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.
Prime Attractions of Kota
Kota Dussehra : Dussehra festival is celebrated all over the country but the Kota Dussehra is quite unique for it marks more than just the beginning of a festive period. Rich in courtly splendour and age old traditions, the Dussehra festival here is marked by a glittering procession, which attracts thousands from the surrounding villages.
Rao Madho Singh Museum : The old 17th century Kota Fort Palace is a vast complex of buildings, halls, temples and courtyards altered and added from time to time. A considerable part of the family treasures have been preserved in the Raj Mahal.
Nahargarh Fort (145Km.)
Beyond the hills of Jaigarh, stands the fort of Nahargarh like a watchful sentinel guarding Sawai Jai Singh’s beautiful capital.
Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh)
(110Km.)
Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh Hill, is the 11th- 12th century temple, now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep or car.
How To Get There – Kota
By 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.
By Air
Kota is well connected by air. Jaipur, 245-km away is the other convenient airport.
By 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)
Local Transport
Unmetered taxis, auto-rickshaws, tempos and cycle rickshaws are avaialabe for commutation purposes within the city.
Places To Stay – Kota
Number of hotels and dharmshalas are available for accommodation in Kota.
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Article Source:http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/kota-travel-rajasthan-990995.html
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