Vadodara
Patola silk sarees, bandhnis and traditional ghagras, embroidered blankets, bracelets, jewellery, and khadi are all well-known products from Vadodara. This city is well-known for housing the state's Maratha Royal Family at the renowned Lakshmi Vilas Palace.
Established in the early 1990’s, the Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is the only private golf course in and around Vadodara. But more than that, it has earned the reputation of being one of the most prestigious clubs in Gujarat. This premier club was founded by the erstwhile royal family of Baroda. Befittingly, the Lakshmi Villas Palace makes a gorgeous backdrop Vilas Palace, an extravagant building, was built by Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III in 1890. It remains the residence of the royal family, who continue to be held in high esteem by the residents of Vadodara. In the 1990s Ranjitsinh Pratapsinh Gaekwad’s grandson Samartjitsinh, a former Ranji trophy cricket player, renovated the course and opened it to the public.
Course has an inimitable heritage appeal. The lush expansive greens are home to flitting peacocks amidst age-old tamarind and neem trees. It is regarded as one of the most picturesque golf courses in Gujarat. It is also a course that all golfers from novice to experienced will truly enjoy. Designed and developed by Ranjit Nanda, a former Indian amateur golfer and international design consultant, and Associates, the golf course is truly world-class. The undulating greens are immaculately maintained and dotted with natural water bodies. With five teeing ground options on each hole and perfect layout for shot makers and strategic players, the GBGC course delivers a challenging and unforgettable experience. The driving range feature bays is also set in idyllic surroundings. The 300 long range is just a short distance from the main court where players can hone their skill.
The historical Motibaug Palace, built as a guesthouse to compliment the Lakshmi Villas, is in fact an older monument than the famed Lakshmi Villas itself. Possibly built initially to house all the British architects and engineers who built Lakshmi Villas,
this palace in the 1950-60’s was also the residence to Pratapsinhrao Gaekwad. This 15,000 sq. ft. home has now been converted into the main clubhouse of Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club. The open verandah on both the ground and first floor open up onto the golf
course. This clubhouse houses a well stocked Pro-shop, a verandah Café lounge, a conference room and a fine dining multi-cuisine restaurant on the upper floor. Located in the heart of Vadodara, this magnificent property is frequented by the who’s who of the city and around. And as members and visitors soak in the historical surrounding they are greeted by a warm and friendly staff.
Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club is essentially a golf club and maintains that character even while affording facilities for other sports. The club facilities include tennis, badminton, gym and a large swimming pool for complete family recreation. Memberships are restricted and there is a waiting period for applicants before they can join the prestigious club. But from beginner to pro, Gaekwad Baroda Golf Club offers
everything a golf enthusiast could possibly want or need. The club is also keen to serve the interests of all golf enthusiasts and also to inculcate a keen interest in golf in non-golfers. In the serene scenery learning and playing golf can transform into a truly delightful experience. The membership programme thus includes basic coaching to help new members pick up the game and start playing on the course. New members are also guided by pros about the rules and etiquette of the game.
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NH8 passes through Vadodara, making it well connected by road as well.
The city lies on the busy Mumbai-Delhi Western Railway Mainline and is well connected by premium trains like Shatabdi and Rajdhani.
Domestic flights connect Vadodara (BDQ) to major cities in India.