Visit Ancient Kota Fort: A Historic Blend Of Rajput And Mughal Architecture

Kota Fort was built in 17th-century showcasing Rajasthan's royal history and design.

The famous historical building Kota Fort, also known as Kotagarh City Palace, is situated in Kota, Rajasthan. This fort, which dates to the 17th century, provides a window into the grandeur of Rajasthan’s former royal era. The fort is renowned for its enormous walls, elaborate Rajput architecture, and lengthy history, standing as a reminder of the city’s heyday. Its magnificent palaces, temples, and museums are open for exploration, making it an intriguing location for both history buffs and cultural adventurers.

Kota Fort Location

Kota Fort offers several attractions and transport links, making them easily accessible.

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Kota Fort, Rajasthan is situated on the eastern bank of the Chambal River. Jodhpur is about 370 kilometers away, Udaipur is around 280 km away, and Jaipur is around 250 km away. Due to Kota’s excellent road and rail connections, both domestic and foreign tourists can easily visit the fort. Because of the fort’s strategic location within the city, it is simple to go to neighboring sites like Kishore Sagar Lake and Chambal Gardens.

Suggested Read: Top Places To Visit Near Kota

How To Reach Kota Fort

The nearest railway station to Kota Fort is Kota Junction, about 4 kilometres away.

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By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport, approximately 250 km away. From there, you can take a taxi or bus to reach the fort.

By Rail: Kota Junction Railway Station is well-connected with major cities in Rajasthan and other parts of India. The station is about 4 km from the fort.

By Road: Kota is well-connected by a network of highways. You can easily reach the fort via buses or self-drive cars from nearby cities like Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.

Places To Visit Near Kota Fort, Rajasthan

Visitors who visit the ancient fort are advised to visit these nearby sites. These nearby tourist attractions add to the fun and enjoyment of the trip.

1. Kishore Sagar Lake

Kishore Sagar Lake offers serene walks, boating, and stunning reflections of lights.

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Kishore Sagar Lake, an artificial lake constructed in 1346, provides serene vistas and is centered around the stunning Jagmandir Palace. The lake is a popular destination for leisure walks, boating, and photography, particularly around sunrise and sunset. The tranquil atmosphere, combined with the spectacular reflections of the palace in the water, make it an essential stop near Kota Fort. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy nature after exploring the fort.

Distance: 4 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Things To Do In Kota For An Amazing Time In Rajasthan

2. Seven Wonders Park

Seven Wonders Park features illuminated miniature replicas, perfect for photography.

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Seven Wonders Park is a unique site that showcases miniature reproductions of the world’s most famous wonders, such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, and the Great Pyramid. Located on the shores of Kishore Sagar Lake, the park is wonderfully illuminated in the evening, making it an ideal location for photography. It’s a wonderful visit for families and travelers searching for a one-of-a-kind Kota experience. The park’s handy location and attractive surroundings make it appealing.

Distance: 3 km from the fort
Timings: 2:30 PM – 10 PM

3. Chambal Garden

Chambal Gardens offers lawns, a zoo to explore, and serene boat rides near Kota Fort.

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Chambal Gardens is a lovely green oasis along the Chambal River that provides a pleasant respite from the city. Visitors can take boat excursions down the river or explore the well-kept lawns and fountains. The garden also features a small zoo, making it an enjoyable destination for families. Its proximity to the fort makes it a great stop for visitors seeking relaxation in nature. It’s an ideal area to relax after a day of sightseeing.

Distance: 3 km from the fort
Timings: 24*7

Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Kota

4. Maharao Madho Singh Museum

Maharao Madho Singh Museum displays royal artefacts and traditional Rajasthani art.

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The Maharao Madho Singh Museum, located within the fort, includes an extensive collection of royal antiquities, including weaponry, manuscripts, and paintings from the Kota school of art. The museum delves deeply into the history of Kota’s royal family and cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the displays’ meticulous workmanship and learn about the fortress’s history. Its accessible placement within the fort makes it an important stop for history buffs.

