5 Places To Visit In Kota

Spread out over 318 square kilometers, Kota is an industrial city and an educational hub that has grown to be the third most populous city in Rajasthan.

It is located with proximity to the State capital, Jaipur. The city traces back its origins to the 12th century, when it was part of the prestigious Bundi Empire under Rao Deva. A few years later it became a separate princely state.

Today, Kota is an industrial hub, with many exports that you may only find in Kota. Products and factories include cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, metal handcrafts and the stone-polishing industry of the Kota Stone.

Kota is best visited during the winter season of October to February. Temperatures are mild and range from between 14 to 31 degrees Celsius.

Being a major city in Rajasthan, Kota is well connected by all means of transportation. National Highways 12 and 76 pass through the city and buses can be hired from all cities to drop off at any of the three bus stations in Kota. The Kota railway junction falls in such a way that trains are easily available to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other major cities. It is a major stoppage point for various trains travelling wide distances. The closest airport to Kota is the Sanganer Airport in Jaipur, at a distance of 245 kilometers from Kota.

1. Jagmandir Palace

Located within the famous Kishore Sagar Lake of Kota, the Jagmandir Palace was built by one of the Queens of Kota in 1740. It is a large, three storied architectural marvel with various temples and palaces inside it, and breathtaking views surrounding it. A main attraction of the Palace is the four elephants at the entrance, which are visible from all sides of the Palace.

2. Garadia Mahadev Temple

Today a popular picnic spot, the Garadia Mahadev temple was originally a beautiful temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Temple is located at the gorge of the Chambal River on the outskirts of Kota and offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding river and plains. The best time to visit this spot is post-monsoon when the surrounding valley is in full bloom.

3. City Fort Palace

The City Fort Palace, one of the biggest palaces in Rajasthan, is an evidence of the legacy of the Rajputs rulers of Kota. It was built in the 17th century at the Eastern end of the Chambal River. This Fort has many artifacts that tell history buffs about the ancient times. The structure itself is built in a mix of Rajput and Mughal style and is famous for the grand entrance archway.

4. Government Museum Kota

Located in the Brij Vilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the Government Museum was built with the aim of showcasing the passage of time in Kota, and especially the Bundi Empire. Various articles of cultural, historic and scientific significance are found here, including coins, manuscripts etc. It is most famous for its wide variety of ancient sculptures, some even dating back to the 4th century AD. The biggest attraction is the large statue of Shesh Sayi Vishnu that was brought in from Baroli.

5. Chambal Gardens

The beautiful Chambal gardens, which are located at the banks of the Chambal River, not only have a wide variety of flora and fauna, including wild crocodiles, but also houses mini models of the new Seven Wonders of the World. These sculptures stand at about 18 to 25 metres high and are very well made and intricately detailed.

Kota has been known as an industrial hub. However, the city has much history and nature to showcase as well. It is worth visiting the city to pay tribute to the brave Rajput dynasty.