Kota Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Kota has its fair share of forts, palaces, museums and temples. The imposing City Palace and Fort beside Kota Barrage is the largest fort complex in Rajasthan and built in 17^th century AD. Hathipol or the Elephant Gate is the entrance to the fort, which also houses Rao Madho Singh Museum. The museum displays weapons, antique garments, murals and toys. The upper level of the museum houses some of the most well-preserved murals from the Kota School of Paintings.

Government Museum close to the fort has thousands of stone sculptures, some in almost ruined condition. It also has a rich collection of rare coins and Sanskrit manuscripts. Jag Mandir stands in an artificial lake, Kishore Sagar built in 1346. Built by one of the maharanis of Kota, the red-sandstone palace can be seen on a boat ride. The charming landscape of Chambal Gardens in Amar Niwas offers good picnic spots by day. Haveli of Devtaji in the heart of the city is known for its frescoes and wall paintings.

Other Activities:

Excursions out of the city can be made to the 9^th century temple complex of Badoli, the red-sandstone Nahargarh Fort (145 Km) famous for its fine Mughal architecture and the wildlife sanctuary of Darrah (50 Km). The sanctuary is home to antelopes, bear, sambar, spotted deer, leopard, wild boar and sometimes, even a stray tiger. Just 20 minutes away from the city centre is the small village of Khaitoon where local women work at the looms to produce the famous Kotadoria saris. You can also purchase cotton and silk saris from here.

Tourism Info:

RTDC Hostel Chambal

MI Road, Kota

Telephone: 91-744-2327695

Situated on the banks of Chambal, the only perennial river in Rajasthan, Kota is a mix of a rich bygone era and rapidly growing industrial influences. It has Asia's largest fertiliser plant. Surprisingly, Kota, a part of Hadoti region (Kota, Bundi and Jhalawar districts) remains largely unexplored in terms of tourism. From nature excursions in the region's valleys to the fortresses and palaces, Kota offers a lot for the traveller. The colourful city came into being in 1264 but gained importance in 17^th century when Rao Madho Singh became the ruler. Most of the palaces were built during his reign. Kota is also famous for the Kota School of Painting and the renowned Kotadoria handlooms.