Distance: 50 m from the fort
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

5. Godavari Dham Temple

Godavari Dham Temple by Chambal River offers serenity and spirituality to visitors.

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The Godavari Dham Temple, located on the banks of the Chambal River, is one of Kota’s most well-known Hanuman temples. The temple draws worshipers all year, but notably on Tuesdays and Saturdays, when special prayers are offered. The temple’s beautiful settings, along with its spiritual significance, make it a relaxing location to visit. Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of the Chambal River, creating an ideal blend of spirituality and natural beauty.

Suggested Read: Popular Temples In Kota

6. Kota Barrage

Wide concrete Kota barrage spanning a river, with water flowing through multiple gates.

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Kota Barrage is one of the major attractions of Kota, built on the Chambal River about 0.8 km upstream from the city. Completed in 1960, it was designed to supply irrigation water to Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The barrage has 19 gates, and during the monsoon the sight of water rushing through them is truly dramatic. Visitors often come here to admire the river views, stroll along the Chambal River Front, or explore nearby sites like the historic Kansua temple.

Distance: 1.4 km from the fort
Timings: 6 AM – 7 PM

7. Gaumukh Waterfall

A tranquil waterfall cascading over rocks, surrounded by lush greenery.

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Gaumukh Waterfall, set close to Garh Palace in the Aravalli Hills, is a favourite spot for travellers and locals in Kota. The natural spring flows gently from the rocks all year round, offering a calm and refreshing sight. During the monsoon, the stream swells and rushes with greater force, creating a stunning view. Many visitors are drawn to this place for its natural charm and the soothing sound of flowing water, making it a must-visit attraction in the region.

Distance: Approximately 24 km from the fort
Timings: 5 AM – 6 PM

Suggested Read: Famous Water Parks In Kota For Adrenaline Pumping Adventure

8. Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary

A brown bear standing on its hind legs, showcasing its powerful physique.

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Jawahar Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, declared in 1975, lies along the Chambal River and covers nearly 195 square kilometres across Kota, Bundi, and Chittorgarh districts. The landscape is rugged, with ravines, dry forests, bamboo patches, and riverine stretches. You may spot leopards, sloth bears, sambar, and gharials basking on sandy banks. Birdwatchers will find it especially rewarding, as many migratory species visit in winter. Located about 50 km from Kota, the sanctuary is best explored between September and June.

Distance: Approximately 50 km from the fort
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

9. Mukundara Hills National Park / Darrah National Park

A deep gorge carved by the Chambal River, surrounded by rugged hills and sparse vegetation.

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Mukundara Hills National Park, also known as Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve, is one of Rajasthan’s newer yet important wildlife destinations. Spread across Kota, Bundi, Chittorgarh and Jhalawar districts, it was declared a tiger reserve in 2013 and covers nearly 760 square kilometres. The park’s landscape blends dry deciduous forests, grasslands, rocky ridges and flowing rivers such as the Chambal and Kali. Visitors may spot deer, leopards, sloth bears and many bird species, making it an inviting place for nature lovers.

Distance: Approximately 52 km from the fort
Timings: 10 AM – 5 PM

Suggested Read: An Essential Guide To Kota Biological Park In Rajasthan

10. Garadia Mahadev Temple

An image of a mahadev temple with intricate carvings, surrounded by lush forest.

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Garadia Mahadev Temple, about 25 – 30 km from Kota, is a peaceful shrine to Lord Shiva, set on a cliff overlooking the Chambal River. The spot is known for its breathtaking views of steep gorges, rocky formations and the river’s striking horseshoe bend. Travellers usually reach by taking NH-27 and then a small path leading to the temple. Though the shrine is simple, its charm lies in the natural surroundings, making it a calm and scenic stop for visitors to Rajasthan.

