Kota, situated on the banks of the Chambal river, lies in a tract of country that straddled a major trade route from Delhi to Gujarat. Kota. is a fascinating mixture of medieval grandeur and modern industrialisation. An impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present-day Chambal Valley Project with its many dams—Kota Dam, Gandhi Sagar, Rana Pratap Sagar and Jawahar Sagar. While an old palace, dating back to the time when Kota was part of the Hada Rajput fiefdomHarawati or Hadoti—overlooks the Kota Barrage on the turbulent Chambal river.

The Hada chieftain, Rao Deva, conquered the territory in the 14th century and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Later, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Jahangir, at the end of the 17th century, Rao Ratan Singh, the ruler of Bundi, gave his son, Madho Singh, the smaller principality of Kota. Kota was regarded as the hallmark of Rajput power and culture.

Durbar Hall has mirror work, ebony and ivory inlaid doors, and contains a wealth of Rajput miniatures of the Kota School. There are the royal cenotaphs, a haveli (stately home) with delicate frescoes, the Brij Raj Bhawàn Palace and an island palace—the Jag Mandir—gracious reminders of a bygone age

However, modern Kota is all hustle and bustle as befits a town which boasts of Asia's largest fertiliser plant, a precision instrument unit, and an Atomic Power Station for nuclear research among other things.

The Maharao Madho Singh Museum contains a collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota School,.. sculpture, frescoes, arms, and other valuable antiques. It is located in the old palace.

It houses old coins, manuscripts and a representative selection of Hadoti sculpture. A piece, worth noting, is of Vishnu reclining on the serpent, Seshnag, with Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, at the feet. This has been brought from Badoli.

40 km. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful temple complexes in Rajasthan. These 9th century temples are characterised by a high standard of artistic sensibility. Built in the usual Panchayatan (group of five) style, one of the groups still has its rich carvings almost intact. There are several shrines worth a visit, some of which are in a good state of preservation.

60 km. It is a temple complex popularly known as the Khajuraho of Rajasthan because of its erotic sculpture. A rich centre of Shaivite art, these temples are carved with superb skill and display a galaxy of 'mudras' similar to those of the other more famous sites.

80 km. It is deep in a thick forest. Once used to be a royal hunting preserve, it is now a fine wildlife sanctuary where panther, spotted deer, tiger, wild boar and bear roam at will in their natural habitat.

Air :Jaipur 245 km is the nearest airport.

Rail :Lying on the Delhi-Bombay route, Kota is well served by super-fast rail services. Jaipur is connected by Durgapur-Bombay Express.

Road :Good network Of road connections links Kota with many important cities. Some notable distances are: Udaipur 270 km, Bundi 40 km, Delhi 504 km, Udaipur 270 km, Ahmedabad 522 km There is regular Deluxe Bus Service connecting Kota with Jaipur, Udaipur, Bikaner and Jodhpur.

Kota is famous for Kota doria sarees.

0744

Maharao Bhim Singh Hospital (MBS Hospital) Tel 23261 Facility of more than 700 beds (connected with Kota Medical College)

Rajasthan Tourist Offic, Hotel Chambal Tel 27694

Hmmed Club, Nayapura Kota

Municipal Stadium, Nayapura.