Cities > Kota

The city

Located on the east bank of the Chambal River, Rajasthan's only perennial river, Kota came out of the shadows of Bundi and became prominent in the 17th century, when it was recognised as a separate state. Today, Kota is recognised as a major army headquarter and a prime industrial centre of Rajasthan. It has one of Asia's largest fertiliser plants.

While some associate the place with Kota Doria Saris, others link it with the Kotah School of miniature paintings. Made of cotton or silk, and often with delicate golden thread designs, the saris are woven in the nearby village of Kethun. The Kota paintings are often a vivid and detailed portrayal of hunting expeditions that were launched in the once thickly wooded forests around the place. Top^

In & Around Kota

There is plenty to explore in and around the offbeat yet fascinating city of Kota. The City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. The treasury, courts, arsenal and offices were all located here. Most of the complex is open to the public.

Rao Madho Singh Museum: Housed in the historic Kota Fort, the museum contains fine wall paintings, a miniature painting gallery, royal regalia, arms and armoury and lots more. Undoubtedly, one of the best in Rajasthan. TOP^

Royal Cenotaphs: These are present right in the centre of the city and have beautiful stonework and intricate carvings.

Bundi: Enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the place with its magnificent fort, lovely step wells, and quaint narrow streets. 38 km from Kota, the massive 14th century Taragarh Fort and the huge palace (with famous Bundi murals) should not to be missed.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: You can find panthers, wildboars, leopards and antelopes in this area. 50 km from Kota lies the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary best known for gharials, the thin snouted Indian crocodile. The very rarely seen caracal can be found here.

Sorsan grasslands: 45 km away from Kota, Sorsan grasslands flank the main canal of Chambal. The grasslands teem with insects during the monsoon months and attract a great variety of resident and migratory birds. The rare Great Indian Bustard can be spotted here.

Kethun: 15 km from Kota, this is a weavers' village where the world famous kota doria saris are woven.

Bardoli Temples: These cluster of temples 56 km from Kota, depict the architecture and sculpture of 8th and 9th century.Top^

The Alnia Rock Shelters: 14 km from Kota and along the banks of Alnia river, these picturesquely located shelters house prehistoric paintings.

Jhalawar Area: This opium-producing centre 80 km from Kota, holds a few things of tourist interest. The majestic Gagraon Fort, the walled town of Jhalrapatan and the 7th century Chandrabhaga temples beckon the tourists.

Shopping: Kota is the major centre for the world famous Kota sarees which are manufactured near here at Kethun. The fabric of the sarees is very light, which makes them ideal for the long summer months of India. Besides being printed, delicate thread and zari patterns are woven into them which makes them an ideal choice for casual as well as formal wear.

Dussehra Fair (Oct.-Nov.)
Gangaur Festival (Mar-April)Top^

General Information

Best time October to March
Area 38.10 sq. km.
Altitude 237 metres
Climate Summer- 41.8 degree C (Max.) 28.0 degree C (Min) Winter - 23.2 degree C (Max.) 5.0 degree C (Min)
Rainfall 26-44 cms.
Clothing Summer light tropical
Winter light woollen
Languages Rajasthani, Hindi, English TOP^

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur, 250 km away.

By Rail: Kota is linked by rail with Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Chittaurgarh. The Kota railway station is just a few kilometres from the main city.

By Road: Kota is well connected by road to the main cities to Rajasthan. It is on National Highway No 12, which connects Jaipur with Jabalpur.Top^

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