Kota Travel Guide
Travel to Kota - Historic City of Palaces
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Part of the neighbouring Bundi state Kota overtook it to become the pre-eminent city of the region. Sat on the banks of the Chambal River, Kota is known for impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples many of which date back several centuries.
Today an industrialised city Kota has nevertheless many attractions borne from its glorious past. Once part of the state of Bundi, building commenced in 1264 but it was only some 500 years later that it grew to its present size when Rao Madho Singh was made ruler by Emperor Jehangir. The magnificent palaces that grace the city have each been built and added to by subsequent rules and today Kota is known for its art and culture.
Attractions in Kota
The fort and palace – one of the largest in the modern state of Rajasthan - overlooks the Chambal and is the foremost attraction. It houses the museum with a rich collection of art and artefacts and several distinct palaces.
In the manmade yet picturesque Kishore Sagar lake, constructed in 1346 by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little Jag Mandir palace. The waters around the red-sandstone monument enhance its beauty and boat-rides can be enjoyed on the lake. The famous Keshar Bagh cenotaphs lie close by. Also nearby is the Brig Vilas Palace Museum which displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of regional Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
Situated in the old palace, the Rao Madho Singh Museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.
Finally the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, 50km from Kota was an erstwhile royal hunting preserve. It is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain. Wildlife includes panther, spotted deer, wild boar and bear and tiger are said to be occasionally spotted.
Activities in Kota
Allow a day to see Kota’s sights. A trip here could be made from Bundi which provides for a more relaxing place to stay than the city itself.
Relaxing
After visiting the City Palace enjoy a boat ride on Kishore Sagar Lake or take a trip on the Chambal River – available from the Chambal Gardens.
Getting Around
Kota is best explored with your own transport – auto-rickshaws and taxis are available if you do not arrive with your own transport.
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