Kota, also known as Kotah, is 230 km south of
Jaipur on the eastern bank of the
Chambal River. Renowned for its impressive forts, palaces and splendid temples, this city is a hallmark of
Rajput gallantry and culture. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century and is also a part of the Malwa Plateau. One of Kota’s old palaces houses the best museums in
Rajasthan. It is also a trade center for cotton and oilseed milling, textile weaving, distilling, dairying, and the manufacture of metal handicrafts.
Main attractions of Kota are Kishore Sagar, an artificial lake built in 1346, Kota's fort, built in 1264 by Rajkumar Jait Singh of Bundi, Maharao Madho Singh Museum, Kota Barrage, Jag Mandir, Chambal Garden, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh, the Government Museum and Haveli of Devtaji.
Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh Bafna haveli and Yatayat Park are other tourist places to be visited.
Dussehra Mela (September–October) and Gangaur Festival (March-April) are the two main festivals of Kota.
Nearby attractions include Bardoli, Bhanddeora temple (Ramgarh), the Remains of Garhgachh, Nahargarh Fort, Sitabari, Shergarh, Fort of Shahbad and Mosque, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary and Rock Paintings of Alaniya. Bundi is a town situated 36 km from kota, is a famous tourist place in Rajasthan. Best time to visit the city is from October to February.
Hotel Phul Plaza, Hotel Umed Bhawan, Hotel Brijraj Bhawan Palace and Hotel Navrang are the major accommodations in Kota .
Kota Airport is 10 km from city center. Kota Junction Railway Station is a major rail junction of Rajasthan. Bus services are available from Kota to Ajmer, Chittorgarh, Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur and Bikaner.
