Kota is the third largest city of Rajasthan, India. This place is famous for gardens and Palaces. It is located on the banks of Chambal River. Kotya Bhill warrior laid the foundation stone for the construction of this city. Dussehra festival celebrates so grandly in Kota. This city has its own style in celebrating this festival. Main attraction of this festival is burning of effigies of Meghnath, Kumbhakaran and Ravana. Other festival celebrates grandly at this place is Ganguar festival. Grand procession takes place during this festival. Procession includes horses, camels, elephants, drummers and dancers.
What to see in Kota:
City Fort Palace: In Rajasthan it is one of the largest forts. Visitors can see Rajput and Mughal architectural style on this fort. Ceilings are made up of glass and marble are used for the walls as well as for the floors. Palace consists of a museum. This displays the weapons used during the Rajput era were displayed. Major attraction of this fort is Elephant Gate which was built in 17th century.
Chambal Garden: It is located on the banks of river Chambal. This is the best picnic spot. Inside the garden, visitors can find a pond. Major attractions of this pond are gharials and crocodiles.
Kishore Sagar Lake and Jagmandir Palace: It is an artificial lake which was built in 1346 by Prince Dher Dun of Bundi. At the middle of the lake visitors can find a Palace which was built in 1740. This palace was constructed with red sandstone.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum: This is one of the best museums in Rajasthan. It was named after first king of Kota i.e. Rao Madho Singh. Major attraction of this museum is arms, sculptures, miniature paintings of Kota school.
Umed Bhawan Palace: It is located in the cantonment area of Kota. This was built by Maharaja Umed Singh in 1800. Now this palace is acting as heritage hotel.
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: It was established in 1955. Kota Kings used this area for hunting purpose. Major attraction of this place is deer, Tiger, Rhinos, wolves, nilgai etc
Other attractions in Kota: Other attractions in Kota are Sawan Phuhar Water Park, Brijraj Bhawan Palace, Godavari Dham Temple, Kansua Temple, Haveli Devtaji, Mathuradheesh Mandir, Gurudwara Azamgarh Sahib.
What to see around Kota:
Kaithoon: It is located 14kms away from Kota. This place is famous for hand woven Kota Daria Saris. Here dress material and fabrics embroider with real gold and silver threads can be seen.
Baroli: It is located 45kms away from Kota. Major attraction of this place is Ghateshwara Temple. It is one of the beautiful temple complexes in Rajasthan. Carvings on the temple are so attractive. Pillars, images of Lord Shiva, Nataraja are the best example for Rajasthani craftsmanship.
Other attractions near Kota: Other attractions near Kota are Taragarh Fort, Sitabari, Alnea, Raniji Ki Baoli, Garadia Mahadev, Gaipernath.
Getting to Kota: Kota is well connected with Road and Railway lines. From Ajmer, Bikaner, Jaipur, Udaipur etc buses come to Kota. From Pune, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai etc trains halt at this station. Nearest airport is at Jaipur which is 245kms away from Kota. This airport is well connected with Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai. Taxis are available to reach Kota from this airport.
Getting around Kota: Buses, Cycle rickshaws and Autos are available to see the city. Buses and Taxis are available to visit the surrounding places of Kota.
Best time to visit Kota: Best time to visit this place is between November to February.
Where to stay in Kota: Plenty of accommodations are available to stay in Kota. But only Budget and midrange hotels are available. During the winter season i.e. festival season tourists rush is more so advance booking of rooms is advisable.
Where to eat in Kota: Plenty of hotels are available to eat in Kota. Most of the restaurants serve vegetarian and Rajasthani cuisines.