About Rajasthan
A complete travel guide for Rajasthan (one of the most popular travel destinations in India) offers information on Rajasthan climate, history, culture, dance, music and the local transportation. Detailed information is available on various tourist spots in Rajasthan, hotels in those destinations, wildlife in Rajasthan, forts & palaces of Rajasthan and various festivals of Rajasthan.










Turban
Pride of Rajasthan
" the Jodhpuri turban "

Rhythmic Dance
& Music

"cultural beats"


Life of Rajsthan
"royal transportation"


Royal Trasin
Palace on Wheels

"luxury & comfort"

Jaipur Hotels


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. The history of Kota is linked with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement continued until 1624. In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, when it gained independence in 1947


Major Tourist Attractions: Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Kota Barrage, Jag Mandir, Chambal Garden, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam,Government Museum,

Best Buys: Tie-dye textiles, block printed textiles, semi precious stone jewelry.

Best Activity: Shopping

Nearby Tourist Destinations: Ajmer, Alwar, Delhi, Agra, Shekhawati, Sawai Madhopur.

Major Tourits Attractions:
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. not only does this barrage control floodwater and irrigate canals, it also serves as an alternative bridge in the monsoon season.



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 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.

Jag Mandir
Between the City palace and the RTDC Hotel Chambal is the picturesque artificial tank of Kishore sagar. Right in the middle of the tank, on a small island, is the beguiling little palace of Jagmandir. Built in 1740 by one of the maharanies of Kota, it is best seen early in the morning but is exquisite at any time of the day. 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.

Chambal Garden
The Chambal Gardens are on the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort. They are popular place for picnic. The centerpiece is a murky pond stocked with crocodiles, which can be crossed by a wobbly suspension bridge. Once common all along the river, by the middle of the 20th century the crocodiles had been virtually exterminated by hunting. There are also some rare Gharial (thin-snouted, fish eating crocodiles)

Kansua Temple
Kansua temple is famous for a rare four-faced Shivlinga that it enshrines. Apart from these some other places to see in Kota are Mathuradheesh temple, Yatayat Park, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh Bafna Haveli, Godavari Dham Mandir, Bhitria Kund, Haryali Water Park, etc.


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.


Excursions:
Baroli: Lying on the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Baroli is approximately 48 km from Kota. It is one of the oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan, dating back to as far as the 9th century AD. Ghateshwara, the main temple of Baroli, has some remarkable pillars.

Darrah wildlife sanctuary:
Darrah wildlife sanctuary is a thickly wooded forest, lying along the southeast border of Kota. Formerly a royal hunting preserve, it was later converted into a wildlife sanctuary. You can spot panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar, etc in this sanctuary.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Bhainsrodgarh : Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh are situated 55 km from Kota, in the Chittorgarh district. Sited on the banks of Chambal River, Bhainsrodgarh provides you with wonderful natural surroundings. Enroute, you can also visit the Gaipar Nath Mahadev temple

Sitabari : Sitabari, lying 120 km from Kota, houses ancient temples of Sita and Laxman. It is believed that Sita Mata lived here after being abandoned by Lord Rama and gave birth to Lav and Kush here only. This beautiful picnic spot is situated near the village of Kelwara in Baran district. Other attractions of Sitabari include several kunds and an annual tribal fair, held in the month of May/June.

Shergarh :The fort of Shergarh is approximately 125 km from Kota. Near Atru village in Baran district, this fort houses a number of Brahmanical and Jain temples.
Abhaneri: 128 km northeast off the Agra road near Bandikui. It is famous for the temple of Harshad Mata built in 7th-8th century and the stepped Chanda Baodi. Two Jain temples were built at a later period.

Sambhar 94 km west. It is famous for the country's largest inland salt lake. It is also known for holy Devayani tank, beautiful Shakambhari Devi temple, the palace and the nearby Naliasar. Sambhar Lake is also famous for the illusion of water (mirage) during noon times.


Kota Fairs & Festivals:
Dussehra Festival: One of the big festivals celebrated in most parts of India is Dussehra. The festival is celebrated with zest and festivities as it also marks the beginning of the winter season after the long, unbearable, hot summer. Dussehra marks the victory of Ram over the demon king Ravana, and the rescue of his wife Sita. In north India, gigantic effigies of the ten-headed Ravana and his brothers are set aflame amidst bursting of crackers. Fairs are usually held on this occasion with lots to eat, buy and enjoy.