Population:1,200,000:
Telephone Area Code:0265

Baroda was the capital of the princely Gaekwad state prior to Independence. Today Baroda is a pleasant, medium-sized city with some interesting museums and art galleries and a fine park. The city's Fine Arts College attracts students from around the country and abroad.

Guidance !
The railway station, bus stand and a cluster of econimical hotels are all on the west side of the Vishwarmurti River, which bisects the city. The state tourist office, Gujarat Tourism (n' 427489) is on the ground floor of Narmada Bhavan, not far from the Kirti Mandir. It's open daily from 10.30 am to 6 pm except Sunday. There's also a Municipal Tourist Office ('o 329656) opposite the railway station. Tilak Rd runs straight out from the station, across the river by Sayaji Bagh park and into the main part of town. The State Bank of India, near the Kirti Mandir, is open from 1 I am to 3 pm Monday to Friday, and I1 am to I pm Saturday.

How to reach !

Air
Indian Airlines (Tele: 328596) has flights from Baroda to Mumbai (US$60). Delhi (US$120) and Ahmedabad (US$25). NEPC Airlines (Tele: 337899) has daily flights to both Mumbai and Ahmedabad.

Bus
The long-distance bus stand is 500m north of the railway station, and there are STC buses to many destinations in Gujarat, western Madhya Pradesh and northern Maharashtra. Buses to Ahmedabad leave at least every 30 minutes (Rs 27, 2 1/2 hours). The private companies all have their offices nearby.

Train
Baroda is l00km south of Ahmedabad by rail and 392km north of Mumbai. As it's on the main Mumbai to Ahmedabad railway line, there are plenty of trains to choose from. Rail fares to Mumbai are Rs 85/395 (2nd/1st class) on the daytime services, or Rs 115/430 for a sleeper (six hours). Fares to Ahmedabad cost Rs 27/114 (two hours). Between Baroda and Ahmedabad you pass through 

Anand, noted for its dairy produce. At the station, hordes of vendors selling bottles of cold milk often besiege passing trains.