It is my fortune to be writing about one of my favorite cities in India, fondly known as Vadodara. Earlier known as Baroda, the city appears to be great for travelers interested in art and history. It is Gujarat's third-largest city, with fine food, stunning palaces, and bustling bazaars. Vadodara lies on the Vishwamitri River's shoreline, which is around 141 km from the capital city of Ahmedabad.
The name "Vad" is taken from banyan trees easily found in every nook and corner of the city to known and unknown. The amalgamation of old (eastern part of the city) and new (beyond the railway station) is why it is called Gujarat's cultural capital.
Baroda or Vadodara is one of the princely states of the then rulers owes a lot to Gaekwads for its modernization. However, the significant presence of NRIs is the main reason behind its rich industrialization.
Thepackersmovers.com takes you through the city tour so that it becomes easy for you to plan a relocation without a hitch.
One can easily access the beautiful and vibrant Vadodara via train, plane, and waterways. They connect the city with all the major cities of India and Gujarat. No doubt, the city is emerging as a business hub and a tourist spot and links many towns and domestic flights from the regional airport.
Vadodara Airport- It is the closest international airport, about 100 km away from Ahmedabad. It operates Air India, Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines & Emirates Airlines.
Vadodara Junction Railway Station- Cited on the Mumbai-Delhi Western Railway Main Line, the station is usually jam-packed. The Humble Mail/Express Trains link the city to the nearby towns in Gujarat. Even the trains like Shatabadi and Rajdhani stop here at Vadodara Junction.
The frequently used vehicles to commute within the city are buses, taxes, and auto rickshaws. However, the people of Vadodara prefer cars, bikes, scooters, bicycles, and motorcycles for a hassle-free move within the city.
You can come by car using the national highway No.8. However, the byways (a minor road or path) are also the best ways to reach the city.
The non-ac buses operate from the Maharaja Sayajirao University and connect Baroda with India's major cities of Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh and with all the parts of Gujarat.
Either you can rent a cab from a nearby town or call the Gujarat State Road Transport Corporation's help desk to know the convenient way to reach the city.
Note: There is no metro rail in Vadodara.
It is a personal choice where you want to accommodate yourself during an exploration trip to the city—talking about the places to stay in Vadodara; they offer variation in the form of luxury hotels, mid-range hotels, and quirky hotels. All of them positively reflect the quaint charm of the colonial era.
With the aesthetically rich 5-star hotels, the boutique hotels, the plush hotels, and the pocket-friendly hotels, the city welcomes you with open arms to stay here in style and complete harmony.
You might be amazed to know that the cost of staying in the city is comparatively low than other metro cities of India. For better understanding, look below the table to get a general idea if you are relocating to Baroda.
FLAT | COST |
---|---|
2BHK | INR 7,000-INR 10,000 |
3BHK | INR 12,000-INR 15,000 |
INTERNET | COST |
---|---|
400 GB | INR 2700 |
EATING | COST |
---|---|
MEAL/FOOD | INR 150- INR 750 |
ELECTRICITY (2 MONTHS CYCLE) | COST |
---|---|
SUMMER | INR 5000 (WITH AC) |
OTHER TIMES | INR 2000 |
PUBLIC TRANSPORT | COST/ DISTANCE |
---|---|
RICKSHAW | INR 10 /8KMS |
MOVIE THEATRE | COST |
---|---|
MULTIPLEX | INR 200 |
Population | 21.8 Lakhs |
Area | 220.3 km² |
Geo Location | East-Central, Gujarat |
Language | Gujarati, Marathi, Hindi, Urdu & English |
Average Climate | 30° / 12° |
Best Time to Visit | • October to March • January to March |
STD Code | 0265 |
Nearest Airport | • Ahmedabad airport (102km) • Bhavnagar airport (124km) • Surat airport (144km) • Rajkot airport (251km) • Udaipur airport (263km) |
Railway Station | • Vadodara Junction • Vishwamitri railway station • Itola railway station • Vasad Junction • Samlaya Junction • Miyagam Karjan • Champaner Rd. Junction |
Website | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vadodara |
Come and capture the architectural magnificence of Baroda, as the city lies beautifully on the banks of the Vishwamitri River. You name it, and the city has an array of attractions to present before you. Whether you are a history buff, an artist, or an excited backpacker, listed below are some of the mind-blowing attractions to please your senses. Have a look!
It is among India's majestic structures, extended up to 700 acres, a home of Gaekwads' royal clan. It is open from 9.30 am to 5.00 pm for the public eye.
Its location is the famous Vinoba Bhave Road, Sayajiganj, in 1879. The credit of its formation goes to the then Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad. One of the most extensive public gardens, the in-house toy train, an aquarium, the Baroda Museum & Picture Gallery, and many more make it look enticing.
The temple is a dedicated shrine of Lord Shiva, also known as Dakshinamurthy Temple. It is a unique architectural marvel that features aspects of the significant religions of India.
The renowned Indian philosopher and nationalist Sri Aurobindo Ghosh stayed here for about 12 years. You may find his autobiographies and some relics and books dedicated to him.
Come here for a picture-perfect memory of watching a splendid sunrise in Gujarat. It is a romantic getaway for couples and is technologically advanced and equipped with all the facilities like storage, food stalls, lockers, etc., providing a delightful experience.
The park is a fun escape for kids. Plan an adventurous family outing to enjoy 16 attractions within the park. You can also indulge in lip-smacking delicacies at the famous Food Island.
The Radha Krishna temple here in Vadodara is grand and monumental. It covers the whopping area and embellishes the walls with traditional art and other parts of the temple. After seeking the blessings of the beloved deities, relish the delicious and pious prasadam. The gates of temples are open 24-hours.
