Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialization temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples.

The present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.

Fair & Festivals in Kota

Dussehra Mela (Sep - Oct of every year)
Dussehra, an important festival of the Hindus commemorating the victory of good over evil, is celebrated in Kota like other parts of India with great fervor. The specialty of Dussehra in Kota is the Dussehra Mela celebrated in the month of October.

Places to See in Kota

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km)
An erstwhile royal hunting preserve, it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear.

The Rao Madho Singh Museum
The Rao Madho Singh museum is definitely not to be missed as it is reportedly one of the best museums in the state. This was formerly a palace and is named after the son of the ruler of Bundi who was made the first ruler of Kota State by the Mughal emperor Jehangir. The museum is closed on Fridays and state holidays. It gives a wonderful glimpse of the glory and history of the place with miniature paintings and ancient armoury on display.

Govt. Museum
This houses various archeological finds of the vicinity, such as 9th century sculptures from the temples of Baroli 56 km away.

City Palace and Fort
The large complex of the city palace and fort overlooks the Kota barrage and the Chambal river.

Chambal Gardens
This is a spot popular with day tourists for picnicking. Some crocodiles have been kept in the pond.

Jagmandir
This palace is located in the middle of the artificial lake of Kishore Sagar. The lake itself dates back to 1346 A.D., whereas the palace was built in 1740.

Haveli of Deaji
The Haveli of Deyta Shridharji contains many frescoes and paintings.

Excursions near Kota

Baroli (56 km)
This temple complex dates back to the 9th century A.D., and can be visited on the way to Pratap Sagar Dam. Many sculptures found in the temple complex are now housed in the Govt. Museum of Kota

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh (50 km)
Bhainsrodgarh Fort is built alongside the Chambal River. Many tourists stop by at the ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way.

Jhalawar
87 km away from Kota, this place is famous for a palace and a small museum. It is also host to a cattle fair every year. 10 km away from Jhalawar, nestling in splendid solitude, is the fortress of Gagron.

Sitabari (120 km)
The ancient temple here is devoted to Sita and Laxman and a tribal fair is held in May/June.

Bundi (40 km)
Bundi is home to the famous Taragarh Fort, which was built as far back as 1354.

Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25 km)
Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the River Alaniya.

How to Reach Kota

Air: Jaipur, 245 km, is the nearest large airport though a local airline has flights to Jaipur from Kota.
Rail: As it comes on the important Delhi-Mumbai route, a number of good train connections are available for Kota.
Road: Kota is located 504 km from Delhi, and 270 km from Udaipur by road.

Shopping in Kota

Best known for it's small checked-weave cotton sarees called Kota doriyas, in light floral prints.

Hotels in Kota

- Umed Bhawan Palace

more...  

more...