The Enchanting Old City of Vadodara

• Helloनमस्कार
  [namaskār]
• Goodbyeअलविदा
  [alvidā]
• Yesहाँ
  [hāṁ]
• Noनहीं
  [nahīṁ]
• Please/You're welcomeकृपया
  [kṛipayā]
• Thank youधन्यवाद
  [dhanyavād]
• Excuse me/Sorryक्षमा करें
  [kṣamā kareṁ]
• How are you?आप कैसे हैं?
  [āp kaise haiṁ?]
• Fine. And you?ठीक हूँ। आप?
  [ṭhīk hū̃. āp?]
• Do you speak English?क्या आप अंग्रेज़ी बोलते हैं?
  [kyā āp aṅgrezī bolte haiṁ?]
• I don't understandमुझे समझ नहीं आया
  [mujhe samaj nahī̃ āyā]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseकृपया मेनू देखना चाहूँ
  [kṛipayā menū dekhnā cāhū̃]
• I don't eat meatमैं मांस नहीं खाता
  [maiṁ māns nahī̃ khātā]
• Cheers!चियर्स!
  [ciyars!]
• I would like to pay, pleaseकृपया मैं भुगतान करना चाहूँ
  [kṛipayā maiṁ bhugatān karnā cāhū̃]

• Help!मदद!
  [madad!]
• Go away!चले जाओ!
  [cale jāo!]
• Call the Police!पुलिस को बुलाओ!
  [pulis ko bulāo!]
• Call a doctor!डॉक्टर को बुलाओ!
  [ḍākṭar ko bulāo!]
• I'm lostमैं खो गया हूँ
  [maiṁ kho gayā hū̃]
• I'm illमुझे बीमारी है
  [mujhe bīmārī hai]

• I'd like to buy...मैं खरीदना चाहूँ...
  [maiṁ kharīdnā cāhū̃...]
• I'm just lookingमैं बस देख रहा हूँ
  [maiṁ bas dekh rahā hū̃]
• How much is it?यह कितने का है?
  [yah kitne kā hai?]
• That's too expensiveयह बहुत महंगा है
  [yah bahut mahngā hai]
• Can you lower the price?क्या आप कीमत कम कर सकते हैं?
  [kyā āp kīmat kam kar sakte haiṁ?]

• What time is it?अब कितने बजे हैं?
  [ab kitne baje haiṁ?]
• It's one o'clockएक बजे हैं
  [ek baje haiṁ]
• Half past (10)दस बजे तक
  [das baje tak]
• Morningसुबह
  [subah]
• Afternoonदोपहर
  [dopahar]
• Eveningशाम
  [śām]
• Yesterdayकल
  [kal]
• Todayआज
  [āj]
• Tomorrowकल
  [kal]
• 1एक
  [ek]
• 2दो
  [do]
• 3तीन
  [tīn]
• 4चार
  [cār]
• 5पाँच
  [pā̃c]
• 6छह
  [chhah]
• 7सात
  [sāt]
• 8आठ
  [āṭh]
• 9नौ
  [nau]
• 10दस
  [das]

• Where's a/the...?...कहाँ है?
  [...kahā̃ hai?]
• What's the address?पता क्या है?
  [patā kyā hai?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?क्या आप मुझे दिखा सकते हैं (नक्शे पर)?
  [kyā āp mujhe dikhā sakte haiṁ (nakśe par)?]
• When's the next (bus)?अगली (बस) कब है?
  [aglī (bas) kab hai?]
• A ticket (to ....)एक टिकट (.... के लिए)
  [ek ṭikaṭ (.... ke lie)]

Vadodara, originally known as 'Vadapadraka', has its roots in the ancient times of the 6th century. The name is derived from the word 'Vad', meaning banyan tree, which was abundant in the area. The Old City reflects the initial settlements that flourished around the banks of the Vishwamitri River, strategically positioning them for trade and agriculture.

The Old City became prominent during the rule of the Gaekwads in the 18th century. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III transformed Vadodara into a center of education and culture, establishing the Sayaji Library and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. This era marked the introduction of modern governance and infrastructure, shaping the cultural landscape of the Old City.

The Old City is renowned for its beautiful Indo-Saracenic architecture, a style that flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries under the Gaekwad dynasty. Notable structures include the Lakshmi Vilas Palace and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. These buildings reflect the confluence of Indian and European architectural styles and are vital to the cultural identity of Vadodara.

The Old City serves as a cultural melting pot, where diverse communities such as Gujarati, Marwari, and Parsi coexist. This amalgamation is evident in the vibrant festivals, traditional crafts, and culinary delights found throughout the area. Events like Navratri and Diwali are celebrated with enthusiasm, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of Vadodara.

After India gained independence in 1947, the Old City of Vadodara underwent significant changes. The introduction of new urban planning and development initiatives led to the preservation of historical sites, while also accommodating modern needs. The Old City has retained its charm and historical significance, becoming a focal point for cultural tourism in the region.

Old City is centrally located in Vadodara, making it accessible from various neighbourhoods. If you're coming from the Vadodara Railway Station, you can take a local auto-rickshaw, which is a convenient and economical option. Alternatively, you can use a taxi service or a ride-sharing app for a more comfortable journey. If you're coming from the Vadodara Airport, expect a 30-minute ride by taxi. Buses also connect different parts of the city to Old City, but they may be less frequent.

Old City is best explored on foot due to its narrow lanes and bustling atmosphere. However, auto-rickshaws and cycle-rickshaws are readily available for longer distances within the area. Bicycles can be rented from various shops if you prefer a more active mode of transport. Local buses connect Old City to other parts of Vadodara, but they may not be the most convenient option for tourists.

Old City is generally safe for tourists, but like any urban area, it is important to stay vigilant. Areas around the old markets can become crowded, so keep an eye on your belongings. It is advisable to avoid walking alone at night in poorly lit areas. While serious crimes are rare, petty theft can occur, especially in busy marketplaces.

In case of an emergency, dial 100 for police assistance and 102 for ambulance services. Hospitals and clinics are available in and around Old City, but it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, local pharmacies are accessible for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do wear modest clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Religion: Do respect local customs; remove your shoes before entering temples. Public Transport: Do be polite and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't engage in loud conversations. Greetings: Do greet people with a polite 'Namaste' and a slight bow. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local street food but ensure it is from clean stalls. Don't drink tap water; opt for bottled water instead.

To experience Old City like a local, start your day early to enjoy the vibrant markets before they get crowded. Visit local eateries to try authentic Gujarati dishes. It's also worth exploring the heritage architecture, including the famous Sayaji Garden and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum. Engage with local artisans and shop for handmade crafts and textiles, which are often more authentic than those found in larger shops.