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.