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Kota
 An amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization, mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum with a rich collection of art and artefacts and some elaborately painted chambers.
Kota Rajasthan is located at a center of the
southeastern area of Rajasthan a region commonly known as Hadaoli the
ground of the Hadas. Kota lies along the banks of the Chambal
River. The historical places and temples are receiving surrounded
with signs of current development. Kota is on a high slanting 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.
The town of Kota Rajasthan was once the part of the previous Rajput
kingdom of Bundi. It became a part generous state in the 17th
century. Apart from the several monuments that reproduce the other glory
of the town. Kota Rajasthan is also known for its palaces and gardens.
Once you fall in Kota, straight away head for the main attraction here,
the City Palace. The current structure is the result of constructions
agreed out by different rulers at different stages without any
predefined plan.
The history of the city of Kota dates back to the 12th century A.D.
when the Hada tribal chief, Rao Deva, occupied the region
and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD
through the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of Bundi Rao
Ratan Singh presented the smaller principality of Kota to his son,
Madho Singh. An old palace, dating back to the time when Kota was
under the direct of Hada Chieftaincy Hadoti faces the Kota
stream. The Durbar Hall is elaborate with beautiful mirror work and has
ebony and ivory doors. Beautiful miniatures of the Kota school are
housed within the Hall. Other distinguished edifices of the past era are
the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir and island Palace,
a splendid havelis with beautiful frescoes and the majestic cenotaphs.
Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but later it grew to be a bigger state. What retains the past glory are the untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and temples dating back over several centuries. These temples were conquered by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva.
It was at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory to his son Madho Singh. The Kota state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection of Stone Idols (murties) in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass work on the walls, the silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.
PRIME ATTRACTIONS
Gardens
Museums
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 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.
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The Government Museum: 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.
Lakes
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Zag 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 enhance its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
Palaces
Others
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 Kota Barrage: A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls.
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Other Places Worth Visiting:
Kansua Temple with a four-faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh, Bafna Haveli and Yatayat park.
EXCURSIONS
Temples
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Bardoli (48-km): The oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century AD lies on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj (Shiv) - the cosmic dancer on the door of the 'mandap', offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.
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Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110-km):
Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh Hill, is the 11th- 12th century temple, now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep or car
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The Remains Of Garhgachh (110-km): The 9th and 13th century AD temples in red stone, are situated in the Baran district near Atru
(30 km).
Dams
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Rana Pratap Sagar Dam And Bhainsrodgarh (50-55-km): 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.
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Nahargarh Fort (145-km): An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of Mughal
architecture.
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Fort of Shahbad And Mosque (160-km): 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.
Wildlife
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 Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50-km):
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.
Others
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Sitahari (120-km): An ideal picnic spot, situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota -Shiv Pur. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May-June every year.
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Rock Paintings Of Alaniya (25-km): Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the River Alaniya.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: Kota is well connected by air. Jaipur, 245-km away is the other convenient airport.
Rail: Lying on the Delhi-Mumbai route, Kota is well served by regular super fast rail services. Some important train connections are: Golden Temple Express (Mumbai- Kota-Amritsar); Rajdhani Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi) : Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Kota-Dehradun); Paschim Express (New Delhi-Kota-Mumbai); Avadh Express (Mumbai-Kota-Gorakhpur); Swaraj Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi)
Road: Good network of road connections link Kota with many important cities inside and outside the state. Some notable distances are: Udaipur 270-km, Bundi 40-km, Delhi 504-km, Ahmedabad 522-km.
Local Transport
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and cycle rickshaws are avaialabe for commutation purposes within the city.
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