Kota Tourism, Rajasthan
Kota General Information
- Area 221.36 sq. km
- Population 5,37,371
- Altitude 251.1 meters above sea level
- Languages Rajasthani and Hindi
- STD Code 0744
- Best time to visit October-February
Kota- An Introduction
It is basically situated on the eastern bank of Chambal River of Rajasthan city This beautiful city was formerly the capital of the princely state of Kota , in 1572. It is located on the part of Malwa plateau. It is well known for its gardens and palaces. Its major cultivation includes cotton, millet, wheat, coriannder and oilseeds.Kota is well known for its beautiful saris, stone products, paintings and a vibrant education sector. Presently Kota also serves as army headquarters . About its history background, both kota and bundi came under the rule of chauhan empire in 12 th century.In 1624, mugal emperor named jehangir aprtitioned bundi and changed kot ainto an independent state. Summers are quite hotter and winter are quite colder. Winters are the besdt season to visit this beautiful city.
Places of Interest:
City Fort Palace
The City Fort Palace complex is situated by the side of the Kota Barrage overlooking the Chambal River. The fort and the palace complex is one of the largest of its kind in Rajasthan. You can enter the complex through the Naya Darwaza or the new gate. On the right side of the complex/’s central courtyard lies the Rao Madho Singh Museum. The museum has an excellent collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota School, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armory. You can also have a look at the rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers that are housed in the museum.
Jagmandir Palace
The famous jagmandir palace is situated between the city palace and RTDC hotel chambal on the small island at the kishore Sagar Lake . It was constructed by the prince Dhee Deh of Bundi in the year 1346. Surrounded by the azure waters around red-sandstone monuments increase its beauty fully. The keshar bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs.
Brij Vilas Palace Museum
This government owned museum is placed in the brij villas palace near the kishore sagar lake. The museum is famous for its rare collections of coins, manuscripts, stone idols and other sculptural fragments mainly from the archaeological sites of jhalawar and baroli in Rajasthan.
Chambal Gardens
To the south of the fort on the banks of the Chambal river is located the Chambal Gardens. This beautifully landscaped garden at Amar Niwas is a popular picnic spot. In the garden lies a pond inhabited by crocodiles.
Chhatar Bilas Gardens
It is situated adjacent to Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation’s chambal hotel. One can finds a beautiful collection of royal chhatris or cenotaphs. This beautiful garden is popular picnic spot at Amar Niwas in Kota . Inside the gardn lies a pond inhabited with crocodiles in it.
Excursion:
Bardoli
Bardoli lies about 48 km on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. Here you can find the oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan that dates back to the 9th century AD. One can have a look at the fine examples of craftsmanship that manifests in the intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Nataraj (Shiva), the cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap. You can also have a look at many other interesting shrines that lie close by.
Bundi
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides, Bundi lies at a distance of 36 km far. This tiny picturesque town was once a part of this city and was ruled by the Hada Chauhans an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan that ruled Delhi and Ajmer. The Rajput legacy of the town has been well preserved in the massive fort. Besides the fort, the palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols, and chattris with carved pillars are some of the interesting monuments to see here. The picturesque lake in the heart of the town adds to its charm. Bundi is also famous for its intricate carvings and murals.
Mandalgarh
Built by Rana Kumbha, Mandalgarh is the third fort of Mewar, the others being Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh. You can reach Mandalgarh by taking a diversion between Menal and Bijolia.
Menal
About 48 km from Bundi, on the Bundi-Chittorgarh road lies Menal, the coldest town in the area. The town is famous for its ancient Shiva temples. You can also have a look at the picturesque waterfall, if you happen to visit the place after a good monsoon. Dense forests greet you on the Bundi-Chittor road.