Archaeological findings indicate that human habitations existed in the city since prehistoric times. Vadodara passed through the hands of the Guptas, Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Solankis, the Sultans of Delhi and the Mughals before passing on to the Marathas. It owes its present day grandeur to Maharaja Sayajirao, a great patron of art, architecture and music.
It is situated on the banks of the river Vishwamitri. Baroda is the western derivative of the term; 'Vadodara' meaning 'City of Banyan Trees'. It is also known as the garden city of Gujarat. It is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples, and museums. Places to visit are: Nazarbaug Palace - Built in old classical style, the Gaekwads used the palace on ceremonial occasions. Lakshmi Vilas Palace - The Royal Family's residence is an extravagant building in Indo- Saracenic style. Pratap Vilas Palace - Built as the residence of the royal family, this is a magnificent building in the Indo - Sarcenic style, housing a collection of old armory and sculptures in bronze, marble and terra cotta. The Baroda museum and art gallery and the Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum boast of an excellent art collection of works by Indian artists and European Masters, of Mughal miniatures and valuable palm leaf manuscripts of Buddhist and Jain origin.
About 50 kms. from Vadodra is Dakor, famous for its Temple of Ranchodrai and is a sacred place for the followers of Lord Krishna. Another interesting place worth visiting is Kirti Mandir - a majestic monumental building also known as Temple of Flame.
