Vadodara, formerly Baroda, the industrial and cultural capital of
Gujarat, is a medium-sized city with palaces, parks, temples and museums, and a history that dates back to pre-historic times. The
Guptas,
Chalukyas,
Rashtrakutas, Solankis, the Sultans of
Delhi and the
Mughals ruled this place before it was passed on to the Marathas. The city was under the rule of
Maratha dynasty of Gaekwad in the eighteenth century. King Gaekwad made it his capital and gave the city a facelift.
Vadodara is 100 km south of Ahmedabad. The place has a rich legacy of music, fine arts and education. All of its credit goes to
Maharaja Sayaji Rao Gaekwad who promotes the arts and made primary education compulsory for both boys and girls. The University of Baroda, named after this great ruler, is of international standards and is the nodal point of higher education in the State.
The major places of tourist are Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, Darbar Hall, EME Temple,
Kirti Mandir, Lalbaug, Lehripura Gate, Makarpura Palace, Maharaja Fatehsingh Museum, Nyaymandir, Nazarbaug Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace at Lalbaug, Sayajibaug, Sayaji Sarovar, Sursagar Lake are the major places of interest.
Vadodara has excellent transport and tourist facilities. The best time to visit is after the monsoons, October-March.
