 Baroda is a western derivative of the term, Vadodara, which means 'city of Banyan Trees'. Baroda is one of the few cities in India, which is still influenced by the lost might of its ruling dynasties. If Ahmedabad has a predominantly commercial ambience, Baroda still feels like a princely capital. It was, in fact, the erstwhile capital of the Gaekwad ruler who endowed it with fine buildings and parks, and although the Laxmi Vilas Palace and other gracious buildings are not open to the public, Baroda is pleasant enough to warrant a short stop. Perhaps because the former royals residence, is one of the best in India. Visitors are welcome to walk in and look around. The Baroda Museum and Maharaja Fateh Singh Museum are worth a visit, Although the latter is sometimes closed to the public without prior notice. On R C Dutt Road is an ice-cream, the best brand in the country and available only in western India and Delhi. As in Ahmedabad, are metered. Drivers carry a card listing the fares payable according to the meter, though it is usually in the Gujarati script. Unmetered taxis are available too, so check the prevailing charges. Champaner, 47 Kilometres from Baroda City, is a city of ruins. West of Champaner is the 820-metres hills of Pavagadh, enclosed by ruined fortifications and topped by Hindu temples. Champaner and Pavagadh make a very pleasant one-day excursion from Baroda. Other highlights of Baroda are the beautifully painted Tambakarwada Haveli, the 8th century Narayan Temple, the Narasinghji Haveli Temple, the 1763A.D. Maratha Brahmin Ganesha Haveli, the Mandvi Pavilion, Jumma masjid, the Maqbara and the 1586 A.D. step well in Qutub-Ud-Din Masjid.
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