About Kota (Kota City Information)

The Kota city is located on the eastern bank of Chambal River.

Best Season
In summer it may not be too pleasant to visit this city due to the high temperature. The months between October and February are pleasant period to visit.

Tourist Information
Tourist Office is at Chambal Tourist Bungalow. The only bank where you can change traveller's cheques is State Bank of Bikaner & Jaipur. Today Kota serves as army headquarters. It is also Rajasthan's industrial centre (mainly chemicals), powered by the Hydroelectric plants on the Chambal river. Local transportation includes cycles, auto-rickshaws and local buses.

Places to see

Chambal Garden
This garden is situated south of the fort at Amar Nivas and forms a popular picnic spot. It has a pond where one can take boat rides, but this pond is also home to Garhwal Crocodiles.

Rao Madho Singh Museum
This museum is situated in the old palace. It has on display weapons, clothing, a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, and some of the best preserved murals in the state. The museum also houses a rich collection of artistic items used by the Kota rulers. This museum is open daily from 11 am to 5 pm, it is closed on Friday.

The Government Museum
This museum is housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar. The museum has on display a collection of stone idols, rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts.
Timings: 10.00 am to 5.00 p.m
There is some very minimum entry fee.
Closed on every Friday and Government holidays.
Photography is prohibited.

Jag Mandir
Situated between the city palace and the tourist bungalow is the picturesque artificial lake, Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi. In the middle of this beautiful lake stands the impressive little palace of Jag Mandir. This palace was built in 1740 by one of the Maharanis of Kota. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in this Kishore Sagar lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs(tombs) lies in the vicinity.

Haveli of Devtaji
This beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji,which is located in the middle of the busy market is noted for its splendid frescoes and rooms decorated with lovely wall paintings.

Kota Barrage
This barrage is a part of the irrigation canal system on the cambhal river. Its beautiful surrounding make it a lovely picnic spot and a place o stroll.

Excursions

Bundi
Bundi which is just 36 kms away from Kota is a little picturesque town, which was the former capital of a major princely state. However the importance of Bundi diminished with the rise of Kota during the Moghul times. Interesting monuments including impressive medieval forts, palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols and chattris with carved pillars, along with a picturesque lake in the heart of the town, add to its charm. Bundi is very famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Bardoli
Enroute to Pratap Sagar Dam is Bardoli, 48 kms from Kota . It has one of the oldest and most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century A.D. One can come across some intricate carvings and also an exquisite image of Natraj (Shiva, the cosmic dancer) on the door of the mandap, offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines are located close on heels.

Bhainsrodgarh
Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies 55 kms from Kota on the right bank of the Chambal River admist picturesque surroundings. A village lies within the fort. An ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.

Bhanddeora Temple
This 11th-12th century old temple situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill at a distance of 110 kms from Kota, are now in ruins.

Nahargarh Fort
This impressive fort in red stone which is 145 kms from Kota is a fine example of the Mughal architecture.

Sitabari
This place which is situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district enroute to Kota-Shiv Puri at a distance of 120 kms, is an ideal picnic spot. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks here are worth visiting. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May/June every year.

Fort of Shahbad and Mosque
This fort of Shahbad which is 160 kms away from Kota,was constructed by Chauhan ruler Muktaman in 1577 AD. The mosque here, was built during the reign of Aurangazeb and is the biggest mosque in Rajasthan.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
This sanctuary is situated 50 kms away from Kota adjacent to the mountain range. Hunting ground of the maharajas of Kota in the earlier times, this sanctuary was established in 1955 and covers an area of 266 sq km. This hilly sanctuary with its thick forests is worth a visit. The wildlife here includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear and many more. The best time to visit is between February and May.

Rock Paintings of Alaniya
Most well known for the paintings on rocks, is Alaniya, 25 kms. from the city of Kota.