Situated on the
eastern bank of the Chambal River in the state of Rajasthan,
Kota is located on a high sloping tableland forming a part
of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from southeast
to northwest of the town. Once the part of the erstwhile
Rajput kingdom of Bundi, Kota became a separate princely
state in the 17th century. Today, besides being Rajasthan/’s
industrial centre, Kota also serves as army headquarters.
The history of Kota is linked to that of Bundi. Both Bundi
and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century.
It was in 1624 that Mughal emperor Jehangir partitioned Bundi
and made Kota an independent state. Kota became a part of the
British Empire in 1818 and later a part of the Indian state
of Rajasthan.
Summers in Kota are quite hot. The city experiences scant rainfall
between June and August. Winters are cool and are the best
times to visit the city.
Sightseeing :
Places to visit in destination - Kota
There are a number
of interesting places for one to visit in Kota. On the eastern
banks of the Chambal River, near the Kota
Barrage, is located the City Fort and Palace. Within the
city palace is the museum which houses a good collection
of artefacts. The Kishore Sagar Tank built
in 1346 and the Jagmandir Palace located
on a small island at the centre of this tank are other sources
of tourist attraction. The Brij Vilas Palace Museum,
Chambal Gardens and the Chhatar Bilas Gardens are
also worth a visit.
Excursions
around Kota take you to some picturesque locations besides
providing an insight into the region’s history and
culture. The palaces and forts in the town of Bundi talk
of the famous Chauhan clan. At Bardoli,
you can find the oldest and the most beautiful temple complex
of Rajasthan. In addition, a visit to the town of Menal after
monsoons presents you with one of the rare sights in the
desert region—the waterfall. You can also take a trip
to Mandalgarh, one of the three forts of
Mewar.
Rajasthan is a one state in India which boasts of the maximum number of heritage sites. There is exceptional profusion of wall paintings, so intricately and finely executed in hundreds of Havelis, temples, cenotaphs, wells and forts, as in this region, a wonderful fusion of art and life.
Rajasthan the ‘Land of Kings’ , is steeped in romantic history, chivalry and valour. Formerly known as Rajputana, it boasts of some of the finest fortress – palaces, built with sandstone quarried from the Land itself. With its turbaned men and richly jeweled women, its crystal lake and island Palaces, its quaint havelies and villages, fairs and festivals, Rajasthan constantly beckons.
