Day 71 - Kota

Kota is an important city in the state of Rajasthan and is known for its many industries and power plants. It is referred to as the industrial capital of the state. Asia’s largest fertilizer plant is in Kota. Its strategic location makes it an important trade center between the neighboring states of Delhi and Gujarat. The city is located on the banks of River Chambal making it a very fertile area ideal for cultivation of a variety of crops. Historians put the date of establishing Kota in the 12th century and Kota as a part of Malwa Plateau. The basic foundation of the Kota city was laid on 1264 AD after the Rajput took over the place from a local tribal chief. With grandeur past and rich heritage and history, Kota rulers were known for their legendary deeds and wars fought with Mughal emperors.


How to reach here:

By Air: Sanganer Airport located at Jaipur is nearly 245 km from the heart of the city Kota

By Rail: Kota rail head lying in the main line of Delhi- Mumbai route is well connected to all major cities in India.


Best time to visit: August to February.


Languages spoken: Hindi, Rajasthani and English.


Must eat: Lapsi, Dahi Keema Samosa,Dal Dhokli,Kachri ki Chutney.


Famous Restaurants: Kishan Kunj, Yo Dimsum, Chapati foods, Al kareem.


Places you must visit:

Kota Fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan. The fort was built in 1264, but was expanded over the years, reaching its present size in 1625, when the city palace was completed. The fort is not well-maintained so it is looking a bit run-down, but the palaces are in good condition. You enter the fort through the south Naya Darwaja Gate (New Gate). There are some good views from the walls of the fort.



City Palace is the monument for the glorious royal past of the Kota city, A confabulation of Mughal and Rajasthani architecture and art. The palace is adorned with imposing wall paintings, mirror walls, mirror ceilings, hanging illuminated lights and floral decorations. Breathtaking marble flooring and walls and stylish fashioned entrance, all these make City Palace a memorable location. City Palace encloses a grand museum enclosing huge collection of medieval weaponries, costumes and apparels of erstwhile kings and queens, artifacts and handicrafts showing the cultural heritage of the bygone splendid days.





The Chambal Gardens is located at Amar Niwas, on the banks of the Chambal River.Owing to its landscaped garden and picturesque setting, it is considered to be an ideal picnic spot.At the center of the garden, there is a pond that houses some crocodiles and a suspension bridge overhead. Gharials can be seen in this pond. Boat rides can be taken in the pond.







Kishore Sagar is an artificial picturesque lake dating back to 1346 constructed by the Bundi Prince Dehra Deh. It located by the side of attractive Brij Vilas palace museum. A cute palace named as Jagmadir is located at the heart of the museum. The enchanting palace is a red sand stone monument of the grandeur days of Kota. The reflections of the exquisite palace walls and domes in the azure water of the Kishore Sagar Lake are breathtaking.



Maharao Madho Singh Museum is situated in the old palace.The museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school,exquisite sculptures,frescoes and armoury. 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 Baroli.



The Jag mandir Palace was built by one of the queens of Kota, in the year 1740. It is situated in the middle of the artificial Kishor Sagar Lake that was built by Prince Dehra Deh of Bundi in 1346 AD.In the past, this red sandstone monument served as the pleasure palace of the erstwhile kings of Kota. Tourists can opt for boat rides in the lake and enjoy the reflections of the palace walls and domes of the Jagmandir Palace in the crystal waters of Kishor Sagar Lake. Situated nearby is the Keshar Bagh that is mainly known for its royal cenotaphs.





The Haveli of Devta Shridharji is situated at the centre of the busy market. It is mainly known for the frescoes and the paintings that decorate its walls.



The Mathuradheesh Mandir is dedicated to Lord Krishna and his followers of the Vallabh sect. Lord Krishna is seen here with a flute and accompanied by Radha.



The Godavari Dham Temple is situated on the banks of the Chambal River. The temple is a white marble structure with high towers.




The Garadia Mahadev temple is situated at the gorge of the Chambal River and offers a panoramic view of the Chambal gorge and plains. It is considered to be one of the popular picnic spots in Kota.





The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1955. Prior to that, it was the preferred hunting ground of the royal rulers of Kota as a large number of deer, tigers and rhinos inhabited this dense forest.This sanctuary is now the home to animals like sloth bears, leopards, nilgai, antelopes, wolves and deer





Sitabari is the place where Sita, the consort of Lord Ram, was left by Ram’s brother, Lakshman to serve her banishment period. It is situated near Kelwara village in Baran District. According to legend, a stream sprung from the ground at the place where Lakshman shot an arrow to fetch water for Sita. The stream is known as ‘Lakshman Babhuka’.The ‘kunds' or tanks are often visited by people for taking a holy dip. The ‘Lakshman Kund’ is the biggest water tank of all and at one of its gates called ‘Lakshman Darwaza’, there is an idol of Hanuman.







The Kansua Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the specialty of this temple is that it houses a rare four headed idol of Lord Shiva. Therefore, it is considered to be an important pilgrimage for Shaivites.

Gurudwara Azamgarh Sahib possesses a dagger and a pair of wooden slippers that are said to belong to Guru Nanak, who once visited this place. This place is also the birthplace of the well known poet, Ayodhya Singh ‘Harioodh’. According to local belief, the remains of a Sufi saint, Sheikh Nizam-ud-din, are buried here.

Gaipernath is a waterfall that is situated very close to the city of Kota. It is considered to be an ideal picnic spot, owing to its surrounding green landscape and serene environment. 

Kaithoon is mainly popular for the hand woven Kota Doria saris. The place offers high quality cotton fabrics and other dress materials embroidered with real silver and gold threads. Visitors can also observe the process of weaving the saris.

Baroli is located on the route that leads to Rana Pratap Sagar from Kota. It is situated to the south-west of Kota, at a distance of around 45 km. The place offers a serene and calm ambience.The Ghateshwara Temple is presently the main temple of Baroli and contains detailed carvings. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temple complexes in Rajasthan. An image of Lord Shiva or Nataraja adorns the door of the ‘mandap’ and the pillars are an example of Rajasthani craftsmanship.