Shouting in Rajasthan
KOTA

PRIME SITES:

Chanbal Garden: A beautifully landscaped garden at the Amar Niwas. Its lush surroundings make it a popular picnic spot offering enjoyable boat rides.

Maharao Mahdo Singh Museum: Situated in the old palace, the museum has a superb collection of Rajput miniature paintaings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes and armoury. The museum also houses a rich repository of artistic items used by the Kota rulers.

The Government Museum: housed in the Brijvilas Palace near the Koshore Sagar, the museum displays a rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and a representative selectionof Hadoti sculpture. Especially noteworthy is an exquisitely sculptured statue brought here from Baroli.

Closed on every Friday and Government holidays. Photography is prohibited. A prior permission has to be obtained from the Director of Archaeology and Museums, Jaipur.

Jag Mandir: Amid the picturesque artificial lake of Kishore Sagar constructed in 1346 A.D. by Prince Dher Deh of Bundi, stands the enchanting little palace of Jag Mandir. The azure waters around the red-sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat-rides can be enjoyed in the lake. The Keshar Bagh famous for its royal cenotaphs lies in the vicinity.

Haveli of Devtaji : The beautiful Haveli of Devta Shridharji is located in the middle of the busy market. The haveli is noted for its splendid frescoes and rooms ornate with lovely wall paintings.

EXCURSIONS

Bardoli (48 kms.): The oldest and the most beautiful temple complex of Rajasthan dating back to the 9th century A.D. lies on the way of the Pratap Sagar Dam.

The intricate carvings and an exquisite image of Natraja (Shiva) - the cosmic dancer on the door of the mandap, offer fine examples of craftsmanship. Many interesting shrines also lie closeby.

Rana Pratap Sagar Dam & Bhainsrodgarh(50-55 kms.): Bhainsrodgarh Fort lies on the right bank of the Chambal River and a village lies within the fort. The fort is set amidst scenic surroundings. The ancient temple of Gaipar Nath Mahadev on the way is an idyllic picnic spot.

Bhanddeora Temple (Ramgarh - 110 kms.): Situated in the Baran district atop the Ramgarh hill, is the 11th-12th century temple now in ruins. Easily approachable by jeep and car.

The Remains of Garhgachh (110 kms.): The 9th and 13th Century A.D. temples in red stone, situated in the Baran district near Atru (30 kms.).

Nahargarh Fort (145 kms.): An impressive structure in red stone, the fort is a fine example of the Mughal architecture.

Sitabari (120 kms.): An ideal picnic spot, situated near the village of Kelwara in the Baran district on the way to Kota - Shiv Puri. The old temples of Sita, Laxman and seven water tanks are worth a visit. The place is the venue of a tribal fair held in May/June every year.

Shergarh (125 kms.): A historic fort near Barora 10 kms. in Atru Tehsil in the Baran district.

Fort of Shahbad and Mosque (160 kms.): The fort was constructed in 1577 A.D. by the Chauhan ruler Muktaman. The mosque is the biggest in Rajasthan and was built during the reign of Augrangzeb.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary (50 kms.): An erstwhile royal hunting preserve, it is a thickly wooded sanctuary lying along the south-eastern border of Kota adjacent to the mountain range. The wildlife variety includes panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear.

Rock Paintings of Alaniya (25 kms.): Beautiful rock paintings adorn the bank of the river Alaniya.