Kota is located on the eastern bank of Chambal River, Kota was once part of ancient Rajput kingdom of Bundi. It became an independent principality in the 17th century. Apart from the numerous monuments that reflect the former magnificence of the town, Kota is also known for its palaces and gardens.
Kota an astonishing example of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization. Its wealth of extraordinary forts, opulent palaces and fine temples of past centuries retain their former beauty. Its present-day edifices and grave industries have made it the industrial heartland of Rajasthan.
Loctaion
Kota is situated in the southern part of the state of Rajasthan, in the northwestern part of India. It is situated on the eastern bank of Chambal River and is enfeebled by its tributaries. Kota is on a high sloping tableland forming a region of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from southeast to northwest axis of the town. It is thirty-six km from Bundi. Summers are quite hot (April-June) while winters are cool (October-February). It experiences light rainfall between June and August.
History Of Kota
The history of Kota is connected with the history of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. The descendents of the Chauhans establish their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota shaped the land accorded to the eldest son of the ruler. This array continued until 1624.
In 1624, Emperor Jahangir, the great Mughal ruler, partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Rao Madho Singh, son of the ruler of Bundi, ascended the throne of Kota. It became a region of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, when it benefitted independence in 1947.
Places Of Interest (Kota)
Brijraj Bhawan Palace
Brijraj Bhawan, a colonial manner palace, located on the bank of river Chambal, was build in the early nineties. The palace has great spacious rooms that are attractively done up with traditional furniture. An intresting feature of the palace is the fact that almost all the rooms overlook the Chambal river supplying an arrresting view of the mighty river.
Umed Bhawan Palace
Umed Bhawan is one of the most gorgeous palaces of Kota. Constructed in 1009 by Maharao Umed Singh II of Kota. This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent numerous years in Rajasthan. The on the whole design of the palace is European. There is an Edwardian drawing room; a billiard room and a very fine laid out garden surrounding the palace.There are extended corridors, courtyard and Italian marble floors.
Chambel Garden
The verdant green garden at Amar Niwas makes a beautiful picnic spot. While fascinating the atmosphere of the place one can enjoy a boat ride.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum
Located in the old building, which houses a rich collection of Rajput paintings of the Kota school, dainty sculptures and other precious antiques. The museum is the treasure house of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.
Nearby Places (Kota)
Baroli
On the mode to Pratap Sagar dam, is one of the oldest temple complexes and most spectacular in Rajasthan which belongs to the ninth century. It is constructed a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship of the temples is amazing. There are numerous other interesting shrines can be visited here.
Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh)
It is constructed in the eleventh & twelfth centuries. This temple is named the ' Khajuraho of Rajasthan '. The best route to reach the temple is by a jeep.
Visiting Time
The best time to visit Kota is between October and February, but you can also visit in October, when the Dussehra festival is held here.
Fairs and Festivals
Dussehra, a major festival of Hindus which celebrates the victory of good over evil, is celebrated in Kota like other parts of India with great excitement. The distinctiveness of Dussehra in Kota is the Dussehra Mela celebrated in the month of October.
Travel Information (Kota)
By Bus : There are numerous express buses from Kota to Ajmer, Jaipur, Udaipur, Chittorgarh, Jodhpur and Bikaner.
By Train : There are lots of trains operating from Kota to Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur.
