|  Boasting
an area of 400 sq.kms. and a budding population of more
than 18 lakhs this city of Gujarat state is set for
an important role in the growing economy and commerce
of Gujrat.
Having basked in Royalty and Regality in the pre-independence
era, the present Vadodara is now ready to welcome all
modernity in the form of industry, commerce, and a solid
Infrastructure and healthy real estate growth.
Being a highly literate city in the state, it shows
an eagerness and hunger for development. This is making
a bigway for real estate.
Although it was reeling under recession for a few years,
things are improving promisingly, with the trend leaning
heavily on real estate. Prices of property are gradually
but steadily growing and Builders are once again in
Business. Inquiries regarding land are pouring in and
better thoughts are being directed towards construction
properties on realistic level.
With a fast growing industry, the commercial industry
the commercial prices of land are sure to see an upsurge.
On a direct down payment Builders are offering 10% discount
on their schemes. Here there are properties to cater
to all walks of life. There are moderate and posh localities
to choose from. Being a small city the prices are quite
affordable compared to Delhi. Bangalore and Mumbai.
Prevailing Commercial Prices in the City Location Shops
Offices
R.C.Dutta Road 4000-10,000 1000-1600
Old Padara Road 2000-3000 900-1100
Gotri road 1000-1100 700-800
VISITING TIME
The best time to visit Vadodra is in
winters, between October and February.
THE PAST
The earliest record of Vadodra city
is found in a land grant dating back to ad 812. In the
grant, Vadodra is referred to as Vadapadraka. It was
also known as Chandanavati, after a local Rajput ruler.
The city underwent periodic renaming, from Varhavati,
Vatpatraka, Baroda, and, in 1971, to Vadodra. The history
of Vadodra can be divided into different periods. The
Hindu period lasted from ancient times until 1297. The
Muslim rulers of the Delhi sultanate ruled this region
from 1297 to 1401. An independent Muslim kingdom was
established here, which was known as the Gujarat Sultanate.
The present city was established during this period,
which spanned from 1401 to 1573. Vadodra became the
part of the mighty Mughal Empire when Akbar, the Mughal
emperor, defeated the local Muslim ruler in 1573. The
Mughal period lasted until 1734, when the Maratha period
started under the Gaekwad family. From 1734 to 1947,
it became the capital of the powerful Gaekwad rulers.
In 1802, the British, under the banner of the East India
Company, established a residency in Vadodra to cement
their relation with the Gaekwads. Later this residency
was responsible for all erstwhile princely states of
Gujarat and Kathiawad. In 1947, when India gained independence
and all princely were abolished, it became a part of
the state of Gujarat.
TOURIST SPOTS
Vadodra is known for its palaces, museums
and parks. The Sayaji Bagh is a big well-laid park and
an important tourist attraction. Within this park, one
can see the Baroda Museum and Art Gallery. The Museum
has a good collection of artifacts, which not only includes
Indian sculptures and ancient manuscripts, but also
houses collection of Egyptian antiquities, while the
art gallery has Mughal miniatures and some works of
European masters. The Sayaji Bagh also has a planetarium
and a small zoo within it. Maharaj Fateh Singh Museum,
located in the southern part of the city, is an important
tourist spot. It houses the royal collection of copies
of European masters. This museum also has a good collection
of Far Eastern Art and contemporary Indian works. The
Laxmi Vilas Palace, north of the Maharaj Fateh Singh
Museum, has a good collection of artifacts. As this
museum is not generally open for public viewing, advance
booking has to be made to visit it. The Naulakhi Well,
a fine example of a step well or baoli, and the EME
temple, a unique temple with an aluminum roof, are worth
paying a visit.
SITES NEARBY
The town of Champaner (Pavagarh) is
47 km northeast of Vadodra. It is famous for Jama Masjid,
which is one of the finest mosques to be found in the
state of Gujarat. It also has a medieval fort near it.
The town of Dabohi is 29 km southeast of Vadodra and
is known for its 13th-century Hindu military architecture.
Dakor, 50 km from Vadodra and halfway to Ahmedabad,
is famous for its Temple of Ranchodrai and is a sacred
place for the followers of Lord Krishna.
Ahmedabad city is 100 km north of Vadodra. Ahmedabad
is known for its rich past and its association with
Mahatma Gandhi. The city offers to the traveler a unique
style of architecture, which is a blend of Hindu and
Islamic styles (Indo-Saracenic style of architecture).
It is famous for its mosques and baolis.
The town of Anand, on the way to Ahmedabad from Vadodra,
is famous for its Amul range of dairy products. Anand
is the hometown of the white revolution in India and
the modern plant is worth visiting.
Bharuch, which is located on the main railway line
between Vadodra and Surat city, is famous for its monuments
and the River Narmada that flows through it.
HOW TO REACH
Vadodra airport is 8 km northeast of
the railway station. The Indian Airlines (Ph: 794747)
has daily flights to Delhi and Mumbai. Jet Airways (Ph:
343441) operates daily flights to Mumbai, while Gujarat
Airways (Ph: 330864) has three flights in a week for
Mumbai and Ahmedabad and six flights in a week for Pune.
Vadodra railway station is located on the northwestern
part of the city, near the local bus station. As Vadodra
is on the main Ahmedabad–Mumbai line a number
of trains pass and stop at Vadodra. The main bus station
is north of the railway station. Gujarat state transport
buses ply on various routes connecting Vadodra to various
places in Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh and northern
Maharashtra. The service of buses to Ahmedabad is very
good (2½ hours).
PLACES TO STAY
The city of Vadodra offers limited budget
accommodation. Most of the low-budget hotels are located
on the western part of the city across the Vishvamitra
River. One can find mid-range and top-range hotels,
most of which are near the railway station. WelcomeGroup
Vadodra is the most luxurious hotel in the city.
PLACES TO EAT
Vadodra does not offer any special cuisine
to the traveler. However, tourists can savor traditional
Indian, Gujarati, western cuisine and fast food from
various restaurants, hotels and eating joints across
the city. |
