Rajasthan is the largest state in India and is known for its vibrant culture, magnificent forts and palaces, vast desert, spicy foods, and exceptional hospitality. Remember the famous phrase “Padharo Mhare Desh”, reflecting the graciousness of the Rajasthanis? But when it comes to literacy, it’s among the least literate states in the country. Surprisingly, the state is home to the “Educational Hub of India”, Kota.
The place attracts many students nationwide to prepare for their competitive exams. They even call it a factory of IIT-JEE and NEET students. However, Kota Rajasthan isn’t all about education. It could be a fine destination for your next vacation. Read on to find out why Kota deserves your vacation time and money.
Where is Kota?
Where is Kota, you wonder? Well, kota is a district in Southern Rajasthan. With the River Chambal dissecting it, Kota city is the district’s administrative headquarters. The city has grown phenomenally in the past few years and presently stands tall as the third-largest city in the state.
History of Kota
The city’s history dates back to the 14th century when Kota was “Kotah”. Back then, the city was surrounded by walls and was the capital of a mighty feudatory state under the Bundi dynasty. Later Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan fought against the Maharajas of Bundi and declared Kota a free state with Rao Madho Singh as its ruler in 1625. In 1817, became the primary Rajput state to sign a bond with the Britishers. Post-independence, Kota was merged into Rajasthan.
So, let’s Explore the Attractions of Kota.
When it comes to places to visit in Kota, you have plenty of options. Here are a few.
1. Seven Wonders Park
The Seven Wonders Park at Kota doesn’t need any introduction. It’s a popular tourist destination featuring a life-like representation of the world’s seven wonders. Expect to witness the Eiffel Tower, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sydney Harbour Bridge, among other wonders. It has been around since 2013, attracting an influx of tourists. The park is located close to Kishore Sagar Lake, a popular picnic spot for families.
- Location– Gayatri Vihar, Kota, Rajasthan.
- Visiting Hours– 2 PM to 10 PM.
- Mode of Transport– OLA, Auto-rickshaw, and personal vehicle.
- Places Nearby– Jagmandir Palace (0.5 km), City Mall (0.5 km), Chambal Gardens (1.9 km), Kishore Sagar (2 km).
2. Kotah Garh
Kota’s royal legacy is everywhere! The splendid Kota Garh was the seat of the Hada Rajput dynasty. The Bundi prince established it in the 13th century. Inside the fort, you’ll come across palaces and pavilions, including a beautiful area where Maharaja once held court. Some specimens of the Kota school of painting are also showcased to keep you awe-struck. As the name suggests, this painting style flourished in Kota.
- Location– Kotah Garh (City Palace), Kota, Rajasthan
- Visiting hours– 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
- Places nearby– 7 Wonders Park (1.9 km), City Mall (2.2 km)
- Mode of transportation– OLA, Car, Auto-rickshaw
3. Jag Mandir Palace
It is the leading tourist place in Kota for history and architecture enthusiasts. Jag Mandir Palace is in the city’s heart, surrounded by the Kishore Sagar Lake. Built in the 1740s on the demand of one of Kota’s most religious and mighty queens, the palace features intricate architecture. You can have a great ferry ride to witness the palace’s beauty any time of the day.
- Location– Rampura, Kota, Rajasthan
- Mode of Transport– Ferry
- Visiting hours– 10 AM to 6 PM
- Places Nearby– Seven Wonder Park (0.4 km), City Mall (0.4 km), Chambal Gardens (1.5 km)
4. Chambal Garden
It’s a garden located in the backdrops of the Chambal river. Fun fact: Everyone has loved toy trains since one featured in the Parineeta movie. And this garden has a toy train where you can enjoy the ride and the Chambal Garden’s beauty. Apart from this, you can have a boating experience on Chambal lake. In the middle of the garden is a pond; if you are lucky, you can spot crocodiles and alligators. So, are you ready for your next IGTV? After all, we have helped you find your next destination.
- Location– Chambal Garden road, Dadabari, Kota, Rajasthan.
- Visiting hours– 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM.
- Places Nearby– Kishore Sagar (0km), Jawahar Sagar Dam (1 km), 7 Wonder Park (19 km).
- Mode of Transportation– A cab (OLA), Private vehicle, or auto-rickshaw.
5. Garadia Mahadev Temple
For any believing Hindu or a nature lover, Garadia Mahadev Mandir is one of the top tourist places near Kota. The Shiva temple is just 30 kilometers from the central city, reachable via cabs. It is a vantage point for stunning views of the thick forest down the cliffs of the Chambal valley that are now part of the National Chambal Sanctuary. Witnessing the Chambal river taking a “U-turn” is an experience. You can’t describe its natural beauty through words. You need to see it to believe it.
- Location– Garadia Mahadev Road, Kota, Rajasthan
- Visiting Hours– 12:00 AM – 11:59 PM
- Mode of transport– Cab or private car, 30-35 km away from Kota city
Kota is Famous for the following:
Now that places to see are done with; it’s time to focus on other specialties of the place. Don’t forget to buy them as souvenirs from the local markets.
- Gold jewelry
- Sarees: The ethnic wear of Rajasthan is world-famous. And Kota is well-known for its silk and Doria sarees.
- Antique stones
- Paintings
- Temples
- Food: It’s a vegetarian-dominated city. Popular dishes include Dal Bati Churma, Mirchi vada, Tamatar Sev, Kachori, Poha, and more.
- Educational institutions: Kota is the largest education hub in the country. Allen, Vibrant, Ables, and many other coaching centers produce lakhs of engineers and doctors year after year.
How to Reach?
By now, you must be desperate to visit Kota, Rajasthan. Here’s how to get there.
1. By Train
The city is well-linked by rail. You can travel in superfast express trains to reach here, including DEHRADUN EXP, INTERCITY EXP, MUMBAI RAJDHANI, etc.
2. By Air
The closest airport is Jaipur Airport, just 225 km. Air India, Spice Jet, Indigo, and Jet Airways will provide you with service to reach there.
3. By Road
You can travel by road as the city is linked with Jaipur, Ajmer, Bikaner, and other major cities. You can self-drive or opt for the bus to reach Kota.
Best time to visit Kota
Kota has hot weather, although it receives frequent rainfall. So, the best season to visit the city would be autumn and winter, from October to the start of summer i.e., March.
Conclusion
Kota, Rajasthan, India, is known as the land of Chambal. It is a bustling modern city hiding within a rich history and vibrant culture that never fails to impress visitors. And now you know that the city is more than just a tutoring center. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go exploring the wonderful city. It is worth visiting!
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