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.
In addition to the Chambal River, Banas dam, Rajasthan’s only atomic power plant and Kota Stone, Basmati rice and chilies, Kota is an important tourist places to Visit.
Best Time To Visit Kota
Kota is best visited between October and March, when temperatures drop to 12 – 27 degrees Celsius. Kota is situated in Rajasthan and it has a semi-arid climate, which is why the region experiences a high temperature throughout the year.
Summer is a dry season, which makes it difficult to explore the best places to visit in Kota. After that, the monsoon season brings downpours, bringing relief to the area, and then winter brings the best weather to visit.
Best Places to visit in kota
- Seven Wonder Park
Located just 5.7 km away from Kota, this brand-new urban park is the perfect spot to catch a glimpse of all seven world wonders. Thanks to its reduced-scale replicas of the Great Pyramid, Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, and more, this attraction has become one of the city’s top tourist places to visit in Kota. To improve the garden, the urban renewal agency invested 20 crores in refurbishment.
Situated directly on the shoreline of Kishore Sagar Lake, the park’s location adds to its overall charm. 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
Kota Barrage, a historic dam located on the Chambal river, is a best places to visit in Kota. The picturesque spot offers a peaceful atmosphere and breathtaking views of the river and lush surroundings. The melodious chirping of birds and the rushing sound of water add to the enchanting ambiance. Witnessing the gates open and the gushing water is truly mesmerizing, especially during monsoon season. Don’t forget to capture a selfie at this charming location.
3. Kishore Sagar Lake
Kishore Sagar, a man-made lake from the 14th century, is a picturesque best places to visit in Kota and definitely worth a visit. The prince of Bundi, Dehra Deh, was responsible for its construction. The lake features a beautiful water fountain and offers boat rides as well. Surrounding the lake are various street food vendors and eateries to satisfy your hunger. At night, the vibrant atmosphere and dazzling lights make for a perfect spot to take a relaxing stroll around the lake.
4. Garadia Mahadev Temple
Located at an elevation of 500 feet, the Garadia Mahadev Temple is a Best tourist places to visit in Kota. This unique temple, situated 27.3 km away from the city centre, offers visitors a sense of divine connection as they stand above the beautiful Chambal river gorge. The local priest conducts ceremonies here until 5:30 pm daily.
It is suggested to avoid visiting this spot late in the evening. To reach the temple, you can opt for a cab or rickshaw ride from Kota, which usually costs between INR 700 to INR 1000. These routes are known for being reliable and stress-free options for tourists.
5. Jag Mandir Palace
Situated in the breathtaking Kishore Sagar Lake, Jag Mandir is a stunning architectural masterpiece. Constructed with striking red stones, this monument has become a popular tourist places for tourists. It was commissioned in 1740 by the queen of Kota and served as a retreat for the royal family.
In fact, it even appeared in the film Badrinath Ki Dulhania! Visitors can access Jag Mandir by boat and witness its enchanting beauty illuminated at night. Located near Kesar Bagh, this palace is an absolute Best tourist places to visit in Kota.
6. Chambal Garden
This charming garden, a popular tourist places for travelers, is one of Kota’s most fascinating locations. It offers a tranquil respite from the bustling city life with its idyllic backdrop of a peaceful river and lush greenery. A pathway winds through the park, bordered by vibrant flowers and lush bushes and trees. Families often come here to enjoy a pleasant picnic while taking in the breathtaking views.
The garden’s central pond is home to gharials, adding to its natural beauty. Everywhere you turn, there are pockets of verdant vegetation, making it an ideal spot for a day trip. Visitors from all parts of Kota can easily reach Chambal Garden via public transportation such as interstate buses, auto-rickshaws, or cycle rickshaws. Alternatively, taxis or private cars can be hired for convenience.
7. City Palace
The City Palace, which was constructed in the 17th century by Rao Madho Singh, has a museum reflecting Kota’s history and culture. The palace combines Mughal and Rajasthani architectural styles. Investigate the palace and take in the beautiful paintings and decorations.
8. Maharao Madho Singh Museum
This popular museum in Rajasthan is well-known for its extensive collection and displays featuring the ancient Rajputana kingdoms. It features captivating pictures and paintings depicting the royals of the region, as well as alluring sculptures, artefacts, and antiques showcasing Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage. Opening hours are from 10 am to 5:30 pm. Visitors can also admire scintillating exhibits 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.
The best things to do in Kota
A walk at seven wonders park
You can see all the wonders in one location by traveling to Kota if you haven’t had the opportunity to explore the Seven Wonders. The location has gained international recognition and welcomes thousands of tourists each year from all around the globe. Kishore Sagar Lake, which is close to the park, is a great place to have a picnic. In the parks, carrying a camera is not prohibited.
Waterfall in Kota
Gaipernath Waterfall is one of the greatest locations for swimming in natural water for no cost. You’ll be taken aback by this place because it’s so appealing. This is the perfect location for a picnic, hiking, and taking pictures. Hiring a private taxi will get you there, and then you’ll need to make a short hike to the location. There is a freshwater swimming pool formed at the base of the waterfall.
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary is a great spot to watch wild animals like Asian Elephants, Sambar Deer, Elks, and many more. You can observe exotic animals and plant species in the sanctuary. You can also enjoy adventure activities such as Jungle Safri, trekking, and sightseeing within the sanctuary. A guide is available to help you enjoy the activities without any trouble.
Spot for photography
This valley project, the Kota Barrage, was built in the 1950s as a means of storing water and serves 20,000 acres of agricultural land. Kota Barrage is one of the best places for photography in the city. The place was not built to attract tourists, but it draws a lot of people, especially photographers. With your family and friends, you can enjoy a cool breeze and an amazing view at this place.
Explore history at Museums in Kota
There are two notable museums in Kota that offer a glimpse into the city’s history and art. The Rao Madho Singh Museum draws students, tourists, historians, and those with an appreciation for art and culture. It houses a collection of valuable artifacts such as silver figurines, terracotta figures, coins, and manuscripts.
Another well-known museum is the Government Museum near Kishore Sagar, famed for showcasing the history and culture of Rajasthan. Please note that photography is strictly prohibited within the museum premises, so ensure you do not bring any cameras along.
Visit the Zoological Park
There are many wildlife animals and plants in the Zoological Park, so it is a great place for nature lovers. You will spend a lot of time exploring the park. It is best to visit the park from October to March because the weather becomes more pleasant during this time.
Trekking in Kota
Since trekking is one of the most daring things one can do while traveling, a lot of people like it in Kota. To enjoy trekking with a group of eight to ten people, you can hire a guide. Even beginners can easily complete the trekking trail, but physical fitness is a prerequisite. You can hire hiking equipment for a day. You won’t find anything in the sanctuary, so bring food and water with you if you’re trekking.
