GENERAL INFORMATION

 Kota is a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization. An impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams – kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. While on old palace, dating back to the time when kota was part of the Hada Rajput fiefdom – Harawati or Hadoti – overlooks the kota Barrage on the turbulent Chambal river.

The Hada chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory in the 14^th century and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, at the beginning of the 17^th century, Rao Ratan Singh, the ruler of Bundi, gave his son, Madho Singh, the smaller principality of kota. In course of time kota came to be regarded as a hallmark of Rajput power and culture.

Durbar Hall has mirror work, ebony and Ivory inlaid doors, and contains a wealth of Rajput miniatures of the kota school. There are the royal cenotaphs, a haveli (stately home) with delicate frescoes, the Brij raj Bhawan Palace and island palace – the Jag Mandir – gracious remainders of a bygone age.

However, modern kota is all hustle and bustle as befits a town which boasts of Asia’s largest fertilizer plant, a precision instrument unit, and an Atomic Power Station for power generation and nuclear research among other things.

WHAT TO SEE

CHAMBAL GARDEN

The lush green garden at Amar Niwas makes a lovely picnic spot. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride 

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 a veritable treasure house of artistic items used by the rulers of kota.

THE GOVERNMENT MUSEUM

It is situated in Brijvilas Palace near Kishor Sagar near Lake. It has a superb collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. A sculptured freeze brought here from Baroli is noteworthy for its beauty and historical interest.

Photography is prohibited permitted by the Director of Archaeology and Museums, Jaipur.

JAG MANDIR

A picturesque artificial lake Kishor Sagar was constructed in 1346 by the prince Dher Deh of Bundi. Jag Mandir on aesthetic monument was built in the middle of this lake with ripples of its blue waters enhancing the serently. Boating facility is an added attraction of the place. Near the lake is keshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs.

HAVELI OF DEVTAJI

In the middle of the busy market is located the Haveli of Devta Shridharji, famous for its beautiful frescoes. Some rooms of this Haveli are full of wall paintings which are worth a visit is a private residence. Prior permission is required to visit it as it is a private residence.

KOTA BARRAGE

This is a part of the irrigation canal system on Chambal river. The setting is beautiful ideal for a stroll.

OTHER PLACES TO VISIT

Kansua temple, where a rare four faced Shivlinga is installed, Bhitria Kund. Adhar Shila and Budh Singh Bafna Haveli are worth seeing.

EXCURSIONS

BADOLI

48 km. On the way to Pratap Sagar Dam lies one of the oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan going back to the 9^th century A.D. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning. The carvings and the figure of Nataraja, Shiva as the cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap are bewitching. There are many other interesting shrines in the vicinity.

RANA PRATAP SAGAR SAM & BHAINSRODGARH

50-55 km. These two places came under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrodgarh is located on the right bank of Chambal river. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established within the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gopar nath Mahadev can be visited which is a beautiful picnic spot.

BHANDDEORA TEMPLE (RAMGARH)

110 km. it is situated in Baran district. Built in the 11^th and 12^th centuries, this temple is called the khajuraho of Rajasthan. Perched on Ramgarh hill, the best way to reach is by a jeep. This temple is now in ruins.

THE REMAINS OF GARHGACCH

110 km. These 9^th & 13^th 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 in Baran 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 in Baran 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 was made during the time of Aurangzeb and is the biggest mosque in Rajasthan.

DARRAH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

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 bear live without any threat to their lives.

ROCK PAINTINGS OF ALANIYA

25 kms. From Kota, rock paintings are found on the bank of river Alaniya.

SHOPPING

Kota is famous for kota daria sarees.

HOW TO GET THERE

AIR

Kota is connected by air, Jaipur 245 km is the other convenient airport.

RAIL

Lying on the Delhi-Bombay route, Kota is well served by regular super fast rail services.

ROAD

Good network of road connections links Kota with many important cities, Udaipur, Bundi, Delhi and Ahmedabad