Introduction to Vadodara  : Modern Baroda is a great and fitting memorial to its late ruler, Sayaji Rao Gaekwad III (1875-1939 AD). It was the dream of this able administrator to make Baroda an educational, industrial and commercial centre and he ensured that his dream would come true. 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 ardent historian can trace Baroda’s history over 2000 years and more. However, the recent threads can be picked up when the Moghul rule over the city came to an end in 1732, when Pilaji brought the Maratha activities in Southern Gujarat to a head and captured it. Except for a short break, Baroda continued to be in the hands of the Gaekwads from 1734 to 1949.

Sightseeing:  Baroda offers various sightseeing options, the sightseeing includes Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery which has impressive collections of art and archeology, natural history, geology and ethnology. Also visit Durbar Hall in Laxmi Vilas Palace, was the court room of the Gaekwads. Also visit EME Temple which is a geodesic structure covered with aluminium sheets. Visit Laxmi Vilas Palace, contains a collection of old armour as well as bronze and marble sculptures. Visit Sayajibag which contains Museum of Health & Hygiene and a picture gallery.Nazarbagh Palace : Built in the old classical style, the palace was used on ceremonial occasions by the Gaekwads. It now houses the royal family heirlooms.

Makarpura Palace : A beautiful palace designed in the Italinate style, the Makarpura is now used as a training school of the Indian Air Force.

Pratap Vilas Palace at Lalbag : Built as the residence of the royal family, the Pratap Vilas is an extravagant and flamboyant building in the Indo-Sarcenic style. The palace houses a remarkable collection of old armoury and sculptures in bronze, marble .and terracotta.

Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum : This is the royal collection of art treasures of old masters like Raphael, Titian and Murillo as well as modern western and Indian painting; Graeco-Roman exhibits, Chinese and Japanese art; and a large collection of contemporary Indian art.

Kirti Mandir : The family vault of the Gaekwad rules. It is decorated with murals by the famous Indian artist, Nandlal Bose.

Vadodara Museum and Picture Gallery : Founded by the Gaekwad in 1894, it has impressive collections on Art and Archaeology, Natural History, Geology and Ethnology. The adjoining Art Gallery has a great collection of European old Masters : Veronese, Giordano, Zurbaran; some Flemish and Dutch school paintings ; Turner, and Constable ; a collection of Mughal miniatures; and valuable palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.

Tambekarwada : It is famous for its wall paintings.

Excursions: In excursions visit Kayavarohan where you will find a beautiful Shiv Temple built recently houses an attractive idol of Lakulish. Also visit Pavagarh, where you will find Juma Masjid and Shaha-ki-Masjid. Also visit Rajpipla which is famous for many a palaces and a majestic fort. Also visit Shukaltirth, which is famous for its Vishnu Temple.