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housed within
the Durbar Hall. The Maharajas of Kota later abandoned the
fort and build various palaces.
Jag Mandir
Kishore Sagar, the picturesque artificial tank lies between
the City Palace and the RTDC Hotel Chambal. Jag Mandir Palace
is situated right in the middle of the Kishore Sagar, on a
small island. The Jaj Mandir palace was built in 1740 by one
of the Maharani of Kota. This palace can be seen at its best
early in the morning but is exquisite at any day time. The
azure waters around the Jag Mandir enhances its beauty. Boat
rides can also be enjoyed in the lake.
Chambal Garden
Chambal Garden is the lush green garden at Amar Niwas. This
place is a lovely picnic spot. While enjoying the beauty of
the place one can even enjoy a boat ride.
Umed Bhawan Palace
Umed Bhawan is one of the most beautiful palaces of Kota. Umed
Bhawan Palace was built in 1009 by Maharao Umed Singh II of
Kota. This palace was designed by Sir Swinton Jacob who spent
many years in Rajasthan. The overall design of the palace is
European. Umed Bhawan Palace has now been converted into a
luxurious heritage hotel. There are long corridors, courtyard,
Italian marble floors, Edwardian drawing room and a billiard
room in the hotel. There is also a very well laid out garden
which surrounds the heritage hotel.
Kota Barrage
Kota Barrage is a part of the irrigation canal system on the
Chambal River. This beautiful place is ideal for outings and
evening strolls.
Brijraj Bhawan Palace
Brijraj Bhawan Palace, a colonial style palace is situated on
the banks of Chambal river. This palace was built in the early
nineties. The palace has large spacious rooms that are
tastefully done up with antique furniture. An interesting
feature of the palace is that almost all the rooms overlook
the Chambal river providing an arresting view of the mighty
river. Brijraj Bhawan Palace has now been converted into a
luxurious heritage hotel.
Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary
Bhensrod Garh Sanctuary is a new sanctuary in Kota and about
53 kms from Kota. This sanctuary was established in 1983 and
covers a total area of 229 square km of scrub and dry
deciduous forest. Leopards, Chinkara, Sloth Bear are the main
animals which are found here. The best time to visit this
sanctuary is between October and May.
Darrah Sanctuary
Darrah Sanctuary was established in 1955 in Kota and covers an
area of 266 square km. Earlier, Darrah sanctuary was the
hunting ground of the Kota Maharajas. This sanctuary is
surrounded by hills and thick forests. The animals which are
found here include wolf, sloth bear, chinkara and leopard. The
best time to visit this sanctuary is between February and May.
Chambal Sanctuary
Chambal Sanctuary is located along the banks of the Chambal
river all the way to its confluence with the river Jamuna,
near Kota. The sanctuary is a breeding ground of the gharial
crocodiles. Besides crocodiles, other wildlife animals like
caracal, wolf, blackbuck and chinkara can also be seen in this
sanctuary.
Museums in Kota
Rao Madho Singh Ji Museum
Rao Madho Singh Ji Museum was formerly a palace and is named
after the son of the ruler of Bundi who was made the first
ruler of Kota by the Mughal emperor Jahangir. This museum
gives a wonderful glimpse of the glory and history of the
place. This museum houses a rich collection of Rajput
paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, miniature
paintings, ancient armory and other valuable antiques. The
museum is the treasure house of artistic items used by the
rulers of Kota. The museum is closed on Fridays and state
holidays.
Government Museum
Government museum was originally located in the Hawa Mahal
just above the entrance of the fort. This museum has now been
shifted to the Brij Vilas Palace and now has a new display and
decor.
Archaeological Museum
Archaeological museum possesses several hundred sculptures
from different cultural centers of the region. These
sculptures belong to the period from 8th to the 12th century
AD and as well as of the Gupta period (4th to 5th century AD).
Sculptures worth mentioning are Shesh Sayi Vishnu from Badoli
(Chittorgarh), Jain image of Vardhaman from Baron and a
dancing pair from Ramgarh. A few inscriptions are displayed in
the museum. Coins discovered from various sites of Kota region
are preserved and displayed in the numismatic section. Most of
the coins belong to the Mughal and Rajput kingdom. |
