KOTA

Kota is the third largest city in the state of Rajasthan and is one of the popular tourist destinations. Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, the city of Kota is famous for its distinctive style of paintings, palaces, museums, and places of worship. The city is known for gold jewellery, Doria sarees, silk sarees and the famous Kota stone.

The history of Kota dates back to the 12th century when Rao Deva conquered the territory and founded Hadoti. The independent Rajput state of Kota was carved out of Bundi in 1631. The kingdom of Kota had a turbulent history as it was raided by various Mughal rulers, Maharajas of Jaipur and even the Maratha warlords. The city of Kota is well known all over the world for its architectural splendour comprising beautiful palaces, temples and museums which exhibit the grandeur of the foregone era.

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Come explore the wonders and sites that Kota has to offer. There’s always something to see in Rajasthan.

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  GARH PALACE

  The foremost tourist attraction in Kota is the 'Garh'. This large complex, also known as the City Palace, is built in a predominantly Rajput style of architecture. The palace is a sprawling complex of suites and apartments built by different rulers of the Rajput dynasty at different times in history.

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  RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM

  Situated within the walls of the Garh palace, Rao Madho Singh Museum houses a splendid collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school. Visitors can spend hours taking in the fascinating sculptures, arms and other valuable antiques.

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  ABHEDA MAHAL AND ABHEDA BIOLOGICAL PARK

  Located 8 kilometers away from Kota, on the banks of a tank, this medieval palace was the recreation spot of the rulers of Kota. It is where they went to enjoy the wildlife and natural beauty of the region. Close to Abheda Mahal is the temple of Karni Mata, the reigning deity of Kota. Abheda biological park situated on Nanta road near Abheda Mahal Kota. It is newly constructed by forest department. The biological park of kota is eco friendlier place for wild animals.

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  DAD DEVI TEMPLE

  Situated about 18 kilometres from Kota, the temple of the deity of the royal household of Kota is surrounded by thick forests and is an ideal place to spend some time in quiet contemplation. This temple is dedicated to Shri Dad Devi Mata Ji, an incarnation of Goddess Durga.

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  CHARAN CHAUKI

  On the way to Dad Devi, 15 kilometres from Kota City, is Charan Chauki. It marks the legendary spot where Lord Krishna is said to have rested for a brief moment while travelling to Dwarka from Mathura. His footprints are said to have been preserved here.

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  KISHORE SAGAR JAGMANDIR

  The Jagmandir was built by one of the queens of Kota between 1743 and 1745, and is situated in the middle of the Kishore Sagar Lake. Built in red sandstone, it is a monument of exquisite beauty. The palace is open to tourists who can enjoy boat rides in the Kishore Sagar Lake and the panoramic view of the palace from the lake. The Keshar Bagh, situated near the Jagmandir Palace is well known for its royal cenotaphs.

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  Garden of Joy (City Park)

  Garden of Joy (City Park) is a park developed in an area of 30 hectares on Jhalawar Road in the middle of Kota city, 85 percent of which has been intensively planted, in the middle of which a 1.25 km canal has been developed, the park has food zone, cafe for tourists. You can enjoy City Bazaar Amphitheater, Kids Zone, Open Gym, Botanical Garden, Shrubbery Garden and boating for children's attractions.

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  Chambal River Front

  Beautiful Chambal River Front has been developed on both the banks of Chambal River over a length of 2.75 km from Kota Barrage to Nayapura Pulia in Kota city. Chambal River Front is the first heritage river front developed in India. 26 ghats have been constructed on both sides of this river front. These ghats have been prepared on different themes. Nine famous buildings and architectures from different countries of the world have been built on the World Heritage Ghat built on the Chambal River Front. Just as Seven Wonders Park has been built on the banks of Kishore Sagar pond, where seven wonders of the country and the world have been built, on the same lines, artwork of nine famous buildings of the world has been built on the World Heritage Ghat on the river front. These architectures have been built one after the other in an area of about 240 meters, in which India's pride Red Fort, Gopuram Temple, Chinese Pagoda, History Park, West Minster, Tavy Fountain, Varam Temple, Mosque and Louvre Museum can be seen. A fountain has been built here also on the lines of Barcelona Fountain. Tourists coming here can enjoy fountain show with colorful lights and music. Apart from this, the country's first LED garden has also been built here. People coming here will see LED elements instead of real trees, plants and birds. Zodiac ghats have also been developed in the eastern zone of the river front which have different zodiac signs.

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  CHAMBAL GARDEN

  Located on the bank of river Chambal, this place is one of the most beautiful picnic spots in the city of Kota. At Chambal Garden, visitors can enjoy peace in the lap of exquisite greenery. The major attraction here is the wonderful boat ride that you can take on the Chambal river nearby forest office jetty. Considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience, the river itself is a part of the National Chambal Ghariyal (Gavial) Sanctuary. The sanctuary was established in 1983 with the express purpose of conserving the fast depleting population of marsh crocodiles and ghariyals, which are a type of thin-snouted crocodile. It is also famous for its diverse bird population and scenic natural beauty.

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  SEVEN WONDER PARK

  The Seven Wonder Park is a Rs. 20 crores worth project developed along the Kishore Sagar Lake at Vallabh Bari in Kota. A single visit to this park allows visitors to get a glimpse of the replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World.

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  KHADE GANESH JI TEMPLE

  The Ganesh temple is situated in the southern part of the city. What makes this temple unique is that this is the only temple in India that has a standing idol of Ganesh. One can also visit Rangbadi Balaji temple on the way there.

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  KARNESHWAR TEMPLE

  Karneshwar temple is a Shiva Temple located on the Jhalawar Road (NH 12). Besides the temple, the place itself is beautiful, especially during the monsoon. The temple is thronged by devotees and picnickers.

