| Kota:
In & Around
There
is plenty to explore in and around the offbeat yet fascinating
city of Kota. The City Palace and Fort is one of
the largest such complexes in Rajasthan. The treasury,
courts, arsenal and offices were all located here. Most
of the complex is open to the public.
Rao
Madho Singh Museum : Housed in the historic Kota Fort,
the museum contains fine wall paintings, a miniature painting
gallery, royal regalia, arms and armoury, and lots more.
Undoubtedly, one of the best in Rajasthan.
Royal
Cenotaphs: These are present right in the centre of
the city and have beautiful stonework and intricate carvings.
Bundi:
There is something medieval about Bundi which captivates
the visitor with its magnificent fort, lovely stepwells,
and quaint narrow streets. The massive 14th
century Taragarh Fort and the huge palace (with famous
Bundi murals) are not to be missed. Bundi lies only 38
km from Kota.
Darrah
Wildlife Sanctuary. You can find panthers, wildboars,
leopards and antelopes in this area. The National Chambal
Wildlife Sanctuary, 50 km from Kota, is best known
for gharials, the thin-snouted Indian crocodile.
The very rarely seen caracal can be found here.
Forty
five kilometres away from Kota, Sorsan grasslands
flank the main canal of Chambal. The grasslands teem with
insects during the monsoon months and attract a great
variety of resident and migratory birds. The rare Great
Indian Bustard can be spotted here.
Kethun:
This is the weavers' village where the world famous kota
doria saris are woven. Distance: 15 km
Bardoli
Temples : Fine architecture and sculptures of 8th
to 9th century can be seen in this cluster
of temples. Distance: 56 km
Jhalawar
area: This opium-producing centre holds a few things of
tourist interest. The majestic Gagraon Fort, the walled
town of Jhalrapatan, and the 7th century Chandrabhaga
temples beckon the tourists. Distance: 80 km
The
Alnia Rock Shelters: 14 kilometres away from Kota,
and along the banks of the Alnia river, these picturesquely
located shelters house prehistoric paintings.
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