Location
Kota is situated in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, in
the northwestern part of India. It is located on the eastern bank of Chambal
River and is drained by its tributaries. Kota is on an elevated sloping
tableland forming a part of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from
southeast to northwest axis of the town. It is 36 km from Bundi. Summers are
quite hot (April-June) while winters are cool (October-February). It
experiences scant rainfall between June and August.
Unspoilt legacy
Kota has untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid
temples dating back over several centuries retain the past glory with the
present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial
heartland of Rajasthan.
The
history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada
Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti.
Later, in the early 17th century AD during the reign of the Mughal Emperor
Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi - Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller
principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a
hallmark of the Rajput gallantry and culture.
Tourist attractions
» Chambal Garden : A beautifully landscaped garden
at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot
offering enjoyable boar rides.
» Maharao Madho Singh Museum : Situated in the old
palace, the museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of
the Kota school,exquisite sculptures,frescoes and armoury. The museum also
houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.
» The Government Museum : Housed in the Brijvilas
Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare
coins,manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.
Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from
Baroli.
»
Jag Mandir : Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar
constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting
little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone
monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The
Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
» Haveli of Devtaji : The beautiful Haveli of Devta
Shridharji is located in the middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted
for its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings.
» Kota Barrage : A part of the irrigation canal
system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and
evening strolls.
» Other Places worth Visiting : Kansua temple with a
four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund,Adhar Shila Budh Singh Bafna haveli
and Yatayat Park.
How to get there!
» By Air & Rail : Kota does not have an airport
of its own. Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of
the town. As Kota is on the main Delhi-Mumbai railway line via Sawai
Madhopur, a number of trains pass through and stop here.
» By Road : Kota is linked with Ajmer (6 hours),
Chittorgarh (6 hours), Jaipur (6 hours), Udaipur (6 hours), Jodhpur (11
hours) and Bikaner (12 hours) by road.