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  GODAWARI DHAM

  Godawari Dham is a Hanuman temple situated at walking distance from Chambal Garden. This temple is located beside the Chambal River. It is a beautiful shrine, made entirely of white marble. The towers of the temple are quite high and impressive. It has a huge marble swan built at the top of the entrance gate.

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  ALNIA DAM

  The Alnia Dam is one of the must-see attractions of Kota. It is renowned for the beautiful rock paintings that date back to the Upper Paleolithic age. Still in good condition, they adorn the bank of the river, making this place definitely worth a visit.

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  MUKUNDARA HILLS TIGER RESERVE

  The Mukundara hills Tiger Reserve is 50 kilometres from Kota. Tigers are often relocated here from Ranthambore Reserve. It has a core area of 417 square kilometres and a buffer zone covering 342.82 square kilometres. Other wildlife includes panther, deer, wild boar and bear. This thickly wooded area is home to a large variety of birds as well.

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  GARADIA MAHADEV

  One can get a grand view of River Chambal from the Garadia Mahadev . Situated on kota- Dabi –udaipur Road (NH 76), this temple provides an incredible view of the surrounding wilderness. It is a must visit, especially during monsoon.

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  KANSUA TEMPLE

  This is one of the oldest and most beautiful temples in Kota and is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The temple has a small pond within its premises. There is a stone inscription here dating back to 738 AD that says that it was built by Raja Shivgana Maurya but local legend has it that the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile.

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  MATHURADHEESH MANDIR

  The Mathuradheesh Temple in Kota belongs to Pushti Marg, a Vaishnava sect founded by Shri Vallabhacharyaji. The idol of Krishna housed here was brought from the Karnaval village (near Mathura) and placed in the haveli of Dewan Dwarka Das. It now forms a major attraction for devotees of Lord Krishna. The festivals of Janmashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Annakoota and Holi are celebrated with great enthusiasm here.

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  GAIPARNATH TEMPLE

  Gaipar Nath is a lovely big chasm with an old Shiva temple set in a deep gorge with a spectacular view of the ruggedly beautiful forests and cliffs of the Chambal valley. The pleasant sound of gushing water from the Gaiparnath waterfall near the temple, set against a picturesque canvas of a green landscape make it an idyllic and beautiful spot to visit.

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  KAITHOON

  Prince of Kota Rao Kishore Singh, who was also serving in Mughal Army of Shah Jahan brought some weaver families from Mysore. These weavers were called ‘Masurias’. These families are now settled in Kaithoon village. The traditional weavers started producing fabric known as ‘Kota Doria’. It was worn as ‘Pagadi’ or hear gear by the members of royal court. Later its scope of use widened and Sarees and Dhotis were made form Kota Doria fabric.

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  Brajvilas Museum (Government Musem Kota)

  Government Museum of Kota is housed in historical Brij Vilas Palace near kishoresagar Lake. It has rich and unique collection of artefacts from ancient to medieval times. Statues, weapons, manuscripts, coins and sculptures are exhibited in proper style and method. Some of the major attractions of the museum are the statues of Lord Vishnu reclining on his serpent seat, Jhalari vadak or a drum player from Bhim Chauri and sacrificial pillars or Yups of Badva. There is a separate section for manuscripts, paintings and handicrafts.

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  Kishorsagar lake Kota

  Kisorsagar Lake is one of the many lakes and ponds commisoned by the rulers of Kota. Jagmandir was built in later half of 18th century as retreat for the royal family of kota. Presently a boat service is available for the visitors to go to Jagmandir and enjoy a magnificent view of surrounding Kota city from there.

Be a part of the festivities and traditions that Kota has to offer. It’s always a celebration in Rajasthan

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  DUSSEHRA

  Dussehra is a Hindu festival celebrated all over the country. As the name suggests, it is the ‘Tenth Day’ of the fierce battle fought; when Lord Rama killed King Ravana. This holy day marks the victory of good over evil. The Dussehra Festival of Kota is quite a unique experience for both, the residents and tourists. Villagers dress themselves in colourful traditional wear and join long processions to offer their prayers to Lord Rama. Cultural programmes are organised and include scintillating performances by well-known artists. However, the highlight of the festivities is the theatrical representation of the encounter popularly known as ‘Ramleela’. The drama is so highly anticipated among the locals that spectators start chanting the name of Lord Rama during the show. The climax of the show holds most appeal as it ends with setting alight gigantic effigies of the 10-headed Ravana along with his brother Kumbhkarana and his son Meghnath. These 75-feet tall statues are stuffed with crackers and once set on fire, they burst to create an extravagant show.

Engage in the many activities, tours and adventures that await you in Kota. There’s always something to do in Rajasthan.

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  GO FOR A WALK AT KISHORE SAGAR

  Situated at the heart of Kota, Kishore Sagar Talaab is perfect for a leisurely walk. The opening of Seven Wonders and Chaupati and the Floating Musical Mountain gave this place a much-needed makeover and it is now a favourite with tourists.

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  HERITAGE WALK IN THE FORTIFIED OLD CITY

  Heritage and architecture lovers can enjoy a walk in Rampura, Bajajkhana and Patanpole and observe heritage buildings from the colonial era at close quarters. One can also view the massive gates with beautiful paintings in the Old City.

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  CHAMBAL RIVER BOAT SAFARI

  One of the unique attractions of Kota is a Boat Safari on CHAMBAL RIVER. It starts from forest office jetty near Chambal Garden. It’s 2-3 Hours ride in which tourist can visit Garadia Mahdeo 12 kms from the starting point and back. One can have a site of Crocodiles, Vultures and Panther. Being a part of Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve and a Crocodile Sanctuary, Boat Safari in Chambal River surrounded by rocky terrain creates a mesmerizing experience.

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