Kota Travel Guide

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 history of Kota is linked 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 set up their capital at Bundi and ruled from here. While Bundi was the capital, Kota formed the land granted to the eldest son of the ruler. This arrangement 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 part of the British Empire in 1818 and later became a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan, when it gained independence in 1947.

EXCURSION:

BAROLI (BADOLI) 48 KM On the way to Rana Pratap Sagar Dam lies one oldest and most spectacular temple complexes in Rajasthan belonging to the 9th century AD. It is built a little before the classical period of temple building. The craftsmanship seen here is stunning. The carvings and the figure of Natraj, Shiva as cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap are bewitching. There are many interesting shrines that can be visited here.

RANA PRATAP SAGAR DAM & BHAINSRODGARH 55 km. These two places come under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrodgarh is located on the bank of Chambal River. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established in the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gapernath Mahadev can be visited which is a beautiful picnic spot.

BAHNDDEORA TEMPLE (RAMGARH) 110km It is situated in Baran district. Built in the 11th century, and was renovated in 12th century. Perched on Ramgarh hill, the best way to reach the temple is by a jeep. This temple is now in ruins.

SITABARI 120 km. Situated near the village of Kelwara in Baran district, this is a beautiful picnic spot. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. Every year a tribal fair is held in the month of May/June.

Dussehra Festival

Kota Bundi Pushkar

FORT OF SHAHBAD AND MOSQUE 160 km. This fort was constructed by Chauhan King Mukutman in1577 AD. The mosque here ws made during the time of Aurangzeb and is the biggest mosque in Rajasthan.

DARRAH WILDLIFE SANTUARY 50 km. A thickly wooded forest, along the south-east border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, is the former royal hunting preserve.
It has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary where panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and boar live without any threat to their lives.

Attractions and Places to Visit in Kota

Dussehra, an important festival of the Hindus commemorating the victory of good over evil, is celebrated in Kota like other parts of India with great fervor. The specialty of Dussehra in Kota is the Dussehra Mela celebrated in the month of October.

How to Reach Kota

By Air Kota does not have an airport of its own. Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of the town. There is a small aerodrome, which is not operational. Nearest airport is Jaipur (240 km).

By Bus The main bus station in Kota is located on Bundi Road near the eastern bank of the Chambal River. There is a good bus service from Kota to Ajmer (6 hours) , Chittorgarh (6 hours), Jaipur (6 hours), Udaipur (6 hours), Jodhpur (11 hours) and Bikaner (12 hours).

By Train Kota railway station is located at the extreme northern end of the town. As Kota is on the main Delhi–Mumbai railway line via Sawai Madhopur, a number of trains pass through and stop here. The trip to Jaipur takes about 5 hours, while it takes 10 hours to reach Delhi from Kota.