Kota Tour Advisor
Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialization temples its untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating 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-and island Palace, a splendid haveli (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
Kotah Fort: This impressive structure overlooks the turbulent waters of the Chambal River is a popular tourist attraction. According to local legend, the Bhil chieftain Kotya was slain by Jait Singh, the grandson of Rao Deva, the founder of the Hada rule. The foundation of the Garh (Fort) was raised over the slain chief near the Salar Gazi Gate. Where, till today, the Kota Royal House customarily offers prayers. The Kota fort rampart is one of the highest in Rajasthan, with its three-layered fortifications heavily reinforced by massive bastions and 6 double gates and 25 towers (burj). Within its precincts are numerous palaces, Madho Singh Mahal, Raj Mahal, Bada Mahal, Chhatra Mahal and the ruined Jhala Haveli. The City Palace and the Fort comprise one of the largest of such complexes in Rajasthan. The former rulers of Kota still retain a major portion of the palace.
The Madho Singh Trust Museum has an excellent collection of weapons, clothing and some of the best preserved murals in Rajasthan. The museum is divided into two sections, which include the Durbar Hall with it beautiful mirror work, and doors inlaid with ebony and ivory, and a superb collection of Rajput miniatures of the Kota School. The museum also has a wildlife gallery, photo section, painting gallery, mirror painting gallery, fresco paintings of the Lakshmi Bhandar, Bada Mahal, and Chhatra Mahal. The paintings of Raj Mahal, Chhatra Mahal and Jhala Haveli are exquisite.
Chambal Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides.
Jag Mandir: Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhance its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
Haveli of Devtaji: The beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji is located in the middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted for its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings.
Other Places worth visiting: Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh Bafna haveli and Yatapat Park.
