Tourism in Kota district, surprisingly unexplored, has some splendid treasures for the tourist to take home memories of. Its impregnable fortresses, sprawling and exquisitely wrought palaces and lovely waterways act as a magnificent foil to its exotic wildlife and delicate fresco paintings. Kota lies along the eastern bank of the Chambal River, an amazing juxtaposition of the majestic medieval age and modern industrialisation. 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 various places of tourism in Kota district are discussed below.
The commanding Kota 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 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 (mansion) with beautiful frescoes and the royal cenotaphs.
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. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhance 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 ornate rooms with lovely wall paintings.
Chambal Garden
The Chambal garden is a beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides.
Kota Barrage
A part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal River, this beautiful setting is ideal for outings and evening strolls.
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
This museum is 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.
Other places worth visiting in the district of Kota are the Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Bhitria Kund, Adhar Shila, Budh Singh Bafna haveli, Yatayat Park, Haryali Water Park and the Godavari Dham Mandir.
