Are you looking for places to visit in Kota? If so, scroll down and look at the top 15 places you can explore in the beautiful city of Kota, Rajasthan.
Best Places to Visit in Kota
1. Jag Mandir Palace and Kishore Sagar Lake
The beautiful Jag Mandir Palace is situated on an island in the middle of the Kishore Sagar Lake. It is a beautiful three-storied structure made out of Yellowstone, marble, and red sandstone in the Rajputi architectural style. The Palace houses many structures and rooms like the Zenana Mahal, Gul Mahal, Baaraah Pattharon ka Mahal, and more. Their architecture is extremely intricate and artful. The halls also feature ornate arches of the Rajputi style and corridors that feel like royalty. The Palace has a roof from where one can take in the serene look of the Kishore Sagar Lake.
The outside of the Palace is also very scenic. Grass covers the whole area, and so do trees and flowers. The jharokhas at the sides of the Palace bestow one with a great view of the lake. The reflection of the Palace on the clear lake is also a sight worth seeing. It is one of the best places to visit in Kota.
Timings: Jag Mandir Palace is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 06.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: Entry is free to the Palace, but the boats and ferries that take you there will cost around INR 300, depending on peak season.
2. Seven Wonders Park
The Seven Wonders Park in Kota is home to miniature replicas of all the Seven Wonders of the World in one place – the Eiffel Tower, Colosseum, Taj Mahal, Pyramid of Giza, Leaning Tower of Pisa, Christ the Redeemer, and Statue of Liberty. All these replicas light up in the evening; hence, it is the best time to visit Seven Wonders Park. There are cafeterias here as well for those looking for dining options.
Timings: The Park is open daily from 02.00 P.M. to 08.30 P.M.
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 40 for foreigners. Photography and videography are chargeable at INR 50 each.
3. Garadia Mahadev Temple
Approximately 500 feet above mean sea level, Chambal flows through a canyon. The gorge is surrounded by enormous rocks on all sides. On top of one of the cliffs is the Garadia Mahadev Temple. A local priest, who usually remains at the shrine until around 5:30 P.M., conducts the ceremonies. The setting is flawless, like a work of art created by God. By spending some time alone, you may genuinely experience the joy in solitude.
In addition to being a site of prayer, Garadia Mahadev Temple is a popular destination for photographers and nature lovers. It is a calm and tranquil destination due to the area’s natural beauty and the temple’s spiritual atmosphere. It is particularly well-liked by residents and visitors for picnics and trips.
Timings: There are no times to visit this temple. It is open 24/7.
Entry Fees: The entry to Garadia Mahadev Mandir is free.
4. Chambal Hanging Bridge
The Hanging Bridge in Kota is a cable-stayed bridge over the Chambal River that helps vehicles pass through smoothly. It is an architectural marvel with a 350-meter suspension. The bridge towers above the Chambal River at around 60 meters, providing stunning panoramas of the surroundings. Outside of its structural value, the Hanging Bridge facilitates easy navigation across the Chambal River by reducing traffic congestion and enhancing connection. Both the locals and tourists travelling through Kota profit from this cutting-edge infrastructure.
The views from the bridge are marvellous. Visitors now go to the Hanging Bridge in great numbers to take in its magnificence and admire the skill behind it. The senses are captivated by the spectacular views of the Chambal River and the beautiful scenery from the bridge. Photographers love to visit this location to capture the magnificent presence of the bridge against the backdrop of the splendour of nature. This architectural marvel is on everyone’s list of places to visit in Kota.
Timings: There are no timings to visit this bridge. It is open 24/7.
Entry Fees: Entry to the Hanging Bridge is free.
5. Gaipernath Waterfalls
Gaipernath is one of the most frequented places in Kota. The waterfall descends from around 100 feet, providing an amazing display of mist and cascading water. Natural pools and little streams form when the glittering water rushes over the rocks. The relaxing and energising sound of the water rushing against the rocks is music to the ears.
Gaipernath Waterfall comes to life with more water during the monsoon season. During this period, the local vegetation flourishes and covers the region in vivid colours of green, creating a lovely background for the waterfall. The region has a high biodiversity and a wide range of plants and wildlife. You could encounter monkeys dangling from tree branches or vibrant birds sitting on the canopy as you explore the area. The sight of butterflies flitting about lends the experience a hint of magic. Adventure seekers might also find options at Gaipernath Waterfall. Scaling the waterfall’s rugged cliffs is a popular pastime for hikers and rock climbers. For those looking for an adrenaline rush and a chance to connect with nature especially, the rocky terrain delivers an exhilarating challenge.
