Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums and considered by many as the de-facto cultural capital of Gujarat. Once the capital of the Gaekwads, the former rulers of Vadodara, it is also known as Baroda and rises from the banks of River Vishwamitri. Vadodara is also the industrial capital of Gujarat.

Archaeological findings indicate that human habitations existed here since prehistoric times. Vadodara passed through the hands of, the Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakubas, Solankis, the Sultans of Delhi and the Mughals before passing on to the Marathas. It owes its present day grandeur to Maharaja Sayajirao, a great patron of art, architecture and music.

Baroda is known as the garden city of Gujarat. It is a graceful city of palaces, temples, parks and museums. It is also often called as the cultural capital of Gujarat. It is a city of powerful dynastic rulers. Baroda is the western derivative of the term, 'Vadodara' which means 'City of Banyan Trees' .

Places of Interest..

Baroda Museum

Founded by Gaekwad in 1894 it has an excellent collection of art and archaeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. It has the famous Akota bronzes dating from 5th century A.D. Also there is a full fledged gallery of Tibetan Art, European old masters, Veronese, Giordano, some Flemish and Dutch school paintings, Mughal miniatures, palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.

Kirti Mandir

This temple was built in 1936 by Maharaja Sayaji Rao to perpetuate the glorious memory of his beloved ancestors.

Laxmi Vilas Palace

The city of Baroda saw its zenith when Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad came to the throne. He introduced the MS university, important railway links, schools, hospitals etc. The Laxmi Vilas built in the 1880's is a marvellous work of eclectic architecture. The palace is set in 720 acres with a fabulous darbarhall featuring huge Venetian chandeliers, domes & decorous ceiling. The palace contains a collection of old armour as well as bronze and marble sculptures.

Maqbara

It was built around 1586, the tomb of Qutbuddin (the army general of the great king Akbar) has beautiful windows carved in stone; there is an old step-well in the large grounds surrounding it. It is one of the oldest Mughal monuments of the city.

Maharaja Sayaji University

One of the most outstanding universities of India, it was established in 1949. The campus has beautiful architectural buildings. Some of the department of the university is internationally renowed.

Nazarbaug Palace

It is situated in the old walled city near Mandvi Clock Tower. It is one of the oldest palace built in old classic style by Malhar Rao Gaekwad in the late 19th century. This palace was used during royal ceremonial occassions.

Pratap Vilas Palace

It was the residence of the royal family built in the Indo-Saracenic style. The palace has a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze. The Palace is now the main training centre of the Indian Railways. The college has a mini railway model room showing different types of Railway operation including traffic signalling.

Sayaji Sarovar(Ajwa)

The Sayaji Sarovar or the Ajwa Lake is 22 kms from the city. This lake is the principal source of water formed by the damming of Surya river and the Vaghali Nala. Like the Brindavan Gardens in Mysore it has a illuminated fountain which is a major tourist attraction.

Population : 1,031,346
Area : 108.26 sq. km
Temperature : Ranging between 25 - 46 deg during and 9 - 32 deg cel in winters
Languages Spoken : Gujarati, Hindi, English