Kota–a fascinating city in Rajasthan where flows the Chambal River

Located 240 km from Jaipur, on the banks of Chambal River, Rajasthan’s Kota is the third most populous city in the state. The city of Kota was a part of the former Rajput kingdom of Bundi, and attained a separate princely state status in the 17th century. It is a place also famous for being a hub for preparing for the competitive exams. Know about the best things to do in Kota to ensure you make the most of your trip to this city.

The Garh Palace comprises several architectural structures in a single complex. Also known as the City Palace, it features different residential apartments and monuments which were made at a different time period by a number of rulers. The palace depicts Rajput heritage along with Mughal art. The palace has beautiful paintings on the mirror ceilings and mirror walls, and the floor is made of beautiful marble. There is a wonderful garden and a grand museum within the palace complex.

At a height of about 500 ft from the sea level is located a gorge through which passes the Chambal River. It is surrounded by towering cliffs on both the sides. The Garadia Mahadev Temple is situated on one of the cliffs. The shrine is open till 5:30 PM. Being a quiet place situated remotely, it is an ideal site for meditating or simply spending some quiet moments in solitude by. Chambal River is also home to crocodiles, turtles among other aquatic beings. So it is likely, you may catch a sight of some of these water species.

This is Kota’s man-mad lake located in the heart of the city. It is fairly clean and well maintained by the Kota municipality. Visitors can enjoy a boat ride to the island located at the centre of the lake.

Located on the edge of Kishore Sagar lake in Kota, the Seven Wonders Park has miniaturised versions of the famous severan monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Leaning tower of Pisa, Giza Pyramids, Taj Mahal etc. The sight of these seven wonders is more tempting after sundown when the structures are illuminated with colourful lights. There is a ticketed entry to this place.

Kota Barrage was built to channelize water from three former dams to the dry areas of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh for irrigation purposes through canals. The 19-gated barrage makes a bridge over Chambal River in Kota, where visitors assemble to enjoy the sight of the frothy white water. In the monsoon, the lock gates are opened, which makes for an even more interesting view. Visitors can also visit nearby tourist sites like Kansua temple with a four faced Shiva Lingam, Adhar Shila, Bhitria Kund, Budh Singh Bafna Haveli and Yatayat Park.