The cartographic coordinates of 25.18°N and 75.83°E, mark the existence of the city of Kota. Situated on the banks of river Chambal, Kota enjoys a lush green topography over the rocky and barren terrains of Rajasthan. The history of Kota dates back to 12th century AD, which gives the city a unique cultural, historical and architectural bliss.
Upon taking a wide tour of the city and it’s outer, we were able to catalogue the top twelve places to visit in Kota.
Garadia Mahadev
At about a distance of 25 Km from Kota main city on NH76, lies a holy shrine of Lord Shiva at the banks of river Chambal. At an elevation of 500 meters above the sea level, Garadia Mahadev offers an incredible view of Chambal taking an ‘S’ shape turn in her way to reach Kota. The untouched beauty of the land and water along with the view of beautiful horizon makes it a picturesque place.
Gaiparnath Temple
Away from the city lights, lies an old Shiva Temple in a deep gorge known as Gaipernath Mahadev. Situated in a deep trench, Gaipernath is blessed with several waterfalls gushing over the place. An unending path of stairs leads to the shrine of Lord Shiva, resting in the lap of waterfalls, huge boulders, and an ecosystem of its own. The best time to visit is in monsoons when the rain refurbishes the water reserves and greenery.
Kishore Sagar Talab
Kishore Sagar is an artificial lake with a history dating back to 1346. It was constructed by the Prince of Bundi, Dehra Deh. Boat rides in the lake serve to make the evening more beautiful. Evening lighting of the place makes it more attractive. The reflection of the city, which falls on the water at night, is eye candy for the visitors.
Jagmandir Palace
In the midst of Kishor Sagar Lake lies the beautiful Jagmandir Palace. It was built by the queens of Kota between 1743 to 1745. This redstone monument between the lake is a unique attraction of the city of Kota. It is built with the combination of Mughal and the Hindu architectural design, which provide it with unique essence. The night is marked by a mesmerising reflection of the lights of Jagmandir Palace forming upon the water of the lake.
Seven Wonders Park
Along the waters of Kishor Sagar Lake lies the famous seven wonders park. It has the replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World erected on it. It also houses small and beautiful sheds build in native Rajasthani type of architecture, which makes this place more picturesque. Some Bollywood movies like Badrinath Ki Dulhania and the series of Kota Factory have featured this park recently.
Chambal Garden
Located on the bank of river Chambal, it marks an excellent picnic spot in the city of Kota. The view of the flowing Chambers, the chimneys of the thermal power plant on the other side of the river and a lush green cover and bird diversity in the garden enhance its glory. Toy train rides give a complete tour of the garden. Being a part of National Chambal Ghariyal (Gavial) Sanctuary, it offers boat rides to have a close view of fish-eating reptiles (Ghariyal) in their natural habitat.
Garh Palace
Also known as City Palace, this palace is a complex representation of the cultural and architectural richness of the Rajput dynasty. It contains the suites and apartments built by different Rajput rulers at different times, therefore giving a vast tour of the past to present of Rajput dynasty in a single visit. Being attached to museums, this palace offers a cultural, historical and an educational tour to the visitors.
Abheda Mahal
Abheda Mahal is a medieval palace which served as a recreational spot to the rulers of Kota. It contains a lake in the middle which harnesses beautiful lotus and turtles. Reflection of Abheda Mahal forming on the lake is worth having eyes on while walking in its beautiful gardens.
Kota Barrage
Kota Barrage is a dam built on river Chambal and is situated quite close to the city. It is marked for peaceful evenings and offers a thrilling view of water gushing through the barrage gates with a great force and valour. Kota Barrage provides an incredible view of the city and flowing Chambal from the height.
Khade Ganesh Ji
Khade Ganesh Ji is a 600-year-old temple within city proximity. It holds the fact to be the only temple in India with the standing idol of Lord Ganesh. The occasion of Ganesha Chaturthi marks a very enthusiastic celebration in the temple when the procession is carried out with utmost spirituality and zeal. Temple attends a large number of devotees every year.
Chattaneshwar Mahadev
Situated in the laps of nature, a beautiful Shiva temple Chattaneshwar Mahadev is a tourist attraction spot known for its scenic beauty. This place holds special religious importance and experiences a crowd of numerous shiva bhakts all throughout the year. With a beautiful waterfall as its source of attraction, this place is a must visit for all specially during the monsoon season.
Chhatra Vilas Garden
Chhatra Vilas garden, popularly known as CV garden is a popular tourist attraction spot in Kota. With lush green grass and natural beauty this place also offers tourists with a treat to to some of the royal cenatophs inside the garden. A perfect place for family picnics and a center of attraction for historians and tourists, CV garden is not only a place for leisure but also historically significant and culturally rich.
A report by Sumit Yadav