Udaipur

Udaipur is a beautiful city, set amidst the Aravalli Ranges of Rajasthan, India. Known for its picturesque lakes, Udaipur also called 'the city of lakes'. The elevated hills and the beautiful lakes make a picture-perfect backdrop to the Udaipur city. Udaipur is regarded as one of the most romantic cities of the World and subsequently, also known as the 'Venice of East'. In context of Rajasthan, Udaipur is the second most-sought after tourist destination of the state, the first being Jaipur. Udaipur had been the capital of Mewar for centuries.

Though termed as the city of lakes, Udaipur has many more attractions that catch the attention of the tourists with their charm. The city boasts of various museums, palaces, gardens, monuments and colourful festivals that allure tourists to visit the city for once. The mighty palaces with their exquisite locations transport you directly into the royal Rajputana era; Lake Palace, for one, has been accredited for being one of the most romantic places all across the globe. The massive forts of Udaipur grab the interest of people with their sheer structure and architecture. The beautiful temples create a sense of aestheticism with their spiritual ecstasy.

The lakes acting as oasis under the scorching sun propels a sense of calm along with reminding you at once of the city of Venice. The festivals, altogether colourful and lively, with their frenzies and huge scope cast a spell worthy enough to keep you too in spirit for days to come whereas the serene gardens, which lend the city its second adoptive name- The Garden City of Rajasthan, are an epitome of how the natural order manages to make its way to flourish even in the desert, uninhibited. Last but not the least, anyone even a little interested in digging in the past too is fed by through artefacts and what not that still survives in the heart of the city through museums.

Undoubtedly, Udaipur is undoubtedly a dream destination for a romantic holiday. Every year, thousands of tourists come from all over the globe to visit this romantic city. Udaipur is easily accessible from all the major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai and Jaipur. So, if you are tired of your hectic schedules and daily routine, then plan a trip to the city of lakes to lighten up your worries and tensions. A tour to the romantic city of Udaipur would certainly become an unforgettable part of your memories and you will cherish these memories throughout your life.

Kota

City Fort Palace

The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D. when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th 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 the Rajput gallantry and culture.

The south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota is a treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoriccaves,paintings,formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region. When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil Chieftain Koteya in a battle, he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(fort) over his severead head. The Independant state of kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of chambal river and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificient foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings. .

Situtated on the banks of the Chambal River,at an important juncture of the trade route between Delhi and Gujrat, Kota is Rjasthan's Fifth Largest City. This Bustling,sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state. The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's industrial map. Chemicals,fertilizers, synthetic fibres, tyrecord and sophisticated instruments, industry's mainstay, have helped in pushing this ancient city into the forefront of modernisation. Yet memories of its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strenghtened both the fortification and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of rajput power as well as culture.

Tourist places to visit in Kota:

City Fort Palace: Located on the eastern banks of the Chambal River, the 17th century City Fort and Palace is the prime tourist attraction of Kota. One of the largest fort complexes in Rajasthan, it houses the rugged bastion, ramparts, with delicate domes and balustrades. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) built in the 17th century AD is the beautiful entrance to the fort.

Rao Madho Singh Museum: One of the finest museums in Rajasthan, it exhibits a good collection of artifacts including miniature paintings, magnificent sculptures, and ancient murals and arms.

Jagmandir Palace: Built by one of the queens of Kota in 1740, the Jagmandir Palace was once the pleasure palace of kings in the middle of the beautiful Kishor Sagar Lake. Its reflection in crystal waters of the lake offers a breathtaking view to visitors.

Haveli of Deaji: One of the beautiful mansions in Rajasthan, the Haveli of Deaji in Kota is famous for its amazing frescoes and paintings.

Chambal Gardens: It's an enchanting picnic spot with a crocodile's pond.

Other not to be missed tourist attractions in Kota include the Brij Vilas Palace Museum, Kota Barrage and Rana Pratap Sagar Dam.

How To Reach

Air : There is a small aerodrome, which is not operational. Nearest main airport is Jaipur (240 km). 

Rail: Kota is well connected by Train with all major cities in the state & outside the state.

Road : Kota is located on the N.H. No. 12 (Jaipur - Jabalpur) & well connected with all major ciites.

LOCAL TRANSPORT : Un-metered taxis, auto rickshaws, tongas, cycle rickshaws are available for moving around.