Kota

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.

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.