Timings: There are no timings to visit this waterfall. It is open 24×7 but only staying briefly after 06.00 P.M. is advised.
Entry Fees: Entry to the Gaipernath Waterfall is free.
6. City Palace
The City Palace of Kota is also called Kotah Garh. The Palace serves as a museum and has a variety of objects like armour, weaponry, manuscripts, and more relating to the history of Kota. The museum is the ideal illustration of how Rajput traditions and Mughal artistry can coexist. Every landmark in the Palace has a fascinating history and magnificent architecture, and every piece of the Palace has a distinct, one-of-a-kind past.
The entrance of the Palace – called the Naya Darwaza – has a huge cannon on display, and another entrance – called the Hathi Pol – has two cannons on display. The walls are decorated with paintings, and the architecture of the Palace is one to marvel at. The higher floors of the fort have rooms from which visitors may overlook the entire fort from above.
Timings: The Fort is open from 10.00 A.M. to 05.00 P.M. daily.
Entry Fees: The entry fees vary for the places you wish to visit inside the fort. Charges start from INR 40.
7. Kota Barrage
The fourth structure of the Chambal Valley Project over the River Chambal is the Kota Barrage. It was constructed to hold the water that the project’s three earlier dams had captured and then direct it through canals to irrigate the parched regions of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. People congregate on the 19-gate-long barrage that spans the River Chambal in Kota to take in the mesmerising sight of foamy white water being thrown out in full force.
When it rains, the water roars like the ocean, and the sound reverberates across the entire region. The pulse of the rumbling may be felt on the bridge, as well as being audible from a distance. The bridge is frequently congested throughout the year, with curious observers, picnickers, and others stopping by for a glance on their route somewhere else.
Timings: Kota Barrage is open 24×7.
Entry Fees: The entry to Kota Barrage is free.
8. Chambal Garden
Chambal Garden is a picturesque picnic spot at Amar Niwas. There is a pond here and a suspension bridge on the top. The pond is home to many crocodiles. You can engage in boating activities here and toy train rides across the parks. The beautiful green garden is a spot that will revitalise everyone, set against the tranquil Chambal River. It offers a convenient getaway for those looking for recreation near nature. With lofty trees, rich green bushes, and vibrant and aromatic flower beds, the garden may be explored along well-kept walkways. Spending time with loved ones in such a stunning setting is a pure delight. It is one of those places to visit in Kota that you shouldn’t miss out on.
Timings: The Park is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 07.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: The entry to the park is free of cost.
9. Khade Ganesh Ji Temple
Khade Ganesh Ji Temple is the only temple in the world with a standing idol of Lord Ganesha. It is one of the oldest temples in Kota, where devotees come in thousands every day to offer prayers daily. The trunk of Lord Ganesha is also in a straight position rather than a curved one, like all other temples worldwide.
On the occasion of Ganesh Chaturthi, a large fair is held here, and Lord Ganesha is welcomed to the temple with full grandeur. Many people visit the temple during this festival to ask for the deity’s blessings.
There is also a small lake next to a temple devoted to Lord Shiva in the complex. One can engage in bird watching here by the lake.
Timings: The temple is open from 05.00 A.M. to 07.00 P.M. daily. Aarti and darshan times are varying.
Entry Fees: The entry is free to the temple. Photography and videography are chargeable.
10. Abheda Mahal
Abheda Mahal is a beautiful palace in Kota with a small lake. The architecture of the Palace is Rajputi, and its yellow colour gives the Palace a royal and serene look. The lake used to harbour crocodiles during the reign of Ummed Singh II for entertainment purposes. The crocodiles were pets and allegedly had names. Currently, there are plenty of lotuses growing in the lake. The backside of the lake also facilitates boating activities here.
The Mahal complex has a vast expanse of lush gardens, split into square shapes by walkways running through them. There are other sites within the complex as well for visitors to explore. There are two bathing places called the Janana Ghat and Mardana Ghat that were made as different bathing spaces for men and women, along with a well for drinking water called the Riyasateen Kuaan. The Rani Mahal here used to act as a residence for queens. Abheda Mahal should be on top of your list of places to visit in Kota.
