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 south eastern region of Rajasthan known as Hadoti comprises of Bundi, Baran, Jhalawar and Kota is a treasure of history dating back to several centuries. Prehistoric caves, paintings, formidable forts and the mighty chambal river hurtling from the Vindhyas are dotted in the region. When Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil Chieftain Koteya in a battle, he raised the first battlement or the 'Garh'(fort) over his severead head. The Independent state of Kota became a reality in 1631 when Rao Madho Singh, the second son of Rao Ratan of Bundi was made the ruler, by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Soon Kota outgrew its parent state to become bigger in area, richer in revenue and more powerful. Maharao Bhim Singh played a pivotal role in Kota's history, having held a 'Mansab' of five thousand and being the first in his dynasty to have the title of Maharao. Kota is situated on the banks of Chambal River and is fastly emerging as an important industrial centre. It boasts of Asia's largest fertilizer plant, precision instrument unit and atomic power station nearby. Surprisingly unexplored, the Kota region of Rajasthan has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling palaces, exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificent foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco Paintings.
Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, at an important juncture of the trade route between Delhi and Gujarat, Kota is Rajasthan’s Fifth Largest City. This Bustling, sprawling city is also called the industrial capital of the state. The tentacles of the modern world have the city in its grip with the Chambal Valley Project giving it a major position on the state's industrial map. Chemicals, fertilizers, synthetic fibers, tyrecord and sophisticated instruments, industry's mainstay, have helped in pushing this ancient city into the forefront of modernization. Yet memories of its ancient links linger strongly. Present Day Kota owes its foundations to a Kotya Bhil warrior who 800 years ago built a small fortification at akelgarh and put up a protective mud-wall around it all the way to Retwali. In 1580, Rao Madho Singh strengthened both the fortification and the wall. In time to come, Kota acquired the Hallmark of Rajput power as well as culture.

By Air
Jaipur is the nearest airport, which is 240 kms.

By Rail
Lying on the Delhi-Mumbai route, Kota is well connect5ed by super fast rail services. Kota is also connected by rail with Jaipur, Jodhpur, Bharatpur and Bundi.

By Road
Situated on NH12 bus links from major tourist destinations of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.

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 heart land of Rajasthan.
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.

Kota Fort
This impressive structure overlooks the turbulent waters of the Chambal River and 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 Hada Rule. The foundation of the Garh, (fort) were raised over the slain chief near the Salar Gazi Gate, Where till today, the Kota Royal House customarily offer prayers.
The Kota fort rampant is one of the highest in Rajasthan, with its three layered fortifications heavily reinforced by massive bastions and 06 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 comprises one of the largest of such complexes in Rajasthan.

Chambal Garden
A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boar rides.

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 armory. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers. The museum also has a wildlife gallery, photo section, painting gallery and mirror painting gallery, fresco paintings of Lakshmi Bhandar, Bada Mahal and Chaatra Mahal. The paintings of Raj Mahal, Chhatra Mahal and Jhala Haveli are exquisite.

The Government Museum
Housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.

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.

Kota Barrage
A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening stroll.

Umed Bhawan
Designed by Sir Swinton Jacob, it is an attractive creation in beige stone. One half of it is now the residence of the Rajmata and other half has been converted into a Heritage Hotel.

Brijraj Bhawan
Another interesting palace is Brijraj Bhawan, high above the banks of the Chambal River. This white Pillared colonial building was once the British Residency.

Garh Palace
The foremost tourist attraction in Kota is the ‘Garh’. This large complex, also called the City Palace is built in a predominantly Rajput style of architecture. The palace is a rambling complex of suites and apartments built by different rules at different times.

Badoli
About 48 kms away from Kota is Badoli which is cluster of 09 temples, often referred to as the Badoli Shiva temples. This is the oldest temple complex of Rajasthan. The temples are an example of the superb craftsmanship in architecture and sculpture dating back to the 9th century.

The Modern Temples
The four major hydraulic structures of Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar, Jawahar Sagar dams and Kota Barrage were developed through the joint venture agreement between Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. These ‘Modern temples’ are monuments of skill and expertise of the Indian engineers.

Darrah Sanctuary
About 48 kms from Kota, the Darrah wildlife sanctuary runs along either side of the Kota- Jhalawar National Highway (NH 12). Sprawling in a thick forested terrain, it was once a private hunting reserve of the royalty. Panther, Tiger, spotted deer, wild boar and bear roam these wilds.

Dad Devi
The temple of Dad Devi, the deity of the royal household of Kota, is surrounded by thick forests and is an ideal place to spend some quiet moments.

Chran Chauki
On the way to Dad Devi and 15 kms from the tourist Reception Centre, Charan Chauki marks the legendary spot where Lord Krishna is said is said to have rested for a brief while, while traveling to Dwarka from Mathura. The footprints of Lord have been preserved here.

Chiristian Graveyard
Close to the Nayapura Circle is the graveyard of British Soldiers who were killed during the uprising of 1857 AD.

Rajiv Gandhi National Wildlife Sanctuary (50 kms)
A thickly wooded forest, along the southeast border of Kota, adjacent to the mountain range, it is the former royal hunting preserve of the maharajas of Kota. It has been converted into a wildlife sanctuary. It is a naturalist’s paradise with a rich species of wildlife and birdlife. Here the leopard, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and sloth bear can be sighted.

Rock Paintings of Alaniya River
25 kms from Kota, these rock paintings are found along the banks of the river Alaniya.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Bhainsrorgarh (55 kms)
These two places come under Chittaurgarh district. Bhainsrorgarh is located on the banks of the Chambal River. It has wonderful natural surroundings and a whole village is established within the fort. On the way, the ancient temple of Gapernath Mahadev can be visited. This is also a beautiful picnic spot.

Bahndeora Temple (Ramgarh) 110 kms from Kota
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.

Neelkanth Temple
Neelkanth mahadev’s temple is one among the oldest temples of the city. It is situated in eastward of the palace. There is a beautiful water tank of Visvanath and a statue of four faced Shiva here. Twelve miles away from this place there is a 200 feet high waterfall.

Shiva Temple
Shiva temple of Bardoli built in 8th century, are situated 30 miles from Kota and are famous for artistic beauty.

Kota shopping destinations are best known for their rich arts and crafts. The most famous and sought after shopping item in Kota are the Kota Doria saris. Kota saris are finely weaved with cotton and silk threads. The traditional weaving method is being used even today to make the saris. Amongst the various types of Kota saris, the more popular ones are hand-woven chequered and printed Kota saris.
Read on this Kota shopping guide further to know about the other popular shopping items as well as the markets of Kota:
You can also buy some beautiful potteries and stone crafts in Kota. Specifically the stone crafts serve as the perfect souvenirs and gift items to take back home with you. Apart from these, another well-known handicraft of Kota consists of the miniature paintings. They can serve as gifts for others as well as decoration items for your home.
You will not find huge shopping malls or very big markets in the city. The main shopping places in Kota, Rajasthan are the local bazaars. The major shops where you can buy are the government emporia and some prominent private departmental stores. However, do remember to bargain a little if you are buying something from the local vendors.

'Kota || AA Recreation'

'Kota || AA Recreation'

'Royal Cenatophs, Kota || AA Recreation'

'Kota || AA Recreation'

Kota - Quick Facts