- Also known as
- Baroda, Sanskari Nagari
- Best time
- October – March
- Nearest airport
- Vadodara (domestic); Ahmedabad (international, about 100 km)
- Nearest railway station
- Vadodara Junction
- Famous festival
- Navratri garba
History
The oldest settlement here was Ankottaka, today's Akota, on the river bank. The name Vadodara is usually traced to vatodar, meaning 'in the heart of the banyan trees', and the British later called it Baroda. The region passed through the Chalukyas, Solankis, Vaghelas and the Gujarat sultans before the Maratha general Pilaji Gaekwad established Gaekwad rule in the 18th century. The old city is still marked by four historic gates.
What to see
- Lakshmi Vilas Palace, the Gaekwad family's residence
- Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum, with paintings from the royal collection
- Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery in Sayaji Baug
- Kirti Mandir, with murals by Nandalal Bose
- Nazarbaug and Makarpura palaces
- Sursagar Lake and Sri Aurobindo Niwas
- Maharaja Sayajirao University's heritage buildings
Festivals
Navratri is the highlight of the year. Nine nights of garba and dandiya draw huge crowds, and the dancing often continues past midnight. Uttarayan, the kite festival in January, Diwali, Holi, Eid and Ganesh Chaturthi are also celebrated with enthusiasm.
Day trips
Kadia Dungar caves, the fortified town of Dabhoi and the tribal area around Chhota Udepur are within reach. Sankheda is known for its lacquered wooden furniture, and you can watch craftsmen at work. Birdwatchers can head to the Wadhwana wetland in winter for migratory birds.
Best time and how to reach
The cooler months from October through March suit sightseeing best; summers are very hot. Vadodara is a major junction on the Mumbai–Delhi line, served by Rajdhani and Shatabdi trains. The city airport has domestic flights, and Ahmedabad's international airport is about 100 km away. State buses connect it across Gujarat, Rajasthan and Maharashtra. We can arrange a Gujarat circuit that includes Vadodara.
Also nearby
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