Kota is Rajasthan’s third-bustling city that lies on the banks of the Chambal River, Rajasthan’s only eternal river. Locals and visitors visit the banks of the river for crocodiles and boat riding and birds watching. Kota is renowned for its flourishing IIT-JEE and medical preparation coaching community, and over four Lakh’s students visit and live in the town every year. Very few cities have such student flows each year, which acquired various names in the world, such as Education City of India and the India Coaching Capital. It is also the second liveliest city in Rajasthan after Jaipur; it has multiple electricity plants in the city. It has become an industrial hub. The robust and dark green Kota Stone also comes from the town and is traded across the country for the construction of all types of projects.
How to reach Kota
By Air: Sanganeer airport in Jaipur is the closest airport to Kota. The airport is linked to and from all Indian cities by major domestic airlines.
By Road: Kota has an excellent road network that makes the journey comfortable and fun. Both buses have round-trip service to and from Kota from Rajasthan. Delhi also offers direct bus services to Kota. A private vehicle can also be hired on the road to Kota.
By Rail: Kota Railway Junction serves as Rajasthan important railway junction. It goes on Mumbai-Delhi and it is planned to interrupt all major trains from various parts of the country. In the vicinity of Kota, there are, otherwise, four railway stations.
Best time to visit Kota
October to March is the best time to visit Kota. Kota has a semi-arid climate with year-round high temperatures. Long, hot and dry summers are accessible from the end of March until the end of June. In October the mousses are declining and the temperatures are increasing again. The short, mild winter begins at the end of November and ends in February.
Famous places to visit in Kota
1. Baroli: The Divinely Serene
One of the top places to visit near Kota is a place surrounded by forests with lots of greenery, in the embrace of scenic hills. You will know what an exciting and cooling experience you want two seconds into this valley. There are also old Shiva temples which are among such elegance, flourished by adorers for hundreds of years. These temples are the remnants of ancient shrines, which were founded in the 10th century.
Distance from Kota: 45 km from the city
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Accessibility & Audience: Family Friendly, Group Tours
2. Jhalawar: The Magnificent Heritage
For Indian travelers and tourism, this popular town is religiously and historically important. It is located about 82 km from Kota and is one of the best places to visit near Kota. It also houses magnificent fortresses, shrines, and popular theatre. For its magnificent paintings, the fort Jhalawar is the most popular destination. The Gagron fort, founded in the 7th century and characterized by one of the oldest forts, is yet another power of similar significance. What draws tourists to this fort is its resting position on the lap of the woods and cascades.
Distance from Kota: 82 km from the city
Timings: Morning till evening
Accessibility & Audience: Family-friendly, Group Tours
3. Tonk: The Legendary City
It is also known as the ‘Lucknow of Rajasthan’ or as the poet Akhtar, once named it the ‘Sheeran ki Nagri,’ which is anecdotal of the wonders and glory of the old age on the banks of the river Banas. It has several historical and cultural landmarks, sites demonstrating its Nawwabi origins, making it a popular place to visit near Kota.
Distance from Kota: 143 km from the city
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Accessibility & Audience: Family-friendly, Group Tours
4. Ranthambore: Home to Wilderness
It is also called ‘Ran’ and ‘Tambor,’ this delightful destination is well-known for its National Park and tiger reserves and is among the top locations close to Kota. The flora and fauna are protected in their natural environments by local efforts. The reserve offers an exciting safari, where leopards, rare streaked hyänes, and other wild animals can be seen. If not for wildlife, you can take a meditative visit to its pictorial lakes such as Padam Talao, Malik Talao, and Surwal Lake.
Distance from Kota: 150 km from the city
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM
Accessibility & Audience: Family-friendly, Group Tours
5. Chittorgarh: Where a Glorious Past Awaits
It is located about 168 km from Kota and has a historically significant location. It is also mentioned in the Mahabharata so that it shows its cultural significance as regards both ancient and contemporary history. It is one of the most beautiful places to visit near Kota. This city is renowned for its fortress, as its walls were considered impenetrable by armies. Situated on a hill 180 m high, Chittorgarh Fort is situated. The Fateh Palace is within the fortification, with an artistic fountain and a sanctuary. The town has also an archaeological museum, showing wondrous artifacts from the cultural and historic periods. You can also visit the nearby city of Mental, the ‘Mini Khajuraho,’ for its natural beauty, for a dose of nature. In and around Chittorgarh, along with several Buddhist temples, are also many temple shrines, shrines, and dargahs.
Distance from Kota: 168 km from the city
Timings: Morning till evening
Accessibility & Audience: Family-friendly, Group Tours