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Kota Travel Guide

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An amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization, mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum with a rich collection of art and artefacts and some elaborately painted chambers.

Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but later it grew to be a bigger state. What retains the past glory are the untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and temples dating back over several centuries.

These temples were conquered by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva. It was at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory to his son Madho Singh. The Kota state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection of Stone Idols (murties) in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass work on the walls, the silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.

The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jahalwar and Kota is treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoric caves, paintings, formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region.

When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil chieftain Koteya in a battle, he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(Fort) over his severed head.

The independent State of Kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenure and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao.

Kota is situated on the banks of chambal river and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby.


Places to See in Kota

MAHARAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM
Situated in the old palace, it houses a rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes, arms and other valuable antiques. The museum is the treasure bouse of artistic items used by the former rulers of Kota. Timings : 11AM to 5 PM Entry Fee : Rs.7/- per person for Indians and Rs40 per person for foreign tourist Camera Fee: Rs.35/- and Rs. 70/- Phone No. : 323040 Holiday : Every Friday and National Holidays

GOVT. MUSEUM
It is situated in Brijvilas Palace, Kshar bagh near Kishore Sagar Lake. It has superb collection of rare coins, manuscripts and representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. A piece brought here from Baroli (Badoli) is noteworthy for its beauty and historical interest. Timings : 10AM to 5 PM Entre Fee : Rs.2/- Phone No. : 328443 Holiday : Every Friday and National Holidays Photography is prohibited. It is allowed only with the permission of Director of Archaeology and Museums, Jaipur.

KISHORE SAGAR - JAG MANDIR
Kishore Sagar, a picturesque artificial lake was constructed in 1346 by the prince Dhee Deh of Bundi. Jagmandir and aesthetic monument was built in the middle of the lake with ripples of the blue waters enhancing the serenity. Boating facility is an added attraction of the place. Near the lake is Kshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs.

CHAMBAL GARDEN
The lush green garden near Amar Niwas Palace makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy boating in River Chambal.

HAVELI OF DEVTA JI
It is situated on the bank of River Chambal, near Garh - Palace. It is famous for its frescoes. The haveli has few rooms full of miniature paintings, which are worth a visit. It is a private residence. Prior permission is required to visit the Haveli.

KOTA BARRAGE
This is the irrigation canal system on the Chambal river. The beautiful setting here is just ideal for a stroll.

KANSUA TEMPLE
A rare four faced Shivlinga is installed here Other places to see Mathuradheesh temple, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, traffic Park, Adhar Shila and Budh Singh Bafna Haveli are worth seeing.


Excursions of Kota

BAROLI (BADOLI) 48 KM
On the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam lies one oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century AD. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning. The carvings and the figure of Natraj, Shiva as cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap are bewitching. There are many interesting shrines that can be visited here.

RANA PRATAP SAGAR DAM & BHAINSRODGARH 55 km.
These two places come under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrodgarh is located on the bank of Chambal River. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established in the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gapernath Mahadev can be visited which is a beautiful picnic spot.

BAHNDDEORA TEMPLE (RAMGARH) 110km
It is situated in Baran district. Built in the 11th century, and was renovated in 12th century. Perched on Ramgarh hill, the best way to reach the temple is by a jeep. This temple is now in ruins.

THE REMAINS OF GARHGACHCHH 110 km
These 9th and 13th century temples, made of red stone are in Baran district.

NAHARGARH FORT 145 km
The fort is an example of Mughal architecture made of red stone.

SITABARI 120 km
Situated near the village of Kelwara inBaran district, this is a beautiful picnic spot. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. Every year a tribal fair is held in the month of May/June.


SHERGARH 125 km
Situated near Atru village inBaran district, the fort of Shergarh is an important monument.

FORT OF SHAHBAD AND MOSQUE 160 km
This fort was constructed by Chauhan King Mukutman in 1577 AD. The mosque here ws made during the time of Aurangzeb and is the biggest mosque in Rajasthan.

DARRAH WILDLIFE SANTUARY 50 km.
A thickly wooded forest, along the south-east border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, is the former royal hunting preserve.
It has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary where panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and boar live without any threat to their lives.

ROCK PAINTINGS OF ALANIYA RIVER 25 km.
from Kota, rock paintings are found on the banks of river Alaniya.

Other Excursions
Abhera Lake & Palace, 8 km
Nanta Palace
Mukund Singh & Abla Meeni Palace, 50 km . on way to Jhalawar. Gupta period's Bhimchori Temples's Ruines, 50 km. Near Mukund Singh & Ablamin Mahahal.
Charchouman Temple, 35 km. Etc.


Fairs & Festivals of Kota

Fairs and Festivals of Kota reflect the vigour and life-style of its people.

Gangaur Festival (March - April)
The most important local festival of Rajasthan, Gangaur is dedicated to Gauri, the consort of Lord Shiva and the symbol of marital happiness. A festival of maidens and married women, it begins on the day following holi and is celebrated for eighteen days. During these days the fields in Hadoti region are covered with blossoming poppy flowers. Maidens go forth tocollect these flowers to make garlands for the Goddess.

Sitabari fair (May - June)
A small place near village Kelwara of Baran district, this fair of religious importace, is held from Baisakh Sudi Punam to Jeth Amavas. The fair is at its peak onChandra Amavas and Padwa Dooj. Tholusands of people take a holy dip in tanks called Sita Kund, Laxman Kund and Suraj Kund. Sitabari marks the place where Sita was left by Laxman in the forest.

Dussehra Fair (Oct - Nov.)
Ten days of battle between Lord Ram and Ravana are celebrated throughout India. In the tenth day, huge effigies,stuffed with fire crackers, of Ravana, his brother Kumbhkarana and son Meghnath, are set alinght.
People from far off paces come enjoy the popular and versatile fair


How to Reach Kota

Air
There is a small aerodrome, which is not operational. Nearest main airport is Jaipur (240 km).

Rail
Kota is well connected by Train with all major cities in the state and outside the state.

Road
Kota is located on the N.H. No. 12 (Jaipur - Jabalpur) and well connected with all major ciites.

LOCAL TRANSPORT
Un-metered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle rickshaws are available for moving around.



Kota Travel Guide, Reservation Form

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