Distance: Approximately 23 km from the fort
Timings: 7 AM – 5:30 PM

Where To Stay

Diverse accommodation options in the city cater to all types of visitor preferences.

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There are many excellent lodgings around Kota Fort. WelcomHeritage Umaid Bhawan Palace provides magnificent accommodation in a heritage property about 7 kilometres from the fort. Hotel Surya Plaza, located around 3 km from the fort, is an economical choice with comfortable amenities. Hotel Lilac, located 8 kilometres from the fort, offers modern rooms and close connectivity to all major Kota tourist attractions. So visitors get to choose all types of lodging depending on their budget and personal preferences.

Suggested Read: Kota Museums

Where To Eat

Diverse cuisines near Kota Fort available including Rajasthani thali and casual dining.

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A wide range of regional and global cuisines are available to visitors close to the fort. Many restaurants near the fort offer traditional Rajasthani thali in a royal setting. Approximately 5 kilometers distant, The Hangout Cafe provides casual dining, coffee, and snacks. Maheshwari Restaurant is a terrific venue for families and couples to enjoy nice meals. It is located only 2 km from the fort and specializes in traditional North Indian and Rajasthani food.

Best Time To Visit

The best time to visit Kota Fort, Rajasthan is during the winter season for comfort.

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Between October and March, when the weather is nice and perfect for touring the fort and other sights, is the best time to visit the fort. The pleasant temperatures of 10°C to 25°C throughout these months are ideal for sightseeing. Kota’s summers may be very hot, with highs reaching 40°C, making outdoor activities difficult. While the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September, offers some respite, heavy rains can often make outdoor preparations difficult.

Suggested Read: Shopping Malls In Kota

Other Things To Consider

Visitors must plan their visit to the fort in Rajasthan, according to its timings.

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  • Kota Fort Timings: The fort is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM.
  • Entry Fee: There is a nominal entry fee of ₹20 for Indian visitors and ₹100 for foreign tourists.
  • Photography: Photography is allowed inside the fort, but some areas may require additional charges for professional cameras. Make sure to enquire about Kota fort pictures related rules before visiting.
  • Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear, as exploring the fort involves walking and climbing stairs.
  • Guides: Hire local guides for a better understanding of the fort’s history.

Kota Fort is a must-see location for anybody visiting Rajasthan since it is a veritable gold mine of history, architecture, and culture. The fort stood tall as a city palace during the monarchical era and now stands as a reminder of their greatness. The picturesque Chambal River and the neighboring attractions make for an amazing trip. Plan your vacation with TripXL right now to take a tour through Kota’s regal past.

Cover Photo: saiko3p / Shutterstock

Frequently Asked Questions

It typically takes around 2 to 3 hours to explore the entire fort and its museum.
No, there are no food stalls inside the fort, but there are several eateries nearby.
The fort closes by 5 PM, so visitors must plan their visit to this historic site accordingly.
Unfortunately, the fort has many stairs and uneven paths, making it difficult for wheelchair access.
No, pets are not allowed inside the fort premises, and you must be aware of any guidelines related to the same.
Kota Fort is famous for its grand Rajput architecture, intricately designed gateways, and historical palaces. It reflects the royal heritage of Rajasthan and offers a glimpse into the city’s glorious past.
The ticket price of City Palace Kota is ₹50 for Indian adults and ₹200 for foreign tourists. Entry for children below 15 years is usually free.
Kota Fort, built in the 17th century, was a strategic defence stronghold of the Kota rulers. It offers a glimpse into the region’s royal past.
Chetana Mishra

Chetana Mishra

A writer by passion and a travel enthusiast, Chetana Mishra has a knack for transforming travel stories into unforgettable experiences. Driven by wanderlust, a 9-to-5 couldn’t contain her curiosity about the world. She enjoys bringing unknown landscapes to life through words and turning readers into curious explorers. Accompany her in her journey and follow for travel tips, destination insights and ideas to plan memorable escapes.

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