KOTA
Location: 245-km From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Nahargarh Fort
Best Time To Visit: October-February India Guide
Magic Along The Mighty Chambal: Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies 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
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 is representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
LAKES
Jag Mandir: Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince DherDeh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure water 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
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 close by.
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 southeastern 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 links Kota with many important cities inside and outside the state. Some notable distances are: Udaipur 270-km, Bundi 40-km, Delhi 504-km, and Ahmedabad 522-km.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and cycle rickshaws are available for commutation purposes within the city.
SHOPPING
Kota is the home of the famous Kota 'doria' sarees made in small villages around the city.
NEARBY CITIES
Bundi:40-km
Bardoli:48-km
Sitabari: 120-km
Jaipur:245-km
Udaipur:270-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area:193.58 sq.km
Altitude:251.1 meters
LanguageRajasthani, Hindi & English
Rainfall:88 CMS
Best Time To Visit:October-February
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