Baroda (Gujarat, India)

Baroda is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri (whose name is derived from the great saint Rishi Vishwamitra). The city was once called Chandravati, after its ruler Raja Chandan, then Viravati, the abode of the brave, and then Vadpatra because of the abundance of banyan trees on the banks of the Vishwamitri. From Vadpatra it derived its present name Baroda or Vadodara. Baroda has a rich historical background. The people of Baroda like to tell visitors that their city is a ‘Sanskari Nagari’, that is, a ‘cultured city’. By and large, the visitors agree. The city does indeed have rich cultural traditions. And today’s Barodians have quite a full and hectic cultural life throughout the year. The outstanding trait about Baroda’s cultural life is that it is remarkably cosmopolitan. And while there are hundreds of different identities, everyone participates in all activities. So, the culture of the city is not just history or heritage; it is dynamic, ever-changing and alive. In Baroda various large-scale industries such as Gujarat State Fertilisers & Chemicals, Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Limited and Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Limited have come up in the vicinity of Gujarat Refinery and all of them are dependent on it for their fuel and feedstock.

Sightseeing:

Laxmi Villas Palace:
It is designed in Indo-Saracenic style and was built by Maharaja Sayajirao III. Started in 1878 and completed in 1890, it is the residence of the royal family. The palace contains a collection of old armour as well as bronze and marble sculptures. Fatehsinh Rao Museum, located on the palace grounds, houses the royal collection of paintings, sculptures and other objects of arts.

Kirti Mandir:
Built by maharaja sayajirao - iii in 1936 a.d. to perpetuate the glorious Memory of his beloved ancestors, it is an ' e' shaped builing with domes, Terraces, balconies and a central shikhara built in hindu style. Reputed as The family vault of gaikwads, the magnificent kirti mandir is decorated With murals by nandlal bose. The visit to this place is sure to leave you Spelbound.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Rao Museum:
The museum has the royal collection of art treasures and works of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian paintings, Graeco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art, and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.

Sayaji Bagh (Baroda Museum):
Sayaji Baug (the famous park) is situated on river Vishwamitri and was built by Sayajirao III in 1879. Sprawling over 113 acres, it also includes an excellent zoo, the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery, the Museum of Health and Hygiene and the Sardar Patel Planetarium. A major attraction for children is the 3.5 kms joy ride through the park on the toy train.

Lehripura Gate
Built as the western gateway to the old city in 1558, Lehripura Gate is an impressive structure with beautiful arches.