Kota, previously known as Kotah, is the third-largest city in southeast Rajasthan, located about 240 kilometers south of the state capital, Jaipur. Situated on the banks of the Chambal River, Kota has a population of over 1.2 million, making it the third most populous city in Rajasthan after Jaipur and Jodhpur, and the 46th most populous city in India. It serves as the administrative headquarters for Kota district and division. Kota is renowned among Indian youth for its coaching institutes that prepare students for engineering and medical entrance exams like JEE and NEET, earning it the nickname “Edtech City.” Historically, Kota was part of the Rajput kingdom of Bundi.
The city’s history dates back to the 12th century when Rao Deva, a Chauhan Rajput chieftain of the Hada clan, conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. In the early 17th century, during Mughal Emperor Jahangir’s reign, the ruler of Bundi, Rao Ratan Singh, granted the smaller principality of Kota to his son, Madho Singh. Since then, Kota has been known for its Rajput gallantry and culture.
According to the 2011 census, Kota had a population of approximately 1 million, with 528,601 males and 473,093 females. The city’s sex ratio was 895 females for every 1,000 males, and 12.14% of the population was under six years of age. The effective literacy rate was 82.80%, with male literacy at 89.49% and female literacy at 75.33%. Harauti, a dialect of Rajasthani, is widely spoken in Kota, along with Hindi, Marwari, and English. Hinduism is the majority religion, practiced by about 80.5% of the population, followed by Muslims (15.9%), Jains (2.2%), Sikhs (0.9%), and Christians (0.4%).
Kota offers a variety of attractions, including the unique Seven Wonders Park with miniatures of world-famous landmarks, the serene Kishore Sagar Lake and historic Jagmandir Palace, and the scenic Garadiya Mahadev Temple perched on a cliff. Visitors can also enjoy the lush Chambal Gardens, the impressive Kota Barrage, and the ancient Khade Ganesh Ji Temple with its unique standing idol of Lord Ganesh.
If you’ve never visited the Seven Wonders of the World, don’t worry! Seven Wonders Park in Kota features miniatures of all the iconic landmarks including the Taj Mahal, Great Pyramid, Eiffel Tower, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Christ the Redeemer, Colosseum, and Statue of Liberty. Built on the bank of Kishore Sagar Lake, this park is a popular tourist spot, perfect for a picnic with friends and family. The project, undertaken by the Urban Development Department, involved over 150 workers and cost 20 crores.
Kishore Sagar is a beautiful artificial lake constructed in 1346 by Prince Dehra Deh of Bundi. Nearby is the picturesque Brij Vilas Palace Museum. At the heart of the lake sits Jagmandir Palace, an enchanting red sandstone monument from Kota’s grand past. The reflections of its majestic walls and domes in the lake’s blue waters are a sight to behold, making it a favorite for photographers and nature lovers.
Located in Daulatganj near Kota, Garadiya Mahadev Temple is both a revered Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and a popular tourist destination. Perched on a scenic cliff 500 feet above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of the Chambal gorge, lush green plains, and the Chambal River. The temple is a great picnic spot and attracts birdwatchers and photographers with its abundant peacocks and other bird species.
The Khade Ganesh Ji Temple, believed to be over 600 years old, is one of the most important religious sites in Kota. Situated near the Chambal River, the temple is unique for its standing idol of Lord Ganesh, the only one of its kind in India. A nearby lake attracts peacocks, adding to the temple’s serene and picturesque setting.
Located near shops, restaurants, and major attractions, Kota offers a variety of comfortable 3-star hotels. These hotels provide easy access to places like Kishore Sagar Lake, Seven Wonders Park, and Jag Mandir island palace. With prices starting from ₹1,171, these hotels are conveniently close to railway stations and highways, ensuring a pleasant and accessible stay for visitors.
Near shops and restaurants, this simple hotel is 4 km from both Dakaniya Talav railway station and Chambal Garden.
₹1,171
3 Star Hotel
This informal hotel flanked by a lawn area is 3 km from the Dakaniya Talav train station, and 4 km from the Kishore Sagar reservoir.
₹2,302
3 Star Hotel
On a street with shops, this modern hotel off National Highway 52 is 5 minutes’ walk from the shores of Kishore Sagar.
₹2,219
3 Star Hotel
A kilometer from Kota Railway Station, this refined hotel in a bustling commercial area is 5 km from Jag Mandir island palace on Kishore Sagar lake.
₹3,081
3 Star Hotel
Located conveniently near the railway station in Kota, these hotels offer a range of accommodations to suit various budgets. Whether you’re looking for a relaxed stay in a modern building or a budget-friendly option along a bustling street, you’ll find something that fits your needs. Each hotel provides easy access to local attractions such as Seven Wonders Park and historical palaces, making them ideal for both leisure and business travelers.
Facing a side street, this relaxed hotel off the NH52 road is 5 km from both Seven Wonders Park and Kota Garh, a 13th-century palace.
₹3,317
4 Star Hotel
Set in a commercial area with training institutes and eateries, this polished hotel is 2 km from Dakaniya Talav railway station.
₹4,612
4 Star Hotel
Set off National Highway 52, this down-to-earth hotel in a modern building is 2 km from Jag Mandir, a 17th-century palace on an islet in Lake Pichola.
