Vadodara also known as the cultural capital of Gujarat

The city houses several elaborate palaces and royal dwelling places, that stand as stoic examples of Gujarat's imperial past. Vadodara's Makarpura Palace and Laxmi Vilas Palace stand as testaments to its royal past, while the Baroda Museum and Picture Gallery serves as an ideal cultural retreat. The city is prominent for landmarks such as the Laxmi Vilas Palace, which served as the residence of the Maratha royal Gaekwad dynasty that ruled over Baroda State. It is also the home of the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda.