An educational hub, situated on the banks of Chambal, Rajasthan, Kota is an over charming city. Kota is a well recognized city for being a coaching hub of medical and engineering examination. Kota factory a series was also dedicated o showcasing struggle of engineering and medical students. But Kota has much more to offer apart from just holding pinnacle institutes in boundaries. It’s associated with many other things like Kota sarees, Kota kachoris and Kota stone. It’s a pure bliss to visit here as you don’t require a must itinerary to follow or timing protocols.

HISTORY 

Kota has an unfathomable history roots. From having imprints on 12th century it’s believed Kotah(then) fell under Hadoti region. It’s also believed that mighty Bheel dynasty laid their foundation on Akelgarh. For around 800 years they ruled here. But prominent era for Kota was of Maharaj Bhim Rao Singh and Zalim Singh. Under Mughal dynasty they were appointed as head of Kota province. It prospered and grew in power and size during their reign. 

EDUCATION CAPITAL OF INDIA

Every prominent coaching institute grew from kota. Resonance, Allen, Bansal classes and plethora others have grew larger than life from kota itself. Every year around lakhs of students flock to Kota beholding dreams in eyes to crack IIT and PMT. It has boomed businesses for pgs, hostels, mess and tiffin. 

LOCAL CUISINE 

KOTA KACHORI is heart of this educational hub. Lip smacking and spicy kachori is a breakfast and lunch to many students. There are several street vendors and shops to munch on kachoris. 
DOODH JALEBI is extremely famous in northern belt. After dinner or lunch it’s a dessert eaten in many Rajasthani cities. Keep some space after a meal to satisfy your sweeten tooth. 
LOCAL CHATS is extremely popular in Kota. Being a student hub prices are nominal. 
RAJASTHANI THALI will let go all your qualms about food. Innumerable dishes on plate so sumptuous that it will leave you craving for some more. 

CRAFT AND INDUSTRY: 

Kota is just not an education capital of nation. Two imperative part in Kota economy are: 
KOTA DORIA: From sarees to suits and used in dupattas Kota Doria has left an mark on apparel industry worldwide. Don’t forget to shop and carry some finest with you. Khaitoon is a place where these Kota Doria sarees are made with handwoven real gold thread.
KOTA STONE: Kota limestone is quarried at Kota district. Several mines and warehouses are available at outskirts of city. Finest varieties in colors contribute to its demand in entire nation. 

PLACES TO VISIT

• SEVEN WONDERS PARK: To fetch more tourists a new addition to town is seven wonders park. As name suggests it has miniature replicas of seven wonders. Located on Kishore Sagar Lake just add to its beauty. 
• KISHORE SAGARIKA AND JAGMANDIR PALACE: Back in 1346 it was constructed by Bundi Prince Dehra Deh, it’s an artificial picturesque lake. It is located near Brij Vilas Palace Museum. Showcasing grandeur days of Kota palace Jagmandir is located at the heart of the museum. It is one major tourist attractions. 
• GARADIA MAHADEV: Just about 17 km from kota, perched on 500 feet on a cliff. This is a revered hindu temple and devotees seek blessings. It’s a major tourist attraction of city because of luxuriant greenery and chambal gorge. It’s a hotspot for flash connoisseur as well.
• KOTA BARRAGE: Raging and gushing water of Chambal flowing in full flow makes it’s a picnic and leisure destination among locals as well. Rumbling of river and pulse can be felt while standing over bridge. 
• CHAMBAL GARDEN: Just close by chambal river, a scenic and artificially developed it’s a place to chill out. An artificial pond is a habitat to crocodiles. Sit on a bench and keep appraising beauty of Chambal river. 
• KHADE GANESH JI TEMPLE: A religious place and around 600 year old Ganesh idol is one of the imperative places in Kota. 
• UMED BHAVAN PALACE: This is an incredible palace is famous for its alluring architectural design. The palace was built in the early 11th century by the then king of Kota – Maharao Umed Singh 2nd. This palace which has thirty two rooms has now been converted into a heritage hotel and is among the most popular hotels in this part of Rajasthan.
• KOTA PALACE: Standing tall and illustrating history of Kota. Fusion of Mughal and Rajsthani architecture this monuments tells glorious past of Kota. 
• CHAMBAL RIVER SAFARI: A Chambal Safari organized on chambal river, on a boat you can in a view of ravines, sandbanks and greenery. Species of birds, Alligator,  crocodiles and more can be sighted in this exquisite experience. 
• GODAVARI DHAM TEMPLE: Another sightseeing based on chambal river is revered deity Hanuman ji temple. Located in Dadabari in Kota this temple also hosts a midnight aatti  on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It has many other idols of god’s and goddesses like Shiva, Laxmi, Ganpati and etc. 
• GAIPERNATH WATERFALL: Located around 15 km from city center this waterfall is refurbished in monsoon. Small trek, nature and scenic views makes it a destination for prancing. 
• DARRAH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY: Located around 56 km from city near Bundi. Initially worked as a shooting ground for royal families was later converted into a forest reserve. Safari to sight few leopards, elephant, deer, elks and many other species. Sanctuary has developed into a new fondness for region. 
• RAO MADHO SINGH MUSEUM AND GOVERNMENT MUSEUM KOTA: There two museums provide you sneak peak into the history of kota. From having ancient artifacts it is perfect depiction of culture and traditions. Both museums have sculptures, coins, silver figurine and other prestigious belonging from past. 

HOW TO TRAVEL: 

• AIR: Kota has no direct flights but nearest airport is Jaipur airport which is about 240 km. You can hire a cab or take a Volvo bus to transit. 
• RAILWAY: The major railhead of Central track is on kota. So it has connectivity to almost every part of nation. 
• ROADS: Kota is well connected to roads with major cities of India. Being a educational hub roads are well developed and maintained. 

BEST TIME TO VISIT

October to March is the best time to visit Kota. 
• SUMMER: Temperature ranging from 35°c to 40°c ( hot, dry and long) 
• RAIN: Temperature ranging from 25°c to 32°c ( Moderate rainfall) 
• WINTERS- Temperature ranging from 10° to 20°c ( Pleasant and tourist friendly)