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'
General Information..
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
Places of Interest :
Vadodara 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 :
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.
