Once the former capital of the Gaekwar rulers, Vadodara is also known as Baroda. Situated on the banks of river Vishwamitri this region, southeast of Ahmadabad, has seen many civilizations from prehistoric times. Once a village known as Vadpatra, Vadodara is now a bustling city. It lies on the banks of river Vishwamitri and seen many civilization from prehistoric era. The river Vishwamitri river divides the eastern and western part of the city. The eastern city comprises of the old city with crowded bazaars and contains self contained blocks of houses that are home to hundreds to families. The eastern part is also has many tourist interests such as numerous temples, the majestic Laxmi Vilas Palace and the famous Maharaja Sayajirao University. The main reason of visiting the place is the nearby Champaner with its mosques lost in the landscape. The place is also recognised as World Heritage Site.

Sights And Activities

Sayaji Bagh
Sayaji is a rather shady park but the main attraction is the Baroda Museum that preserve fine collections of Asian statues and carvings, mangy zoology exhibits and an Egyptian room. The gallery of the museuse houses Mughal miniatures and mixture of Eurpopean masters.

Tambekar Wada
This wooden multi-storeyed townhouse is a typical Maratha mansion, once the residence of Bhau Tambekar, Diwan of Baroda(1849-54). The place houses beautiful murals and paintings.

Other Attractions
Vadodara houses many other attractions such as different medieval monuments, museums, regal palaces. Some of the most visited palaces are Laxmi Vilas Palace, Nazar Baug Palace, Makarpura Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace, Pratap Vilas Palace. These palaces houses historical artifacts,architecture and stories. The sprawling campus of Maharaja Sayajirao University that is famous for art but their scientific research is also well known. Other worth to visit places are Kirti Mandir, Kirti Stambh, Nyay mandir, Mandvi, Hazira Maqbara.

Excursions
Ajwa Dam is a spectacular picnic spot. Dabhoi (29km) from the city is also famous tourist place, famous for 13th century Hindu military bastion. The Jama Masjid is also worth a visit. The Champaner(47km) is World Heritage Site. For wildlife enthusiast, there are Sindhrot Nature Park and Shoolpaneshwar Wildlife Sanctuary.