Located on the banks of the Vishwamitri River, Vodadara or Baroda is one of the most popular places to visit in Gujarat. The city is one of the oldest cities with a strong historical significance. Settlements in the area can be traced back to the Harappan period. The city is also mentioned in Hindu scriptures such as the Mahabharata and the Ramayana. The city was ruled by popular dynasties such as the Chaulukya dynasty, Muslim rulers in the 14th century, and then the Maratha dynasty and the British Raj in the 18th century.
Aside from its historical significance, the city is well-known for its educational and economic prosperity. The city is also home to the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, Gujarat's largest university. It also houses the Baroda Chemical Works, India's largest chemical plant, the Baroda Polyester Plant, India's largest polyester plant, and the Baroda Sun Paper Mill, India's largest paper mill.
Furthermore, Baroda is surrounded by several attractions, making it one of the most appealing tourist destinations. Some of the iconic places to visit include Kadia Dungar Caves, the Lakshmi Vilas Palace, Nazarbaug Palace, Makarpura Palace, Sursagar Talav, and Sayaji Baug.