Introduction to Kota
Situated on the eastern bank of the Chambal River in the state of Rajasthan, Kota is located on a high sloping tableland forming a part of the Malwa Plateau. The Mokandarra hills run from southeast to northwest of the town. Once the part of the erstwhile Rajput kingdom of Bundi, Kota became a separate princely state in the 17th century. Today, besides being Rajasthan's industrial centre, Kota also serves as army headquarters. The history of Kota is linked to that of Bundi. Both Bundi and Kota came under the rule of the Chauhans in the 12th century. It was in 1624 that Mughal emperor Jehangir partitioned Bundi and made Kota an independent state. Kota became a part of the British Empire in 1818 and later a part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city experiences scant rainfall between June and August. Winters are cool and are the best times to visit the city.

Places of Interest
City Fort Palace
The City Fort Palace complex is situated by the side of the Kota Barrage overlooking the Chambal River. The fort and the palace complex is one of the largest of its kind in Rajasthan. You can enter the complex through the Naya Darwaza or the new gate. On the right side of the complex/'s central courtyard lies the Rao Madho Singh Museum. The museum has an excellent collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota School, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armory. You can also have a look at the rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers that are housed in the museum.

Jagmandir Palace
The enchanting Jagmandir Palace is located on a small island in the Kishore Sagar Lake. It was built in 1740 by one of the Maharanis. The palace is best seen early in the morning, though it looks wonderful during any time of the day. One can enjoy the boat rides in the waters surrounding the palace. The Keshar Bagh, which is famous for its royal cenotaphs, lies in the vicinity

Kishore Sagar
Kishore Sagar is an artificial lake constructed in 1346 by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi. You can enjoy boating in this lake.

Brij Vilas Palace Museum
The Government Museum is housed in the Brij Vilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar Tank. The museum has a collection of rare coins, manuscripts, stone idols and other sculptural fragments mainly from the archaeological sites at Baroli and Jhalawar.

Chambal Gardens
To the south of the fort on the banks of the Chambal river is located the Chambal Gardens. This beautifully landscaped garden at Amar Niwas is a popular picnic spot. In the garden lies a pond inhabited by crocodiles.

Chhatar Bilas Gardens
Adjacent to the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation's Chambal Hotel is the Chhatar Bilas Gardens. Here one finds a curious collection of royal cenotaphs or chhatris. The cenotaphs, though somewhat neglected, present an impressive sight.

Excursion: Places nearby Kota
Bardoli
Bardoli lies about 48 km on the way to the Pratap Sagar Dam. Here you can find the oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan that dates back to the 9th century AD. One can have a look at the fine examples of craftsmanship that manifests in the intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Nataraj (Shiva), the cosmic dancer, on the door of the mandap. You can also have a look at many other interesting shrines that lie close by.

Bundi
Surrounded by the Aravalli hills on three sides, Bundi lies at a distance of 36 km far. This tiny picturesque town was once a part of this city and was ruled by the Hada Chauhans an offshoot of the famous Chauhan clan that ruled Delhi and Ajmer. The Rajput legacy of the town has been well preserved in the massive fort. Besides the fort, the palaces, havelis, temples with beautiful stone idols, and chattris with carved pillars are some of the interesting monuments to see here. The picturesque lake in the heart of the town adds to its charm. Bundi is also famous for its intricate carvings and murals.

Mandalgarh
Built by Rana Kumbha, Mandalgarh is the third fort of Mewar, the others being Chittorgarh and Kumbhalgarh. You can reach Mandalgarh by taking a diversion between Menal and Bijolia.

Menal
About 48 km from Bundi, on the Bundi-Chittorgarh road lies Menal, the coldest town in the area. The town is famous for its ancient Shiva temples. You can also have a look at the picturesque waterfall, if you happen to visit the place after a good monsoon. Dense forests greet you on the Bundi-Chittor road.