The co-location of the medieval ages and the modern industrialization can be seen in Kota, which lies in the eastern banks of the Chambal river. Its history goes back to the 12th century AD , when the Hada Chieftain Rao Deva founded Bundi and Hadoti. The opulent palaces, impressive forts and the temples have made the place retain its past glory while in present days it is known to be the industrial heart of Rajasthan.

Kota, today serves as an army headquarters and has one of Asia's largest fertilizer plants.


Location
Kota is situated at a distance of 245 km from Jaipur towards the southern side of the state of Rajasthan.

Climate
Temperature in the place is at a maximum of 42°C in the summers while it is at a low of 10°C in the winters. The best time to visit Kota is in between October to February. It is handy to keep some woollen clothes during the tour to Kota.


Major Attractions
Jag Mandir - The tiny palace of Jag Mandir, built around 1346 AD by Dher Deh of Bundi is placed amidst the marvellously constructed artificial Lake of Kishore Sagar. The shining lake water adds to the beauty of the red sand stone building.The Keshar Bagh royal cenotaph lies next to it. It was the retreat Palace of the royals of Kota in earlier times.

Haveli of Devtaji - The haveli is a known name in the town area of Kota.The charming building stands in the middle of the market and is noted for its ornamented rooms with lovely paintings.

City Fort Palace - Towards the Eastern bank of the Chambal river, lies the 17th century City Fort and Palace, which is the main attraction of the place. It is one among the large complexes in Rajasthan which houses the whole fortification complex with delicate domes. The Hathi Pod commonly known as the elephant gate is the entrance to the Bastion. The palace was the former residence of the Kota rulers and used to be the center of power. The treasury, arsenal, courts, state offices are all places inside the Fort.

The Government Museum - The museum housed in the Brijvilas Palace near Kishore Sagar displays a wide collection of rare coins, manuscripts and selected Hadoti sculpture, mainly from the archaeological sites at Baroli and Jhalawar. The most noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought from Baroli. There are also some weapons, paintings and old manuscripts.

Rao Madho Singh Museum - On the right hand side of the City Palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum entered through a gateway topped by an elephant. There are displays of weapons , costumes and some of the preserved murals in Rajasthan. Inside the museum, one can also find a collection of animal trophies and portraits of past rulers.

The Chambal Garden - On the bank of the Chambal river, to the south of the Fort is the Chambal Garden which is a popular picnic spot. In the center is a murky pond stocked with crocodiles and some rare gharials. These reptiles have virtually become extinct due to severe hunting.


Nearby Attractions
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary - The sanctuary 250sq km in area is located 50km from Kota and is a favourite home for the spotted deers, wild boars, bears,sambhars, leopards and antelopes. Nearby is the Sorsan Grassland which is rich in insects and attracts the migratory birds including the great Indian Bastard.