Colorful Kota, a treasure house of history is set on the eastern bank of river Chambal. It is said to be named after a Bhil chieftain Koteya, who was defeated by Jait Singh of Bundi. It is believed that Jait Singh raised the first battlement or the “Garh’ (Fort of Kota) over the severed head of Koteya. During the 12th century, the Hada chieftain Rao Deva conquered the territory and founded Bundi and Hadoti. Today, the beautiful town has emerged as an important industrial and education center and is a fine blend of traditions and modernity. Kota is also famous for its Dussehra celebrations.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum: It is housed in an old palace and has a rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, frescoes, sculptures, arms, and other valuable antiques. It also exhibits items used by the former rulers of Kota.
Government Museum: It is located in the Brijvilas Palace, Kshar bagh near Kishore Sagar Lake. A rich collection of rare coins, manuscripts and representative selection of Hadoti sculpture are exhibited here.
Kotah Fort: This large sprawling structure overlooks the Kota barrage and the Chambal river. It is famous for the elegant Durbar Hall’ adorned with exquisite paintings and mirror work. The doors of the ‘Durbar Hall’ are of ebony and ivory.
Kishore Sagar – Jag Mandir: The beautiful lake set in the heart of Kota was constructed in 1346, by prince Dheer Deh of Bundi. Jag Mandir, noted for its aesthetic beauty was built around 1740, by Maharani Brij Kunwar on a small island in the lake. The Kshar Bagh, located nearby is dotted with excellent cenotaphs.
Chambal Garden: This beautifully landscaped garden set near the Amar Niwas Palace is a popular picnic spot. One can also enjoy boating in the river Chambal.
Umed Bhawan: The beautiful palace designed by Sir Swinton Jacob is the residence of the Rajmata. One half of it has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Haveli of Devtaji: The haveli of Devta Shridharji is worth visiting for its fine frescoes and rooms adorned with beautiful miniature paintings.
Kota Barrage: It is a part of the irrigation canal system on the Chambal river. The beautiful surroundings make it a perfect place for evening strolls and outings.
Kansua Temple: The sacred Shiva temple enshrines a rare four-faced Shivalinga.
Around Kota:
Bundi (36 kms.)
The beautiful town nestled in a town verdant valley is surrounded by the nestled in Aravalli hills on three sides and on three sides and enclosed by huge walls with 
gateways. A picturesque lake in the center adds to the beauty of Bundi. A medieval fortress stands sentinel to this city a mute witness to history and time. Within the ramparts are majestic palaces, haveli s, temples and intricately carved cenotaphs. Bundi is also very well known for its exquisite paintings and murals.
Bundi Durgor Taragarh: The white-colored ‘Star fort’ atop a thickly wooded hill was built in 1411, by Rao Raja Bar Singh. There are several interesting monuments and a huge reservoir within the fort.
Garh Palace: The palace set elegantly down the hillside and is one of the finest examples of Rajput architecture. It is approached by a steep, paved carriageway, through the Hazari Pol or the “Gate of the Thousand’. The Naubat Khana and the Hathi Pol are some of the places of interest inside the palace.
Chhatra Mahal: It was built by Maharao Shatrusal Singhji and is famous for its murals in the miniature style. The beautiful small pool and “Hathiya Sal’ (each pillar with four wooden elephants) are also notable. Phool Mahal and Badal Mahal are worth visiting for their paintings. Prior permission of the secretary at Motimahal is required for the visit.
Chitrashala: The walls of this famous arcaded gallery are adorned with elaborate paintings depicting scenes from the ‘Ragmala’ and Raslila’. It is a must-visit site.
Nawal Sagar: The serene square-shaped artificial lake is interspersed by islets. A temple of Varuna (God of the Wind) stands half-submerged in the middle of the lake.
Raniji – ki – Baori: The 46 m. the deep step well (Baori) outside the city walls has a high arched gate and carved pillars. Beautiful murals adorn its pillars, torans, and gates. Raniji – ki – Baori: The 46 m. deep step well (Baori) outside the city walls has a high arched gate and carved pillars. Beautiful murals adorn its pillars, torans, and gates.
Sukh Mahal: The summer palace surrounded by a garden was built during the reign of Rao Raja Vishnu Singh on the banks of Sukh Sagar Lake.
Jait Sagar Lake: The pristine lake nestled amidst lush hills was built by Jaita Meena. The fleeting fountain in the lake is quite spectacular at night. Terrace gardens and Smriti Kunj are the other attractions around the lake.
Phool Sagar: The 20th-century palace graced by formal gardens and an artificial tank is the residence of the erstwhile ruler.
Shikar Burj: The royal hunting lodge amid lush woods is a beautiful picnic spot.
Kshar Bagh: This ancient garden near the Shikar Burj cenotaphs of the Bundi royal family. The cenotaphs are noted for their rich architectural splendor.
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph: This majestic memorial was built by Rao Rajaa Anirudh in the memory of his foster brother. The cenotaph with 84 pillars along with a Shivlinga’is an architectural marvel.
