Vadodara, Gujarat, India - Travel Information, History, Story and Images

Situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, other than the small tip that leads in to the Gulf of Khambat, Baroda is surrounded by land from all over. It shares its borders with districts of Dahod, Panchmahal, Narmada, Bharuch and Anand and on the eastern side shares its borders with the state of Madhya Pradesh.

Baroda …. The beautiful princely state of the Maratha Gaekwad rulers, prior to Independence is also known as the city of palaces. The actual name of the city was Chandravati, after its ruler the brave king, Raja Chandra. But later it was renamed after the abundance of Banyan trees known as Vad, on the banks of the river Vishwamitri, as Vadpatra. The present name Vadodra is one of the forms of that name and Baroda is the English version of Vadodra.
Although the history of Baroda can be traced back to about 2000 years, the recent city came into prominence only after the Maratha rulers, Gaekwad took over in 1734. With Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad - III ascending the throne saw an era of great progress and constructive achievements in all fields. Baroda reached its zenith during his reign. Sayajirao made many amenities and facilities available for the betterment of his masses. The railway and the MS College is his contribution to the city. Today Baroda is a pleasant city with many gardens and palaces and museums.
The remarkably cosmopolitan city of Gujarat is a melting pot of many cultures. The discovery of oil and gas in Ankleshwar and North Gujarat led to the industrial development of Gujarat in a big way. The Baroda region is the largest beneficiary in the process of this industrialization.
For the connoisseurs of exquisite silver jewelry and paintings, Baroda provides a perfect opportunity to go on a shopping spree. The textile, the food and the jewellery is the bonus after sightseeing of the beautiful city.