It is one of India's oldest universities and uncovers a superb mix of Indian and Byzantine designs. Its green campus and the Faculty of Arts do not fail to leave an impression on you.
From gardens to temples to grand monuments to palaces to markets, and many more- Vadodara has a lot to offer. The city looks upon as a cultural hub; rich traditions, royal past, and magnificent kingdoms embark on one of Western India's popular tours.
It is built on the Vishwamitri River, constructed in the 20th century. The dam fulfills the water requirements of the natives of the city.
The city offers a glimpse of its rich heritage and history; on the other end, if you look around, there are many gorgeous sites to drool over.
Jama Masjid | Anand Town | Zarwani Waterfall | Jambughoda Wildlife Sanctuary |
Champaner | Bhavnagar | Mount Abu | Mandu |
Dakor | Kabirwad | Toranmal | Bharuch Fort |
1. Food:
The city keeps a close check that the tourists do not have limitations as far nourishment is concerned. Often referred to as a cultural city, Vadodara is a hub of a variety of cuisines. People are vegetarian here, but still, the city offers a range of restaurants and eateries to relish delicious local delicacies, street food, classic Gujarati food, and non-vegetarian food options, too, as a reflection of history.
2. Grocery:
Grocery shopping is not difficult here in Vadodara. Get ready for a personalized experience at popular grocery stores in the well-areas like Alkapuri, Manjalpur, Waghodia Road, KareliBaug, Makarpura, and many more.
You can also shop from the three most recommended supermarkets in Vadodara: D Mart, Reliance Fresh, and Shree Mahalaxmi Super Store.
3. Utilities:
There are numerous companies providing utility services in Vadodara. However, the basic electricity, heating, garbage, water, and cooling would roughly cost an 85-meter square apartment Rs. 3,717. 89.
Vadodara is among the developing cities of Gujarat. No doubt that the city has a well-established medical sector catering to its natives and surrounding villages' medical needs. The well-qualified and experienced doctors assure to provide the much-needed attention in the best possible way. You can easily find government hospitals, allopathic hospitals, ayurvedic hospitals, homeopathic hospitals, Unani hospitals, training cum research hospitals, clinics, multispecialty hospitals with ambulance & TPA insurance policy, and private hospitals in Vadodara.
There are over 100 schools in Vadodara, Gujarat. From primary schools to secondary schools and senior secondary schools are available here. The regulatory body of the school is Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Boards. Many of the private schools have got affiliations from CBSE, ICSE, and CISCE.
You may also find Gujarati medium schools. Montessori schools, girls schools, and boys schools. All the schools have a motive to provide the best of education to all the children.
Vadodara provides an excellent platform for higher education, be it engineering, law & commerce, medical science, arts, journalism, social science, or business studies. Maharaja Sayaji Rao University is one of the topmost universities in Gujarat.
Some of the most prestigious institutions, Vadodara, include:
Your trip to Vadodara is incomplete if you don't splurge on items or things that reflect the city's rich and royal art, culture, and heritage. The wide variety of embroidered footwear, tie-and-dye designer fabric, beadwork saree, silver jewelry, marriage costumes, cloth toys, and painting provides a different experience of a shopping spree of more ethnic goods.
The real connoisseurs of art can try hands-on camel leather and related skills of embedding. Buy souvenirs from Teen Darwaza, local Khadi Bhandar center, Alkapuri Arcade, Raopura, etc. Shopping is no doubt a real fun here.
The existing malls and commercial places are proof of the city's image makeover. They are the best options to buy national and international brands. However, the tiny kiosks and trendy street carts are worth-spoiling you with their diverse range of unique products.
Gujjus or Gujaratis are born entrepreneurs. These people are good at business. To name a few in Vadodara, we have Amit Bhatnagar, Uday Kotak, Dilip Sanghvi, Pankaj Patel, and many more in the top category.
There is a very common saying that 'Gujarati means Business' or 'Business means Gujarati.'
For Vadodaraites or Gujaratis in general, no job is too small or big. Simplicity is their key to success. The young and educated modern youth may have different ambitions and aspirations. But irrespective of how good they are at their job, still starting their own business is always on their mind. They are the real taskmasters.
Coming from different nooks and corners of the world and defying challenges that have come their way have made them focused on their target. Gujjus are the best businessmen in India and abroad. Sh. Dhirubhai Ambani, Azim Premji, Gautam Adani, and many more, with their dedication, perseverance, and sincerity, have managed to earn a remarkable standing worldwide.
Note: The significant industries to indulge in Vadodara are petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, plastics, engineering, Forex, and chemicals. However, one of the largest and the oldest IT organizations in Vadodara is Rishabh Software.
It is a heaven on earth, and the best gets observed through culture, art, and aesthetics. The people of Vadodara are fond of Navratri, and it is widespread to see friends and family of Barodians coming from different parts of the world just come to the city to play Garba.
From street food to high profile restaurants to visiting the famous Sindhrot bridge presenting a view of the Mahi river and a hangout place of school and college students, Vadodara is undoubtedly a sensation.
The nights in Vadodara are no less than a celebration. Pamper your taste buds with authentic Italian Food at Little Italy and fun and food at Ratri Bazaar. You can watch exciting theatrical performances, try various local delicacies at 'Mandap' restaurant, and Indian and Asian cuisines at Barbeque nation, and also a short stroll in the cool breeze add to a fantastic experience with your loved ones.
It is essential to do the necessary research work about the city for a smooth relocation.
You can plan a tour of the city to get an idea of what to expect from your close quarters.
Planning is a must. It includes finance management to avoid a money crisis, where you would live, or your kids would study, and be mentally prepared to deal with the climatic conditions.
To avoid challenges related to a stress-free move, get in touch with the trustworthy and experienced moving agents registered on thepackersmovers.com.