Kota Tour 
 

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing example of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization. Its wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples of past centuries retain their former glory. Its 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 AD, when chieftain Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later in the early I 7th 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 Rajput gallantry and culture.

The commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams - Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Saga. An old palace, dating back to the time when it was under the control of the Hada chieftaincy, faces the Kota Barrage.
The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota School are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir - an island palace, a splendid 'haveli' (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs

Prime Attractions of Kota
Kota Dussehra
Dussehra festival is celebrated all over the country but the Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it marks more than just the beginning of a festive period. Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages.

Chambal Garden
A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides.

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.

Jag Mandir
Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 A.D. by Prince DherDeh 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.

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.

Rao Madho Singh Museum
The old 17th century Kota Fort Palace is a vast complex of buildings, halls, temples and courtyards altered and added from time to time. A considerable part of the family treasures have been preserved in the Raj Mahal.

The Government Museum: Kota
Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and are representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.


Excursions from Kota

Nahargarh Fort (145Km.)
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh's beautiful capital.

Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110Km.)
Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh Hill, is the 11th- 12th century temple, now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep or car 

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50Km.)
An erstwhile royal hunting preserve, it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes Panther Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wildboar and Bear.

Fort of Shahbad And Mosque (160Km.)
The fort was constructed in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Aurangazeb.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam And Bhainsrodgarh (55Km.)
Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. An ancient temple of Gopinath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.