Kota
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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.
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GARDENS
Chambal Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides.
MUSEUMS
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.
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
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
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.
OTHERS
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.
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TEMPLES
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.
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
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
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.
Nahargarh Fort (145-km): An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of Mughal architecture.
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.
GETTING 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.