Exemplifying
a blend of medieval glory and the prevalent industrialization age is Kota, a
town located in southern Rajasthan. River Chambal passes through this town,
leaving ample space for several leisure activities and boat trips.
Beautifying the town are several lakes and gardens, where you can have a
relaxing picnic.
Kota is an industrial hub of Rajasthan, so don't be surprised to see
fertilizer plants and factories here. Though the site of smoke emitting
chimneys may put you off but it is just one face of the city which possesses
some of the splendorous testimonies of the glorious past too. The major
heritage attractions of the town are its 17th century fort, Rao Madho Singh
Museum and a stunning palace called Umaid Bhavan.
History:
The existence of Kota dates back to the year 1264 AD. Being an important
town of ancient India, Kota has seen battles fought to gain its control. In
the initial phase of history, Kota belonged to the Hadoti Chauhans. Later,
the town was taken over by the Bhils and was named 'Kota after a Bhil
Chieftan called Koteya. He was beheaded later at the same place where the
City Fort stands today.
Under the rule of Bundi King Rao Madho in the 17th century, Kota was made
an independent state of Rajasthan until it was merged with Rajasthan after
Independence. Much of the contribution to its flourishing heritage and
culture was made by Zalim Singh and other subsequent rulers.
Golden Triangle Holidays
Duration : 12 Nights / 13 Days
Attractions :-
- Delhi Sightseeing - Jama Masjid, Red Fort,Chandni Chowk
- Trip to Hawa Mahal in Jaipur
- Wildlife Safari in Ranthambore National Park
- Tiger Safari at Bandhavgarh National Park
- Visit to Khajuraho Group of Temples
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Monuments in North India
Duration :14 Nights / 15 Days
Attractions :-
- Visit Laxmi Narayan Temple in Delhi
- Temple visit in Mathura
- Appreciating arhitecture of Taj Mahal in Agra
- Holy Dip at Varanasi (Ganga)
- Visit to the erotic temples of khajuraho
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Orientation:
Kota lies on the eastern banks of River Chambal. In the heart of the city
are a chain of hotels and the main bus stand located. The main train station
lies to the north of Kota while to its south lie the City Fort, Chambal
Gardens and the Kota Barrage.
Information:
There are several banks where you can get your currency and traveler
cheques exchanged including State Bank of India, State Bank of Bikaner and
Jaipur and Punjab National Bank. HDFC ATM is located on platform 1 of the
railway station and also next to Hotel Phul Plaza. The Tourist Information
Centre is at RTDC Hotel Chambal. Umed Club on Civil lines, Chambal Gardens,
Akash Theatre and Umed Park are some of the recreation places.
Sights & Activities:
City Palace & Fort:
The 17th century City Fort and Palace is the prime attractions of Kota. The
Palace used be the central administration point of the Kota rulers. It is
one of the largest fort complexes of Rajasthan. Showcasing its strength is
the three tiered fortification with mighty bastions, towers, high ramparts
and gigantic gateways. The beautiful entrance gate leading to the central
courtyard is known as Hathi Pol, while entry from the south is through Naya
Darwaza. The fort houses several palaces and temples, enhancing the grandeur
of the heritage site. These include Raj Mahal, Bada Mahal, Chhatra Mahal,
Jhala Haveli and Madho Singh Mahal.
The royal charm is evident from the silver furnitures, weaponry, mirror
work and antique show pieces kept in Rao Madho Singh Museum which is to the
right of the central courtyard. Upstairs you will find exquisite paintings
depicting hunting scenes, etc decorating walls of the royal chambers.
Jagmandir:

Kota is Jagmandir Palace, built in 1740 by one of the Queens of Kota.
Erected in the middle of the picturesque Kishore Sagar Lake, the palace
seems to remind us of the luxuries and lavishness of the royals. Though the
palace is closed for public viewing, but you can have a view of the
spectacular lake palace.
Brij Vilas Palace Museum:
Get a track record of the ruthless battles, romantic tales of Rajasthan,
skills of craftsmen and contrasting lifestyles of the villages and palaces
through manuscripts, stone idols, artifacts, documents and archaeological
findings preserved in the well maintained Brij Vilas Palace Museum. This
museum is located near the the Kishore Sagar lake. You can also witness the
creativity of local artists in the Moder Art Gallery, situated nearby.
Chambal River and Garden :
After returning from the royal extravaganza, you would definitely want to
have a refreshing royal treat yourself. If that's true, then move to the
Chambal Gardens situated 2 km from the City Fort. Offering a pleasant
setting on the banks of river Chambal, the flower laden greenery and boat
rides will surely impress you. The park is known for its murky pond too,
that houses several ghariyals and fish eating crocodiles.
Sleeping & Eating:
It is a better option to stay at the scenic town of Bundi, but if you have
to stay at Kota, there is no dearth of hotels here too. It would be better
to try out some of the top-end hotels here that include the names of RTDC
Hotel Chambal, Umed Bhavan Palace and Brijraj Bhavan Palace Hotel. You can
also reserve your stay at Hotel Phul Palace or Hotel Navrang which are
budget hotels here. For food you can try out some of the restaurants and
snack houses on the road outside the Main Post Office.
Shopping:
It would be a great shopping experience in Kota, especially for admirers of
traditional Indian garments since Kota offers extremely pretty and colorful
saris, known as Kota Doria Saris, that are hand woven by the deft weavers of
villagers. Miniature paintings and handicrafts are the other specialties of
the town.
Getting There & Away:
Rail: The train station of Kota is situated at the northern edge of
the town. The town is situated on the main Delhi-Mumbai rail route via Sawai
Madhopur, so many important trains stop here. Getting to Jaipur by train
will take you 5 hrs while you would require 6 hrs for Agra and 10 hrs to
reach Delhi.
Road: There are several buses running from Kota Bus Station, located
at Bundi Road, connecting it to Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and also
some cities of Bhopal including Gwalior, Ujjain and Bhopal.
Getting Around:
Some of the easily available and affordable options to move around the town
are auto rickshaws, city buses and cycle rickshaws. Mini buses are also
available from the train station to the bus stand.