BARODA

Baroda, Gujarat

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.

HISTORY Archaeological findings indicate that human habitations existed in the city since prehistoric times. Vadodara passed through the hands of the Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, 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. Vadodara, originally 'Vadapadraka' means a village amidst the banyan trees. Historical findings take us back to the 9th century where we find reference to a town called Ankottaka, which can be identified as present day Akota. Located on the right bank of the river this place was prone to floods and therefore in the later period Vadapadraka displaced Ankottaka as the administrative headquarters.

Air: Various domestic airlines connecting Ahmedabad , Delhi , Mumbai , Daman, Pune.
Road: State transport buses and private luxury coaches connects various centres of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Delhi and Rajasthan . Vadodara is 112 Kms. from Ahmedabad and 420 Kms. from Mumbai. Rail: Vadodara is on the Western Railways, Mumbai, Delhi and Mumbai, Ahmedabad line.

Accomodation

Vadodara's hotels are designed with business visitors in mind. There are several mid-range and up market places, and just a handful of inexpensive lodges. Most of the hotels are grouped in the Sayaji Gunj area just south of the railway station.

Attraction(s) / Must Visit Place(s)

 Lakshmi Vilas Palace ::::::: Historical Places
Vadodara Museum And Picture Gallery ::::::: Museums
Kirti Mandir ::::::: Temples
Shri Bharuch Tirtha ::::::: Jain Tirth Places