a skeleton of a blue whale, elegant Akota bronzes from the 5th century AD, Mughal miniatures and a gallery of Tibetan Art is what you can expect to enjoy here. Nyaya Mandir Try and visit the Nyaya Mandir or the Temple of Justice over the weekend. This is because the place still stands true to its name and is even today used to house justice in the form of the Baroda District Court. A classic and splendid example of Byzantine architecture, this medieval structure imposes upon you, both its proportion and style, demanding and getting the attention it deserves. The Aurobindo Society Dedicated to the revered Shri Aurobindo, the Society contains memorabilia related to his life and work. Meditation halls within here are open to the public, so you might want to sit down for a few minutes and say hello to your inner self. Also check out the library, which has an interesting collection to delve into as also the sales emporium to pick up some books on Shri Aurobindo and his work. Sayajibaug and Sardar Patel Planetarium Built by Sayajirao III in 1879, this park is situated on the banks of the Vishwamitri. Spanning 113 acres, this park has a few attractions for everyone, whether child or adult. The toy train is an obvious must for the former. The expanse of green is one obvious attraction but there are others in the form of a zoo, the Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium. Nazarbaug Palace This is the place to be if art interests you and even if this has not been on your list of enjoyments, the Palace is as good a place as any to start taking an interest in the fascinating world on canvas. The Palace houses the royal art collection and showcases the works of masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo. There is also other art that is classifiable under nomenclatures like modern western, Indian paintings, Greco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art. Also take in the extensive collection of contemporary Indian art, which keeps the flags of painters of the past alive.
Vadodara uphold the taste and variety of Gujarati cuisine. Authentic preparations with perfect combinations of jaggery and spice makes for healthy and tasty food. Vegetables taste like they were meant to and are lightly cooked to get to the real flavour of each without the otherwise necessary onion and garlic. There are also varieties of farsaan, light snacks or the popular dhoklas and khandvi. Vadodara also offers other cuisine including good Continental, Mexican and Chinese food. But while there, you really should binge on the array of Gujarati delicacies that the city offers. Kansar Sayaji Ganj Vadodara Maruti Restaurant Nand Complex Vadodara Periyar Ambrosia Complex Vadodara Picasso Ambrosia Complex Vadodara Mirch Masala Race Course Road Vadodara Lazeez Vishwas Colony Vadodara Chung Fa R C Dutt Road Vadodara Havmor Restaurant Yashkamal Building Sayaji Gunj Vadodara
While Vadodara does not have festivals unique to it, there is no dearth of both national and state festivals. During Navratri, the city comes alive and beats to the tune of the lively garba and dandiya dances. Great fun and great food combine to make this occasion a complete success. This bi-yearly festival is where you should be when you are anywhere near Vadodara. The other festival that raises and always meets expectations of fun and festivity is Diwali with its special all-night raas garba.
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