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Magic Along the Mighty Chambal
 Along the eastern bank of the Chambal River
lies Kota - an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval
age and modern industrialisation temples its untouched wealth
of impressive forts, opulent palaces and splendid temples dating
back over several centuries retain the past glory, the present
day edifices and heavy industries have made it the industrial
heartland of Rajasthan.
The history of the city dates back to the 12th century A.D.
when the Hada Chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory and
founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, in the early 17th century AD
during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, the ruler of
Bundi -Rao Ratan Singh, gave the smaller principality of Kota
to his son, Madho Singh. Since then Kota became a hallmark of
the Rajput gallantry and culture.
The
commanding fort stands overlooking the modern Chambal Valley
Project with its many dams- Kota Barrage,Gandhi Sagar,Rana Pratap
Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. An old palace,dating back to the time
when Kota was under the control of Hada Chieftaincy-Hadoti faces
the Kota Barrage. The Durbar Hall is ornate with beautiful mirror
work and has ebony and ivory doors. Exquisite miniatures of
the Kota school are housed within the Hall. Other noteworthy
edifices of the bygone era are the Brij Raj Bhawan Palace,Jag
Mandir-and island Palace, a splendid haveli (mandion) with beautiful
frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
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Chambal
Garden:
A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its
lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering
enjoyable boar rides.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum: Situated
in the old palace, the museum has a superb collection
of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school,exquisite
sculptures,frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses
a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.
The Government Museum: Housed in the
Brijvilas Palace near the Kishore Sagar, the museum displays
a rich collection of rare coins,manuscripts and a representative
selection of Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is
an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.
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| Jag
Mandir:
Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed
in 1346 AD by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting
little palace of Jag Mandir. |
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The
azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances
its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The
Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the
vicinity..
Haveli
of Devtaji : The
beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji is located in the
middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted for its
splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings.
Kota
Barrage: A part of the irrigation canal system
on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal
for outings and evening strolls.
Other Places worth visiting: Kansua temple
with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund,Adhar Shila
Budh Singh Bafna haveli and Yatayat Park.
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Excursions
Bardoli
(48 km): The
oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating
back to the 9th century A.D. lies on the way to the Pratap Sagar
Dam. The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraj
(Shiva)-the cosmic dancer on the door of the mandap,offer fine
examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie
closeby.
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Pratap Sagar Dam and Bhainsrodgarh (50-55 km): Bhainsrodgarh
Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village
lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings.
An ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an
idyllic picnic spot. |
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Bhanddeora
Temple (Ramgarh) (110 km): Situated in the Baran district
atop the Ramgarh hill, is the 11th-12th century temple now in
ruins. Easily approachable by jeep and car.
The
Remains of Garhgachh (110 km):
The 9th and 13th century AD temples in red stone, situated
in the Baran district near Atru (30 km).
Nahargarh Fort (145 km): An impressive
structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of the
Mughal architecture.
Sitabari (120 km): An ideal picnic spot,situated
near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the
way to Kota-Shiv Puri. The old temples of Sita,Laxman and
seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue
of a tribal fair held in May/June every year.
Shergarh (125 km): A historic fort near
Barora 10 km in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district.
Fort of Shahbad and Mosque (160 km): The
fort was constructed in 1577 AD by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman.
The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during
the reign of Aurangazeb.
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50 km.): An
erstwhile royal hunting preserve,it is a thickly wooded
sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent
to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes panther,
spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear.
Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25 km): Beautiful
rock paintings adorn the bank of the River Alaniya.
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Climate
Conditions
| Area |
193.58
sq. km. |
| Altitude
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251.1 metres |
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| Climate |
Mean
Max. |
Mean
Min. |
| Summer |
42.2
degree C |
29.7
degree C |
| Winter |
25.5
degree C |
11.5
degree C |
| Rainfall |
88
cms. |
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| Best
Season |
Oct. - Feb |
| Clothing |
Summer
Light Tropical |
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| Winter |
Light
wollen |
| Languages |
Rajasthani,
Hindi, English |
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