Kota is an important
historic city of Rajasthan. Once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of
Bundi, Kota became an independent princely state in 1624, when the Mughal
emperor Jehangir defeated its rulers. Kota is famous for its
architectural heritage comprising of beautiful palaces, temples, museums,
all reflecting the splendor of the bygone era. Kota has a number of exciting
tourist attractions to see. The major tourist attractions in Kota Tour
include the City Fort and Palace, Rao Madho Singh Museum, Jagmandir Palace,
Haveli of Deaji and Chambal Gardens among many more.Kota is a fascinating
mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialization. Kota is situated
on the banks of the Chambal river below a deep gorge at an altitude of 515
meters above sea level. In the Kota tour we visit the Kota fort. The Kota
fort overlooking the Chambal river and housing a museum has elaborately
painted chambers and is a prime attraction of Kota.
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.
| » Major
Attractions of Kota |
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.
The RTDC has done a lot to retain the traditional flavour in
its hotels in and around Kota. Hotels like RTDC's Khadim, come with AC
Deluxe rooms as well as ordinary rooms, which give a comfortable stay in the
city. There are also Sarai facilities for the pilgrims. The government
sponsored paying guest scheme makes the visitor feel at home.
There are quite a few market areas in Kota, full of the heat and
dust of Rajasthan. Some of them are Hope Circus, Bajaja Bazaar, Sarafa
Bazaar, Mala Khera Bazaar and Kedalganj Bazaar. Jewellery and other
handicraft items are the best things you could take back home. Hope Circus,
which is quite a busy place, gets its name from a monument of the same name.
The latter is a circular structure with flights of steps leading to the top
from all four sides. It was named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord
Linlithgow, the then Viceroy of India, on the occasion of her visit to Kota
in 1939-40. and while we're still at shopping and bazaars, you should try
the wonderful mawa (a kind of sweet made of milk) in Kota. You simply
shouldn't miss that!.
Air : Jaipur 245 kms is the most convenient airport to
Kota. .
Rail : Lying on the Delhi-Mumbai
route, Kota is will served by regular and fast rail services.
Road : A good network of road connections including
National Highway No. 12 links Kota with many important cities in and outside
the state. Some notable distances are : Udaipur, 270 kms; Bundi 40 kms;
Delhi 504 kms; Ahmedabad, 522 kms & Jaipur 245 kms .
Local
Transport : City bus service operate in the city. Unmetered taxis,
auto-rickshaws, tongas, and cycle-rickshaws are also available for
commutation.
Dussehra is celebrated in Kota in Sep-Oct. This 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. More than 75 feet
tall effigies of the demons Ravana, Kumbhakarana and Meghnad are burnt on
Dussehra day to symbolise the victory of good over evil. Usually these
effigies are filled with crackers. A young child dressed as Lord Ram is made
to shoot an arrow of fire at Ravana and the huge figure is burnt.
Max 42.2 ºC, Min 27.3 ºC (summer); Max 27.5 ºC, Min
9.5 ºC (winter)
Kota
Tours