Timings: Abheda Mahal is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 06.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 40 for foreigners. Photography and videography are also chargeable at INR 50 each. The boating charges are not included in the entry fees.
11. Abheda Biological Park
The Abheda Biological Park is a recently created park for recreational and educational purposes. With a current total animal count of roughly 75, it is spread across a vast region and boasts an impressive assortment of animals, such as jackals, leopards, panthers, wolves, hyenas, and sambhars. There are statues of animals here as well.
The flora and fauna’s beauty here and various “selfie points” make this place a popular tourist attraction in Kota.
Timings: The Park is open all days except Tuesday from 09.00 A.M. to 05.00 P.M.
Entry Fees: INR 52 for Indians and INR 302 for foreigners. There are student discounts available. Photography and videography are chargeable. The entry for children below the age of 5 is free.
12. Alania Dam
An irrigation reservoir constructed on the Alania River offers water for many uses, including agriculture. The dam is well-liked among tourists and is renowned for its scenic beauty and leisure pursuits like picnics and bird watching.
Visitors may take in the natural landscape of the Alania Dam, which includes lush vegetation, green Aravalli hills, and the serene waters of the reservoir. There is a Hanuman Temple close by as well.
Timings: The Dam is open 24×7.
Entry Fees: Entry to the dam is free.
13. Charan Chauki
Lord Krishna’s followers deeply respect this location, where his illustrious lotus footprints are preserved. This location, Charan Chauki (place of holy feet), is roughly 15 kilometres away from Kota. It is said that thousands of years ago, during the Dwapara Yuga, Lord Krishna, in his human form, stopped here to rest briefly on his trip from his hometown of Mathura to Dwarka. At this location, the Lord’s footprints were inscribed for generations and are still revered today. It is one of the most amazing religious places to visit in Kota.
Timings: The timings of Charan Chauki have yet to be discovered.
Entry Fees: Entry is free to this holy place.
14. Rao Madho Singh Museum
The Rao Madho Singh Museum is a part of the Kota Fort/City Palace. The museum includes an extensive collection of beautiful frescos, royal armoury, miniature paintings, and other lovely old sculptures. Many people, especially historians, visit this museum to view the collection of royal artefacts previously used by Kota kings and displayed in museums.
The museum’s stunning collection of miniature paintings, which showcase the delicate and vibrant creativity that Rajasthan is famed for, is one of its main attractions. Visitors may deepen their awareness of the local culture by exploring a variety of sculptures, manuscripts, coins, and ornamental artefacts that date from various eras. The museum is a must-visit location for anybody looking to fully immerse themselves in the cultural heritage of Kota and the surrounding areas thanks to its broad collection of exhibits, which includes everything from textiles and jewellery to weapons and armour.
Timings: The museum is open all days except Fridays from 10.00 A.M. to 05.00 A.M.
Entry Fees: INR 20 for Indians and INR 50 for foreigners. Photography and videography are also chargeable.
15. Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve
The Mukundra Tiger Reserve, formerly known as the Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary, is the third tiger reserve in Rajasthan and is situated near Kota town’s southern-eastern region. It was the Maharaja of Kota’s official hunting grounds, around 50 km from Kota. It may be found on the eastern bank of the Chambal River and its tributaries. This tiger reserve has a wide range of flora and fauna present here that attracts tourists worldwide. Currently, four tigers reside here as well.
Timings: The Reserve is open daily from 10.00 A.M. to 05.00 P.M. for tourists.
Entry Fees: INR 250
Best Time to Visit Kota
The perfect time to visit Kota is from October to March, in winter and spring. The weather is pleasant at this time. Monsoon is also a great time to visit Kota.
How to Reach Kota
Kota is a well-connected city by rail, road, and air. Kota has its railway station. The nearest airport to Kota is in Jaipur. By road, Kota is easily accessible via highways.
Conclusion
Kota is a city of royals that should be on everyone’s bucket list. A hidden gem in Rajasthan, there are a lot of places to visit in Kota. There are many temples like Garadia Mahadev and Khade Ganesh Ji. Being next to Chambal, Kota is a nature lover’s hotspot with locations like Kota Barrage, Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve, and Gaipernath Waterfalls. Do visit this city for its tourism!
