Situated along the banks of the River Chambal, Kota is one of the main cities of the state of Rajasthan. The city is popularly known as the trade center of millet, wheat, rice, pulses, coriander, and oilseeds. Moreover, the city is also famous for industries including cotton and oilseed milling, distilling, textile weaving, dairying, manufacture of metal handcrafts, chemicals, fertilizers, and engineering equipment. Moreover, the city is also home to the army headquarters. The city is also appreciated for its impressive forts, splendid temples, and opulent palaces.

History

The city of Kota was formed by Rao Madho Singh. Rattan Singh, the father of Madho Singh gave a large part of Bundi to his son, after the latter proved his skills at war. The region was later named as Kota. Much of the credit to the historic enrichment of the city of Kota goes to Maharao Bhim Singh, who created Mansabs of five thousand at the place.

Altitude:	271 mtrs.
Best Season:	September to March is the best time to visit Kota.
Climate:	Summer: Mean Max. 45°’C Mean Min. 32°’C Winter: Mean Max. 31°’C Mean Min. 14°’C
Clothing:	Summer light tropical or light Winter Woolen.

Distances from Kota
Delhi 513 Kms.	Agra 459 Kms.	Ajmer 209 Kms.
Alwar 381 Kms.	Bharatpur 405 Kms.	Jaipur 252 Kms.
Jaisalmer 667 Kms.	Jodhpur 389 Kms.	Mt. Abu 439 Kms
Ranthambhore 144 Kms.

Tourist Attractions

City Fort Palace: Located on the edges of the Chambal River, the City Fort palace is the largest fort complexes of the state. The Hathi Pol, or Elephant Gate, is the main entrance to the palace, which was constructed during the 17th century. The impressive structure comprises rugged walls and bastions decorated with handrails and domes, showcasing the interest and majesty of the king that reigned during those times.

Government Museum: The Government Museum is situated within the Brij Vilas Palace, in close proximity with the Kishore Sagar Lake. The museum houses a great collection of old coins, ancient Hadotio sculptures, manuscripts, etc. The most exceptional statue here is the one brought from Baroli. The museum houses statues and sculptures dating back to the 4th century, along with some costumes, and handicrafts.

Chambal Garden: The Chambal Garden situated on the banks of the River Chambal is a famous attraction in Kota. The lake situated at the center of the garden is home to gharials. A suspension bridge is built over the pond or visitors can also hire a boat to catch a glimpse of the reptiles. The garden also comprises a toy train, which gives a complete tour of the entire garden to its visitors.

Taragarh Fort: Popularly known as the ‘Star Fort’, the Taragarh Fort was constructed during the 1354 AD. The fort is one of the most illustrious and beautiful attractions of Kota. Located atop a hillside, the fort comprises three water tanks built employing an advanced construction method, owing to which it never dries up.

How to Reach

By Air: The Jaipur airport is the nearest airport to Kota, situated at a distance of 236 km from the city.

By Rail: The Kota railway station falls on the Delhi-Mumbai route and is the nearest railway station to Kota.

By Road: Kota is well connected to cities like Udaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, and Jaipur via a well-built road network.