|
|
Magic Along The Mighty Chambal
Along
the eastern bank of the Chambal River lies Kota - an amazing example of
majestic medieval age and modern industrialization. Its wealth of
impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples of past centuries
retain their former glory. Its 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 AD, when chieftain
Rao Deva, conquered the territory and founded Bundi
and Hadoti. Later in the early I 7th 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 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 Saga. An old palace, dating back to the time when it was under the
control of the Hada chieftaincy, 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 - an island palace, a splendid 'haveli' (mansion) with
beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
GARDENS
Chambal Garden : A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar
Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering
enjoyable boat rides.
MUSEUMS
Maharao Madho Singh
Museum: Situated in the old palace, the 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. more...
The Government Museum:
Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a
rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and are representative
selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely
sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
Timings : 1000 hrs to 1700 hrs.
Entry Fee: Rs.2/-
Closed on every Friday and Government holidays.
Photography is prohibited.
Prior permission to be obtained from the Director of Archaeology and
Museums, Jaipur. more...
LAKES
Jag Mandir: Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar
constructed in 1346 A.D. by Prince DherDeh of Bundi, stands the enchanting
little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone
monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The
Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.
PALACES
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.
OTHERS
Kota Barrage : A part of the irrigation canal system on the
Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening
strolls.
Other Places Worth Visiting: Kansua Temple with a four-faced Shiva
Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh, Bafna Haveli and Yatayat
park.
TEMPLES
Bardoli (48-km): The oldest and the most beautiful temple complex
of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century AD lies on the way to the
Pratap Sagar Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj
(Shiv) - the cosmic dancer on the door of the 'mandap', offer fine
examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.
Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh) (110-km): Situated in the Baran
district atop the Ramgarh Hill, is the 11th- 12th century temple, now in
ruins. Easily approachable by jeep or car
The Remains Of Garhgachh (110-km): The 9th and 13th century AD
temples in red stone, are situated in the Baran district near Atru (30
km).
DAMS
Rana Pratap Sagar Dam And Bhainsrodgarh (50-55-km): Bhainsrodgarh
Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within
the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. An ancient temple of
Gopinath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.
FORTS
Nahargarh Fort (145-km):
An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of Mughal
architecture. more...
Fort of Shahbad And Mosque (160-km):The fort was constructed in
1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in
Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Aurangazeb.
WILDLIFE
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50-km): An erstwhile royal hunting
preserve, it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern
border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety
includes Panther Spotted Deer, Tiger, Wildboar and Bear.
OTHERS
Sitahari (120-km): An ideal picnic spot, situated near the village
of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota -Shiv Pur. The old
temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place
is the venue of a tribal fair held in May-June every year.
Rock Paintings Of Alaniya (25-km):Beautiful rock paintings adorn
the bank of the River Alaniya.
Air: Kota is well connected by air. Jaipur, 245-km
away is the other convenient airport.
Rail: Lying on the Delhi-Mumbai route, Kota is well served by
regular super fast rail services. Some important train connections are:
Golden Temple Express (Mumbai- Kota-Amritsar); Rajdhani Express
(Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi) : Dehradun Express (Mumbai-Kota-Dehradun); Paschim
Express (New Delhi-Kota-Mumbai); Avadh Express (Mumbai-Kota-Gorakhpur);
Swaraj Express (Mumbai-Kota-New Delhi)
Road: Good network of road connections link Kota with many
important cities inside and outside the state. Some notable distances are
: Udaipur 270-km, Bundi
40-km, Delhi 504-km,
Ahmedabad 522-km.
Local Transport: Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and cycle
rickshaws are avaialabe for commutation purposes within the city.
Number of hotels and dharmshalas are available for
accommodation in Kota.
Dining: Vrindavan Veg. A/C Restaurant, Jhalawar Road, Anand Hotel,
Chhawani Chouraha, Jhankar Restaurant, Jhalawar Road, Atithi (Lakki Burj).
Kota is the home of the famous Kota 'doria' sarees made in small villages around the city.
Hospitals: Maharao Bhim Singh Hospital (MBS
Hospital). Facility of more than 700 beds (connected with Kota Medical
College).
Tourist Information: Tourist Reception Centre, Hotel Chambal.
Club: Umed Club, Nayapura. Kota.
Swimming Pool: Municipal Stadium, Nayapura.
Bundi: 40-km
Bardoli: 48-km
Sitabari: 120-km
Jaipur: 245-km
Udaipur: 270-km
| Area | : | 193.58 sq.km | |
| Altitude | : | 251.1 meters | |
| Climate | : | Mean Max | Mean Min |
| Summer | : | 42.6°C | 29.7°C |
| Winter | : | 24.5°C | 11.6°C |
| Rainfall | : | 88 cms | |
| Best Time To Visit | : | October-February | |
| Clothing | : | ||
| Summer | : | Light Tropical | |
| Winter | : | Light Woollen | |
| Language | Rajasthani, Hindi & English. | ||
){kind=link}