PLACES TO SEE

Travel Bundi Rajasthan City Palace & Fort - located beside the Kota Barrage, overlooking the Chambal River, thee City Palace and Fort is one of the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. Some of its buildings are now occupied by schools, but most of the complex is open to public. Entry to the complex is from the south side through the Naya Darwaza or New Gate. The palace within contains some striking buildings with delicate ornamental stonework. The Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate) decorated with more recent murals, shows a royal wedding procession, while the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds) is modelled on the one in Jaipur. The Bhim Mahal, an early 18th century Durbar Hall, is covered with Rajput miniature paintings documenting the town's history and local legends. Also within the palace is the Rao Madho Singh Museum which has a fine collection of weapons, old costumes, stuffed beasts and some of the best preserved murals in the state.

Jag Mandir - is an enchanting palace standing on a small island within the picturesque artificial tan of Kishore SAgra. The tank was constructed in 1346 but the palace was built much later in 740 by on of the Maharanis (Queen) of Kota. The azure water around the red sandstone monument enhances its beauty. Boat rides can be enjoyed in the lake.

Brij Vilas Palace Museum -located near the Kishore SAgra, this palace houses the Government Museum. Exhibits on display include stone idols, sculptural fragments from the archaeological sites of Baroli and Jhalawar, rare coins and manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture.

Gardens - Kota has several well-maintained gardens, a sight for sore eyes in this industrial town. On the banks of the Chambal River, south of the fort are the Chambal Gardens. The centerpiece of which is a pond stocked with crocodiles. The Chhattar Bilas Gardens has a curious collection of impressive royal cenotaphs.