Kota is more than just an education hub; this city, located along the Chambal River in south-east Rajasthan, is a hidden treasure full of history, culture, and nature. When you visit the city of Kota, you will enter a world of great palaces and gardens that offer you a tranquil getaway. You can read about the bravery of the Rajput warriors from the forts built to tell their stories, see beautiful examples of the region’s art in museums, and experience the most vibrant bazaars with everything available from a Kota Doria saree to the local foods that will tantalise your palate.
Top 10 Captivating Places to Visit in Kota
Whether you are a lover of history, or nature, or someone who just wants a peaceful time out, a visit to Kota is a great option for you and your family. From the grandeur of the Garh Palace to the beauty of the Chambal Garden, visiting Kota will be an experience you will remember for a long time. Here is a list of the top 10 places to visit in Kota, which you just can’t miss.
Rao Madho Singh Museum
The museum is in the Brij Vilas Palace, built in 1830 and provides an interesting overview of Rajasthan’s past and is also one of the important museums in Rajasthan. The impressive collection of sculptures, arms and armour, miniature paintings, and artefacts from the royal household helps tell the story of Kota’s grand history. The beauty of the building and museum is a superb blend of Rajput and colonial styles, which helps demonstrate the vision of the architects. The rare manuscripts and old coins are sure to pique interest, as these may illustrate to the visitor what life was like centuries ago.
Make sure to see the section dedicated to tribal art and culture, which highlights Kota and the histories of the surrounding areas. It is advisable to spend considerable time immersing yourself in the lives of our ancestors and tribal heritage. Early hours of the morning are ideal to visit when the crowd is less.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except for public holidays.
- Entry Fee: ₹10 (Lower Section), ₹50 (Upper Section)
Raniji ki Baoli
Raniji ki Baoli, a notable stepped well built in 1699 by Rani Nathavati, is one of the important places to visit in Kota during your tour. It is a spectacular architectural feat descending 32 metres into the ground with many layers of intricate arches, jharokhas (balconies) and pillars. As you walk down the steps into the well, you will experience a notable temperature drop and relief from the heat of summer months. The skillfully carved, intricate stone structures represent events from Hinduism and the daily life of the Kota people.
In addition to the architecture, Raniji ki Baoli is one of the must-visit places in Kota to see how ancient Rajasthani people used ingenious methods to conserve water. If you are an amateur photographer, arrive when the first rays of light appear early in the morning or late in the afternoon to capitalise on amazing shadow and light for your photographs.
- Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹50 for Indians and ₹200 for Foreigners, ₹100 for camera permits.
Kansua Temple
Kansua temple provides you with elements of spiritual India, away from the crowded tourist streets. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva, dating back to the 12th century, built during the Chauhan dynasty with elaborate Nagara architecture. Upon reaching the temple, you will be captivated by the shikhara (spire) and the ornate stone carvings on the temple’s exterior. The main sanctum has a Shivalinga, and around the temple are small shrines of other deities.
What makes the temple special is the tranquillity of the area as soon as you step onto the premises. Unlike many popular temples, you will never find it crowded, so you get a genuine spiritual experience. The temple is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, and the golden light will cast warm shades over the ancient stones.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free
Jagmandir Palace
Jagmandir Palace is situated on an island in the middle of Kishore Sagar Lake, providing an exquisite view that will leave you awestruck. Built in 1740 by one of Kota’s rulers, Jagmandir Palace is made of red sandstone that captures the beautiful architectural styles of the period. To get to the palace, you’ll take a short boat ride, which makes this an excursion as well. The palace’s reflection twinkles across the lake like a fairy tale as you make your way there. The castle features a symmetrical layout with chhatris and jharokhas, showcasing classic Rajput architectural details.
As you walk through the many palace rooms and halls, they reveal where royal leisure and ritual once took place. While the palace is a relatively recent structure, the stone carvings and intricate latticework are evidence of craftsmanship from a time long gone. Plan a visit to the palace in the evening for a mesmerising experience. The palace is lit up and reflects light in the surrounding waters, which gives it a magical appearance.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, but the boat ride may cost between ₹150 and ₹200 per person.
Godavari Dham Temple
Your spiritual pilgrimage in Kota would not be complete without a visit to Godavari Dham Temple, a more modern yet interesting religious site. The temple complex is devoted to the many forms of Hindu deities, and the highlighted shrine is of Lord Shiva. The temple complex is among the top places to visit in Kota because it offers a clean and peaceful site for outdoor garden strolls. Walking along the walkways around the gardens, as you step along the landscapes, the tranquillity begins to set in. The temple complex architecture is a combination of historical Hindu style and modern designs, making for refreshing aesthetics.
During the religious festivals, particularly Mahashivratri, the temple bustles with celebrations, and you will be able to see locals practice their traditions and rituals. You can attend this celebration at any time, but it’s worth the experience to make it to the evening aarti (prayer ceremony); the chanting and sacred ceremonies will captivate you with their charm. The Maha aartis are performed at 7:00 AM and 7:00 PM every day. A special midnight aarti is performed at 12.00 AM on Tuesday and Saturday.
- Timings: Open 24 Hours
- Entry Fee: Free
Gaipernath Waterfalls
When you need to take a break from the historical monuments and temples, Gaipernath Waterfalls is the place to go. Around 30 km from Kota city, these waterfalls are a hidden treasure that a lot of tourists miss.When the monsoon arrives, you’ll see the falls at their best, with water cascading down from a substantial height, and it is a truly magnificent sight. Additionally, the lush green scenery in the surrounding areas adds a lot of charm. It is an ideal retreat for those who enjoy nature photography and connecting with nature.
