"Welcome to Baroda" Vadodara by OlivierB

This imposing pavillion known as the Mandvi gate was built during the Mughal period and was restored in 1736 a.d. by governor Malharao Maloji under the orders of Damaji Rao II [1732-1768 a.d.]. It is a square pavalion with three bold arched openings on each of the four sides. The upper storeys erected on the flat roof of the pavillion are of a later date and were probably constructed during the 19th century. This pavillion might have remained as a market place [Mandvi] interspersed by two spacious streets dividing into four parts meeting in the centre. It is illuminated on special festivals.

Kirti Mandir

This is a majestic monumental building also known as temple of fame. Built by maharaja Sayaji Rao III in 1936 A.D. to the glorious memories of his ancestors, it has various rooms preserving the statues and the photographs of the royal family. It is an “e” shaped building with domes, terraces, balconies and a central sikhara, of 33 meters height, built in the Hindu style

One of the gates of the OId City

Known as Vadodara in the past, is the city of Baroda which means the place of banyan trees. It was once the capital of the princely Gaekwads, Vadodara is a graceful city of palaces, parks, temples and museums. It came under the rule of Maratha dynasty of Gaekwad in 1730.

The Gaekwads ruled from Baroda for a few decades under the leadership of the Peshwas and gradually carved out an independent kingdom in close association with the British empire. The Gaekwads' power, reached its zenith with Sayajirao Gaekwad's accession in 1891.

Baroda can boast of one of the finest palaces in India. Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad commissioned the famous British Architects, Major Mant and Chisolm to work on Laxmi Vilas palace - one of the grandest palaces in India.

• Pros:Friendly natives, old city charm, cheap
• Cons:Dusty, polluted
• In a nutshell:Love it !