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General
Information
Magic
Along The Mighty Chambal
Kota - an amazing example of majestic medieval age and modern
industrialization. Its wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces
and splendid temples of past centuries retain their former glory.
Its present-day edifices and heavy industries have made it the
industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century AD, when
chieftain Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and
Hadoti. Later in the early I 7th century AD, during the reign of the
Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi - Rao Ratan Singh, gave
the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since
then, Kota became a hallmark of Rajput gallantry and culture.
The commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley
Project with its many dams - Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap
Sagar and Jawahar Saga. An old palace, dating back to the time when
it was under the control of the Hada chieftaincy, faces the Kota
Barrage.
The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony
and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota School are housed
within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the
Brij Raj Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir - an island palace, a splendid 'haveli'
(mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
GARDENS
Chambal Garden : A beautifully landscaped garden at the
Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot
offering enjoyable boat rides.
MUSEUMS
Maharao Madho Singh Museum: Situated in the old palace, the
museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the
Kota School, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury. The museum
also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota
rulers.
The Government Museum: Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near
Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins,
manuscripts and are representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.
Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought
here from Baroli.
Timings : 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Closed on every Friday and Government holidays.
Photography is prohibited.
LAKES
 Jag
Mandir: Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar
constructed in 1346 A.D. by Prince DherDeh of Bundi, stands the
enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the
red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be
enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs
lies in the vicinity.
PALACES
Haveli of Devtaji : The beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji
is located in the middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted for
its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings.
OTHERS
Kota Barrage : A part of the irrigation canal system on the
Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and
evening strolls.
Other Places Worth Visiting: Kansua Temple with a four-faced
Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh, Bafna Haveli
and Yatayat park.
EXCURSIONS
TEMPLES
Bardoli (48-km): The oldest and the most beautiful temple
complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century AD lies on the
way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite
image of Natraj (Shiv) - the cosmic dancer on the door of the 'mandap',
offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also
lie closeby.
Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110-km): Situated in the Baran
district atop the Ramgarh Hill, is the 11th- 12th century temple,
now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep or car
The Remains Of Garhgachh (110-km): The 9th and 13th century
AD temples in red stone, are situated in the Baran district near
Atru (30 km).
DAMS
Rana Pratap Sagar Dam And Bhainsrodgarh (50-55-km):
Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a
village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic
surroundings. An ancient temple of Gopinath Mahadev on the way is an
idyllic picnic spot.
FORTS
Nahargarh Fort (145-km): An impressive structure in red
stone, the fort is a fine example of Mughal architecture.
Fort of Shahbad And Mosque (160-km): The fort was constructed
in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest
in Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Aurangazeb.
WILDLIFE
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50-km): An erstwhile royal hunting
preserve, it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the
south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The
wildlife variety includes Panther Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wildboar and
Bear.
OTHERS
Sitahari (120-km): An ideal picnic spot, situated near the
village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota -Shiv
Pur. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth
a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May-June
every year.
Rock Paintings Of Alaniya (25-km): Beautiful rock paintings
adorn the bank of the River Alaniya.
HOW TO GET
THERE
Air:
Kota is well connected by air. Jaipur, 245-km away is the other
convenient airport.
Rail: Lying on the Delhi-Mumbai route, Kota is well served by
regular super fast rail services. Some important train connections
are: Golden Temple Express (Mumbai- Kota-Amritsar); Rajdhani Express
(Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi) : Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Kota-Dehradun);
Paschim Express (New Delhi-Kota-Mumbai); Avadh Express (Mumbai-Kota-Gorakhpur);
Swaraj Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi)
Road: Good network of road connections link Kota with many
important cities inside and outside the state. Some notable
distances are : Udaipur 270-km, Bundi 40-km, Delhi 504-km, Ahmedabad
522-km.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and
cycle rickshaws are avaialabe for commutation purposes within the
city.
PLACES TO
STAY
Number of
hotels and dharmshalas are available for accommodation in Kota.
Dining: Vrindavan Veg. A/C Restaurant, Jhalawar Road, Anand
Hotel, Chhawani Chouraha, Jhankar Restaurant, Jhalawar Road, Atithi
(Lakki Burj).
SHOPPING
Kota is the
home of the famous Kota 'doria' sarees made in small villages around
the city.
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTERS
Hospitals:
Maharao Bhim Singh Hospital (MBS Hospital). Facility of more than
700 beds (connected with Kota Medical College).
Tourist Information: Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel Chambal.
Club: Umed Club, Nayapura. Kota.
Swimming Pool: Municipal Stadium, Nayapura
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