Magic Along The Mighty Chambal

Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation. While its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples llating back over several centuries retain the past glory, the present day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.

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 commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley Project with its many dams - Kota Barrage, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old palace, dating back to the time when Kota was under the control of Hada Chieftaincy - Hadoti, faces the Kota Barrage.

The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of the Kota school are housed within the Hall.

Other noteworthy edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace, Jag Mandir - an island Palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.

Travel Information

How To Get There

Air : Kota is connected by air. Jaipur 245 km 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, Udaipur 270 km, Ahme-fiahad 522 km.

Local Transport : Un-metered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos, cycle rickshaws.

General Information

Area : 193.58 sq.km.

Altitude : 251.1 metres

Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.

Summer: 42.6 C 29.7 C

Winter : 24.5 C 11.6 C

Rainfall : 88 cms.

Best Season : October-February

Clothing : Summer : Light Tropical Winter : Light Wollen.

Languages : English, Hindi, Rajasthani.