India Travel Guide

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Kota

Kota is a famous for its industries as well as natural beauty. It is situated on the bank of the river Chanbal in the southeast Rajasthan. The history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued until 1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, when it gained independence in 1947.

How to Reach Kota

By Road: There is a good bus service between Kota, Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.

By Train: Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of the town. As Kota is on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line via Sawai Madhopur, a number of trains pass through and stop here. It takes about 10 hours to reach Kota from Delhi by train.

By Air: Nearest airport is Jaipur (240 km).

Places of Tourist Interest

Temples - Neelkanth Mahadev's temple is one among the oldest temples of the city. It is situated in eastward of the palace. There is a beautiful water tank of Visvanath and a statue of four faced Shiva here.

Twelve miles away from this place there is a 200 feet high waterfall. Shiva temple of Nagda , temple in Ramgarh , temple of Vijasan Goddess on a high hill near the city and Karuneswar temple are some of the other tourist attractions. Shiva temple of Bardoli built in 8th century, are situated 30 miles from Kota and are famous for artistic beauty. 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 and car.

Maharao Madho Singh Museum - Situated in the old palace, the museum has a superb collelction of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armory. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.

The Government Museum - Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Bardoli. Bhainsrodgarh - 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 Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot. Near the fort is Rana Pratap Sagar Dam.

Jag Mandir - Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity

Dara game sanctuary - Fifty km from Kota surrounded by hills is a valley called Dara. Many animals including leopards, Neel Gava, deer and different type of birds can be seen in this sanctuary. Waters of Amjar River further add to the beauty of this region.