It is also a relatively peaceful place with a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. You can easily spend a few hours enjoying the ambience around the falls with the water gurgling away in the background. Gaipernath Waterfalls is easily one of the best places to visit in Rajasthan in December. Take a picnic basket – you will find plenty of suitable areas to relax and enjoy your meal in the serene embrace of nature.
- Timings: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: Free, but video and still camera permits are charged at ₹50
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary
Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary spans approximately 250 square km and offers a unique adventure for wildlife enthusiasts eager to observe diverse fauna in their natural habitats. Once, the royal family of Kota was permitted to hunt in this area, and now it is a brief area for a wildlife reserve. As you enter the wildlife sanctuary, make sure you look for spotted deer, wild boar, leopards, and plenty of birds. A good part of the sanctuary lies in the deciduous forests and dry hills.
The best time to visit is from October to March. Pleasant weather and increased sightings of wildlife can be experienced by going on safaris in the early morning or in the afternoon. Remember to carry your binoculars and a camera for capturing the special occasion of experiencing the wonderful wilderness. Prior permission from the local forest ranger is required to enter the sanctuary.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Entry Fee: ₹20 for Indian citizens and ₹100 for foreign tourists
City Palace Near Kota
The spectacular City Palace is a living evidence of the royal traditions of Kota. This extensive complex combines stunning Rajput and Mughal architecture from the 16th Century, which is one of the renowned Kota attractions. As you walk in through the entrance, you will notice a lot of spacious courtyards, halls, and balconies. The City Palace is home to the Rao Madho Singh Museum (which we have previously spoken of), but there is so much more than what is displayed.
The Durbar Hall, where the rulers once held court, is also well worth a look in person, with mirror work and paintings all over the walls. Don’t miss the armoury section, where you can find some of the ancient weapons the Rajputian warriors used when they fought in battle. The City Palace presents significant sites with views of the Chambal River, providing plenty of opportunities for photography or walking. Plan on spending half a day here or more, you’ll want to fully explore this historical wonder.
- Timings: 10:00 AM to 4:30 PM
- Entry Fee: Museum and Bada Mahal: ₹500 for foreigners and ₹200 for Indians. Sr. Citizens and children are charged ₹50.
Chambal River Safari
For truly out-of-the-ordinary places to visit in Kota, take a boat ride for a Chambal River Safari. The Chambal, known to be one of India’s cleanest rivers, is the lifeline of the area as it represents one of the highest levels of wildlife diversity in the region. During your safari, you can also expect to come across gharials (a critically endangered crocodilian species), freshwater dolphins, and several migratory birds. The calm waters and scenic landscapes create the perfect setting for wildlife photography or simply relaxing while experiencing the natural splendour.
Early morning is the prime time for any safari as the wildlife will be most active. You will be accompanied by a local guide on your safari, telling you interesting facts about the river ecosystem and will take you to amazing vantage points. This is a welcoming change from Kota’s prestigious historical monuments, and provides you with a different dimension of travel experience.
- Timings: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Entry Fee: The entry fee is free. However, boat safari rides start from ₹800.
Kota Barrage
As you approach Kota Barrage, you’ll find one of the most serene Kota tourist attractions. It was constructed across the Chambal River and stretches easily more than 100 meters across, which creates a wonderful waterscape that changes form every season. During the monsoon season, you can see and feel the expression of power in nature. When you watch the massive river water being released from the dam gates before your eyes, it’s a humbling event to witness. You can enjoy a stroll through the gardens around the barrage, or plan a family picnic like the locals do. The gardens here are well-maintained with beautiful lawns and flora.
It is best to visit the barrage during sunset time, as the golden light on the water during sunset is magical and makes for wonderful views or travel memories. The barrage is also where you will find a variety of water birds, making it a fun stop for bird watchers. You might catch sight of a kingfisher catching a fish or a heron wading in the shallows.
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry Fee: The entry is free.
The city is well-connected with trains and buses, but if you’re arriving by flight, the closest is Jaipur. You can also break your journey and stop to stay in the city and book affordable hotels in Jaipur to make the most of your vacation.
Best Time to Visit Kota Tourist Attractions
October to March
Winter is the most comfortable season to visit Kota. The temperature usually ranges from a chilly 8 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it easy to spend hours outdoors sightseeing.
April to June
Summers in Kota can be relentlessly hot! Average daytime temperatures can easily be between 35 and 45 degrees Celsius. Therefore, if you are visiting in summer, plan your excursions in the early mornings or evenings when the heat is manageable.
July to September
When the monsoon arrives, Kota transforms into a lush green paradise! Although it does not rain excessively, there are sporadic showers that temper the summer heat down to a comfortable 25 to 35 degrees Celsius.
Kota has much to offer every traveller, from the scenic Chambal River to the historical places in Rajasthan, and other cultural attractions. Whether you are looking at the jaw-dropping engineering of the Kota Barrage or simply enjoying the many sightseeing options, these Kota attractions in Rajasthan will provide lasting memories for solo travellers, families, and history lovers.
Plan your visit during the optimal season, and don’t forget to venture beyond the city limits to discover Kota, Rajasthan’s tourist places. With excellent connectivity, comfortable accommodation options like Treebo Hotels, and a wealth of experiences waiting to be discovered, Kota deserves a prominent place on your Rajasthan travel itinerary. Book your stays directly from the Treebo App or website to get the best prices. Travel to this land of the Chambal today and immerse yourself in its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage.
