Once part of the Rajput kingdom of Bundi, Kota is now an attractive tourist places. It is located on the banks of Chambal River and was known as Hadoti, the land of Hadas. In the 1st century A.D., Hada Chauhan Rajput Rao Deva founded Kota. Originally named Hadoti, Kota served Mughal and British rulers against other Rajput kings. Places to visit in Kota abound with historical landmarks and natural marvels waiting to be explored. Start your journey at the majestic Kota Garh, a fortress steeped in history and grandeur. The Chambal River, Banas dam, Rajasthan’s only atomic power plant and Kota Stone, Basmati rice and chilies, Kota is an important tourist tourist places to visit in Kota.
Table of Contents
Best Places to visit in kota
1. Seven Wonder Park
It is situated 5.7 km from Kota, and this newly constructed urban park is an ideal tourist place to visit in Kota to view all the seven wonders sights of the world. Due to the miniature replica of the Great Pyramid, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, and much more, this tourist destination has become one of the city’s best tourist places to visit in Kota. The urban renewal agency spent 20 crores to refurbish the garden. Being situated directly on the shoreline of Kishore Sagar Lake, the park location adds charm to it as a whole.
Families and friends come here for a leisurely picnic amidst stunning architecture. Visitors are welcome to capture their joyous moments with cameras allowed inside the park. Additionally, public facilities such as lockers and restrooms are available, along with food stands offering delectable treats at affordable prices. The best time to visit is in the evening when the Seven Wonders Park truly comes alive. Conveniently situated in Kota’s heart near Kishore Sagar Lake, getting there is easy via auto-rickshaws or taxis – saving both time and energy.
2. Kota Barrage
One of the most ancient dams situated on the Chambal River, Kota Barrage is a great tourist attraction in Kota. Picturesque Kota tourist places include quiet attractions featuring panoramic views along with lush green surroundings. Adding to the serenity are sweet chirping sounds of birds along with gurgling water sounds. The open gates with their gushing waters are very interesting, especially when it is accompanied by the rainfall of the monsoon season. And do not forget to take a selfie at this lovely location.
3. Kishore Sagar Lake
Kishore Sagar, a man-made lake dating back to the 14th century, is another picturesque best places to visit in Kota and totally worth a visit. Its construction was due to the prince of Bundi named Dehra Deh. There is a lovely water fountain located in the lake, and they also offer rides in the boat. All over the lake are street food shops and other small eateries, which would certainly quench your hunger. The vibrant nightlife and brilliant lights at night make it an ideal tourist destination in Kota to take a leisurely walk around the lake after sunset.
4. Garadia Mahadev Temple
Garadia Mahadev Temple, located at an elevation of 500 feet above the level, is one of the Best tourist places to visit in Kota. This temple, located at a distance of 27.3 kilometers from the city center, provides the visitor with the feeling of being one with God as he stands above the breathtaking view of Chambal river gorge. Local priests perform ceremonies here up to 5:30 pm daily. This tourist places to visit in Kota is not recommended to visit at late evening.
5. Jag Mandir Palace
With beautiful Kishore Sagar Lake as its backdrop, Jag Mandir is a fantastically architectural beauty. Made up of an aesthetically gorgeous red stone, this monument has emerged as one of the must-visit tourist places in Kota for visitors. Commissioned in 1740 by the queen of Kota, it was originally used as a retreat by the royal family. It even recently starred in the movie Badrinath Ki Dulhania! Visitors can reach Jag Mandir by boat and enjoy its beauty when illuminated at night. This palace is located near Kesar Bagh and is an absolute Best tourist places to visit in Kota.
6. Chambal Garden
This is a very pretty garden and, for any traveler to Kota, one of the foremost tourist places to visit in this city. It offers a peaceful respite from the city with an idyllic backcloth of a peaceful river and lush greenery. A pathway winds through the park, bordered by vibrant flowers and lush bushes and trees. Many families come here to have a beautiful picnic while appreciating the panoramic views. Gharials inhabit the central pond of the garden, which is a natural attraction.
7. City Palace
The City Palace is said to have been built in the 17th century by Rao Madho Singh. It has a great museum that displays Kota’s history and culture. It is a joint architectural style, Mughal and Rajasthani. Go around and enjoy viewing the palace with its grand paintings and decorations.
8. Maharao Madho Singh Museum
This is one of the most popular museums in Rajasthan, famous for their extensive collection and on display ancient kingdoms of Rajputana. It has some very tempting pictures and paintings that describe the region’s royalty and alluring sculptures, artefacts, and antiques that speak to Rajasthan’s cultural antiques. It opens from 10 am till 5:30 pm. Along with these there also exist scintillating displays of armor, weapons, regalia, and local art.
9. Godavari Dham Temple
Godavari Dham Temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman which is located on the banks of Chambal River in Dadabri, Kota. As well as Lord Hanuman, the temple also houses idols of Lord Bhairav, Ganpati, and Shiva. During the mornings and midnights of Tuesdays and Saturdays, you should visit this temple to witness a special aarti. The place is visited by hundreds of religious people, so be sure to make this one of your top tourist places to visit in Kota.
10. Mathuradheesh Mandir
Among the various tourist places to visit in Kota, one of them is Mathuradheesh Mandir. This sacred site pays homage to Lord Krishna, worshipped here as the Mathuradheesh or Lord of Mathura. It belongs to the Hindu sect of Vallabh Sampradaya and boasts a haveli-style architecture. Its establishment dates back to 1738 and there is an intriguing tale associated with it. As per local beliefs, the revered idol of Mathureshji was brought to Kota and its chariot came to a halt in front of Dwarkadassji’s haveli, who served as a minister under the king. The minister generously offered his haveli to be transformed into a temple and enshrine the esteemed deity Lord Mathureshji in its honourable place.
This bustling market in Kota includes Chhappan Bhog and vibrant markets around the Kotah Garh (City Palace), great places to pick up local Rajasthani handicrafts and textiles as souvenirs. For the gastronomic delight of the palate, the city does not fail – food lovers must visit the cities of Kota with the taste buds savoring its delectable dishes Kachori, Pyaaz Ki Kachori, or even a full Rajasthani thali.
Kota is a city that promises an enriching and memorable visit. From the sites of such ancient historical importance to natural attraction and local food, Kota has everything a tourist would want to cover for an experience that is truly holistic. Visit Kota to understand why it becomes such an exciting place to explore the richness of its culture and heritage.
Read Next
Best Tourist Places in Guwahati
