Kota, Rajasthan Tourism
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The history of Kota is connected with that of Bundi, located just across the river. After the Hadas had taken over land from neighboring areas and founded the kingdom of Bundi, the kingdom of Kota was carved out of it. Kota was ruled by the British from 1818 to 1947, and merged with Rajasthan once the country threw off the yoke of British rule. Kota has come far from those days of royal lavishness and “sahibs” in their foreign clothes. Today, it has industries, schools, bustling marketplaces – even an atomic power plant! But don’t let that throw you off guard, beneath the trappings of modernization is a city that beguiles tourists with tales of valor, chivalry, romance, and sacrifice.

Attractions

Madho Singh Museum

If you are an art lover, then this museum is a must visit. The museum houses one of the finest collections of Kota art. Beautiful sculptures and armors are displayed here. Of special interest are the miniature paintings that are exclusive to this region.

Kota Fort

The massive fort was built over a period of 800 years by successive rulers of the kingdom. The foundation stone was laid in 1264, and the construction continued well into the twentieth century. The oldest structure within the fort is the Sailar Ghazi, the massive gate built in 1264. The newest part of the fort is the Naya Darwaza, built only in 1900. Within the fort are the palaces where royalty once resided. These include the Bada Mahal, Raj Mahal, and Hawa Mahal.

City Palace

Art was a part of life at Kota. Nowhere is it more apparent than the City Palace, where sculptures, armor, weapons, and paintings from the period are on display. Pay special attention to the walls and pillar – they are carved exquisitely! There is nothing subdued about the palace – the tiny mirrors decorating the walls gleam in the light, and the beautiful murals depicting scenes from royal life make the palace come alive.

Kishore Sagar

The lake was constructed in 1346 by the prince of Bundi. It is famous as the location of the Jagmandir Temple that lies on an island in the lake.

How To Reach Kota

By Air : Kota does not have an airport. You can fly down to Jaipur, and cover the rest of the 250 kilometers to Kota by train or road.

By Train : Kota is well connected to major cities in Rajasthan and western Indian by train. Trains are very convenient, as a Jaipur – Kota trip takes 6 hours by train and Delhi is just 10 hours away by train.

By Road : The roads leading to Kota are well maintained, making a journey by road smooth, fast, and comfortable. You can reach Kota from the capital Jaipur in less than 6 hours, while Bikaner and Jodhpur are around 12 kilometers away.