Kota Travel Guide
An amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization, mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum with a rich collection of art and artefacts and some elaborately painted chambers.
Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but later it grew to be a bigger state. What retains the past glory are the untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and temples dating back over several centuries.
These temples were conquered by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva. It was at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory to his son Madho Singh. The Kota state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection of Stone Idols (murties) in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass work on the walls, the silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.
The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jahalwar and Kota is treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoric caves, paintings, formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region.
Tourist Places in Kota
Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Situated in the old palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes, arms and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure bouse of artistic items used by the former rulers of Kota. Timings : 11AM to 5 PM Entry Fee : Rs.7/- per person for Indians and Rs 40 per person for foreign tourist Camera Fee: Rs.35/- and Rs. 70/- Phone No. : 323040 Holiday : Every Friday and National Holidays
Government Museum
It is situated in Brijvilas Palace, Kshar bagh near Kishore Sagar Lake. It has superb collection of rare coins, manuscripts and representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. A piece brought here from Baroli (Badoli) is noteworthy for its beauty and historical interest. Timings : 10AM to 5 PM Entre Fee : Rs.2/- Phone No. : 328443 Holiday : Every Friday and National Holidays Photography is prohibited. It is allowed only with the permission of Director of Archaeology and Museums, Jaipur.
Kishore Sagar - Jag Mandir
Kishore Sagar, a picturesque artificial lake was constructed in 1346 by the prince Dhee Deh of Bundi. Jagmandir and aesthetic monument was built in the middle of the lake with ripples of the blue waters enhancing the serenity. Boating facility is an added attraction of the place. Near the lake is Kshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs.
General Information About Kota
General Population : 537000
Area : 193.58 Sq. km
Altitude : 251.1 metres
Temperature: Summer Mean Max . 43.3"C Mean Min 35.6" C, Winter Mean Max 30.5"C Mean Min 11.6"C
Clothing: Summer Cotton, Winter Woollens
Best Season: Sept. to March
Languages: Hindi, Rajasthani & English.
Excursions
Baroli ( Badoli ) 48 km.
On the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam lies one oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century AD. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning. The carvings and the figure of Natraj, Shiva as cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap are bewitching. There are many interesting shrines that can be visited here.
Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Bhainsrodgarh 55 km.
These two places come under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrodgarh is located on the bank of Chambal River. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established in the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gapernath Mahadev can be visited which is a beautiful picnic spot.
Bahnddeora Temple ( Ramgarh ) 110 km.
It is situated in Baran district. Built in the 11th century, and was renovated in 12th century. Perched on Ramgarh hill, the best way to reach the temple is by a jeep. This temple is now in ruins.
The Remains of Garhgachch 110 km.
These 9th and 13th century temples, made of red stone are in Baran district.
Nahargarh Fort 145 km.
The fort is an example of Mughal architecture made of red stone.
Sitabari 120 km.
Situated near the village of Kelwara inBaran district, this is a beautiful picnic spot. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. Every year a tribal fair is held in the month of May/June.SHERGARH 125 km
Situated near Atru village inBaran district, the fort of Shergarh is an important monument.
Fort of Shahbad & Mosque 160 km.
This fort was constructed by Chauhan King Mukutman in 1577 AD. The mosque here ws made during the time of Aurangzeb and is the biggest mosque in Rajasthan.
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary 50 km.
A thickly wooded forest, along the south-east border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, is the former royal hunting preserve.
It has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary where panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and boar live without any threat to their lives.
Rock Paintings of Alaniya River 25 km.
from Kota, rock paintings are found on the banks of river Alaniya.
How to Reach Kota
Air: There is a small aerodrome, which is not operational. Nearest main airport is Jaipur (240 km).
Rail: Kota is well connected by Train with all major cities in the state and outside the state.
Road : Kota is located on the N.H. No. 12 (Jaipur - Jabalpur) and well connected with all major ciites.