Everyone visits Kota to prepare for competitive Exams but Kota has so much more to offer. Be it Museums, wildlife reserves or parks. There are ample of beautiful places one can visit in a budget of under rupees 100 that are in and around Kota. So, maybe take this weekend to unwind and visit these places with your friends.

1. Garadia Mahadev

At an altitude of around 500 feet from mean sea level, lies a gorge through which runs the river Chambal. Gigantic cliffs lie on either side of the gorge. The winds blowing seem to be chanting the Shiva stotras in your ears to arouse the feeling of devotion in you. Garadia Mahadev Temple lies on one of the cliffs. The rituals are performed by a local priest who generally stays in the shrine till around 5:30pm. Late nights are not recommended. The place is picture perfect like a painting made by God himself. You can actually realise the bliss of solitude by sitting here for some time. The place has served many as a spot for picnics . The largest tributary of Yamuna, river Chambal is known for being the abode of many water species. Sitting on a cliff you may catch a glimpse of the crocodiles, turtles etc.

2. Chambal Garden

On the bank of the Chambal River, one can notice a well groomed park known by the name of Chambal Garden. Stroll on the lush green garden or enjoy the view of the shimmering Chambal Lake, this park is a perfect sight for all the nature lovers. Located next to the retreat, Amar Niwas, this place was the royal retreat for all the rulers of Kota. Nature lovers can also spend their day studying the thousands of plant species that add life to this place. There are some plants that are typical to this region and are of much interest to the students, especially botanists.

3. Seven Wonders

Never been able to visit the seven wonders across the globe? Not to worry! You can now witness all of them in a single go. Seven Wonders Park in Kota comprises miniatures of all the Seven Wonders of the World. These include Taj Mahal, Great Pyramid, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower, Christ the Redeemer of Brazil, Colosseum, and Statue of Liberty. The project which was undertaken to build this garden was worth 20 crores by the Urban Development Department. It took more than 150 workers to complete the project.It has become a famous tourist spot and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. These miniatures have been built on the bank of the Kishore Sagar Lake thereby enhancing its beauty. People flock to the park to enjoy a lovely picnic with friends and family. Cameras are allowed in the park so that happy moments can be captured. Also, facilities such as food stalls with delicious food at a nominal rate, lockers, and washrooms are offered to the general public.

4. Godavari Dham Temple

Resting by the banks of the Chambal river, Godavari Dham temple is quite a famous religious place which is dedicated to Lord Hanuman. This temple holds an importance among the devotees and is known for the special morning and midnight aarti held on Tuesdays and Saturdays.Its glory attracts thousands of devotees every year and people come here to seek blessings.

5. Khade Ganesh Ji

Khade Ganesha Ji Mandir situated in Kota is dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The temple is situated near a lake which adds extra beauty to the temple. Devotees flock to the temple to worship the deity.  The temple looks spectacular during the festivals especially on Ganesha Chaturthi. As the temple is situated near the lake it stands as one of the best places to  watch birds and can also spot Peacocks at the lake near the temple.

6. Kishore Sagar

This is an artificial lake which was constructed around the year 1346, its picturesque beauty makes it one of the best places to visit in Kota. Built by Bundi Prince Dehra Deh, this is one of the attractive highlights of the Brij Vilas Palace museum.

Just in the middle of this lake rests the Jagmandir which is a beautiful architecture made of red sandstone. One can witness the surreal view of the reflection of the palace falling on the surface of the lake.

7. Government Museum Kota

Those who want to delve deeper into the history of Kota and are looking for a place where they can gaze at ancient marvels, they must make a stop at Brij Vilas Palace Government Museum. The building of this museum looks like a big palace, thus making it one of the best Places to visit in Kota.

Not only do you get to click beautiful pictures with amazing backdrops but here one can also find information about how the city was before industrialization. The statues, the coins, documents and paintings here have made it one of the most visited tourist places in Kota.

8. Shivpuri Dham

One of the most sacred dham of Hindu Culture is considered as one of the tourist places in Kota Rajasthan. The Shivpuri Dham is dedicated to the Destroyer – Shiva and around 525 Shiva Lingas reside in the temple premises.

The temple attracts flocks of tourists everyday and hosts a fair at the times of Mahashivratri. Considered as one of the most ancient temples in Rajasthan, the temple premises are loaded with safety and cleanliness equipment.

9. Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary

The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over an area of 250 sq. kms and is strategically located 50 kms. away from the town of Kota. In the days of yore, Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary used to be the royal hunting ground of the erstwhile maharaja of Kota. This sanctuary is densely wooded and is spread over a hilly terrain. The Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary was officially declared as a protected area in 1955. Some of the resident species of this mysterious sanctuary are wolf, cheetah, nilgai, deer and wild boar. The Forest Department runs a Rest House at Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary but the amenities are basic and at best sketchy. A visit to Darrah sanctuary can be complimented by a visit to Jhalwar, which is in close proximity to the sanctuary. There is a marvellous fort but is in urgent need of restoration. The Jenana Khas is particularly very attractive and is located inside the fort

Article by Rohit Baljot