₹1,388
3 Star Hotel
Set along a bustling commercial street, this unfussy budget hotel off the NH52 national highway is 4 km from both Kotah Garh, a 13th-century palace, and Seven Wonders Park.
₹1,557
5 Star Hotel
In Kota, you can find a variety of dining options offering delicious food at affordable prices. From long-established eateries near Aerodrome Circle to modern multi-cuisine restaurants and banquet services, there’s something for every taste. Enjoy quality Indian food and sweet treats, ensuring a great experience with good service and value.
Our restaurant was started about 4 DECADES ago by Mr. Rafiq Ahmed Afridi in the year 1979 , situated near Aerodrome circle Kota Raj.
₹200–400
All Season Caterers is the most modern and customer centric Catering company in Kota city.
₹200–400
Good quality Indian food good service and cheaper price Highly recommended.
₹200–400
Good place and food quality and quantity is worth price with great experience.
₹200–400
Kota can be reached by flying to Jaipur and taking a taxi from there, as Jaipur has regular flights from major Indian and international cities. By train, Kota Junction is a key station on the Delhi-Mumbai line with many express trains stopping there. Additionally, state transport buses regularly connect Kota to cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer.
Kota is easily accessible by train from all major cities in India. Kota Junction is an important station on the Delhi-Mumbai main line.
Kota doesn’t have its own airport. The closest option is to fly to Jaipur and then take a taxi to Kota.
Kota is well-connected by road with regular state transport buses from cities like Udaipur, Jaipur, Bikaner, and Ajmer in Rajasthan.
There are daily buses that run all over the city and are an efficient and safe way of travelling around Kota and also to the neighbouring villages. RSRTC (Rajasthan Roadways) operates within the city and runs buses in and out of Kota as well.
Starting at Only 5₹/KM
Cabs in Kota offer a comfortable option for traveling longer distances or when you prefer a private ride. Available throughout the city, they provide a convenient way to reach places like the Kota Barrage or the Seven Wonders Park, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience.
Starting at only 9₹/KM
Getting around Kota is convenient with rickshaws, which are popular for short trips within the city. They provide a flexible and affordable way to navigate through Kota’s streets, offering quick access to local attractions and neighborhoods.
Auto-rikshaw is starting From 10-200.Rs
Car rental companies like TransRental and Kota Cab are also used in Kota. While they do offer chauffeur-driven cars, you can opt to drive the car yourself if you’re aware of the roads and directions of the city.
Starting at only ₹1499.
Kota has a semi-arid climate with hot temperatures throughout the year. The seasons in Kota are quite distinct and each brings its own set of weather conditions. Summer in Kota starts in late March and lasts until June. This is the longest and hottest season, with average temperatures around 40°C in May and June, often reaching up to 45°C. The dry heat can be quite intense, making it a challenging time to visit. The monsoon season arrives in July and continues until September. During this time, the temperatures drop to more comfortable levels, but the humidity increases significantly. Kota receives heavy rainfall, with an annual average of about 660.6mm. Despite the rain, this season can be refreshing compared to the scorching summer. Winter is the most pleasant season in Kota, starting from late November and lasting until the end of February. Temperatures range from 14°C to 30°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The low humidity adds to the comfort, making this the best time to visit Kota.
If you’re planning a trip to Kota, the best time to visit is during the winter months when the weather is cool and enjoyable. Summers can be extremely hot, while the monsoon season brings heavy rain and high humidity.
The Distance of Kota to Mumbai is (927.3 km) via NH 48.
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The Distance of Kota to Delhi is (471.8 km) via NE 4.
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The Distance of Kota To Bangalore is (1,671.2 km) via NH 52.
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The Distance of Kota to Chennai is (1,820.2 km) via NH16.
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When planning a trip to Kota, the first thing to remember is to book your tickets and accommodations in advance. Kota can get busy, especially during peak seasons, and you might struggle to find a place to stay if you don’t book early. The city has a variety of hotels catering to different budgets, so securing a reservation beforehand ensures you have a comfortable stay. Also, consider the weather when planning your visit; the winter months from November to February are the most pleasant, with cool and enjoyable temperatures.
While exploring Kota, it’s important to respect the local culture and heritage. Avoid any actions that could damage historical buildings or monuments, as these are punishable offenses. The city is rich in history and culture, so maintain decorum at all times. Additionally, be mindful of where you eat. Choose reputable restaurants and avoid consuming raw or unhygienic food to prevent any health issues that could spoil your trip. Kota is known for its delicious local cuisine, so select places that are known for good quality and hygiene.
For safety, it is advisable to explore the city in groups rather than walking alone, especially in unfamiliar areas. Kota has several historical sites and tourist attractions that often require an entry ticket. Always purchase the necessary tickets to avoid any penalties or issues with authorities. The city offers a range of transportation options, from buses to cabs and rickshaws, making it easy to navigate. However, if you’re using rental vehicles, ensure you are familiar with the city’s roads and traffic regulations.
Jodhpur is a city in the Thar Desert of the northwest Indian state of Rajasthan.
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Jaipur is the capital of India’s Rajasthan state.
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Bikaner is a city in the north Indian state of Rajasthan.
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Ajmer is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan.
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