17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Kota, Rajasthan, 324010
1. Destination Overview Of Kota:
Kota is a city in the southeast of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its majestic forts and classical temples and is known for its educational institutes. It is also known for its local delicacies and ancient culture.
2. Top Activities to do in Kota:
• Chambal Garden: This is a beautiful garden located near the Chambal River, it is known for its beautiful views and picnic areas.
• Kishore Sagar Lake: This is a man-made lake located in the heart of the city, it is a popular picnic spot for the locals.
• Jag Mandir: This is an ancient palace located on the banks of the Chambal River, it is known for its beautiful architecture and royal gardens.
• Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: This is a wildlife sanctuary located in the outskirts of the city, it is known for its variety of wildlife and birds.
• Seven Wonders Park: This is an amusement park located in the outskirts of the city, it is known for its thrilling rides and games.
• Garadia Mahadev Temple: This is a temple located on the banks of the Chambal River, it is known for its ancient architecture and serene atmosphere.
3. Best Places To Stay in Kota:
• Luxury Places: Kota Marriott Hotel, Hotel Swaraj Palace, Hotel Radhe Palace
• Mid Range: Hotel Chitra Residency, Hotel Shree Ram Palace,
• Budget Friendly: Hotel Aangan, Hotel Saatvik, Hotel Sagar
4. How to Travel to Kota?:
Kota has a railway station and an airport which connects it to other parts of India. It is well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Jaipur and Bangalore. The nearest airport is the Jaipur International Airport which is about 210 km away.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Kota:
• Mirchi Bada: These are deep-fried snacks made with chilli peppers, gram flour and spices.
• Kachori: These are deep-fried snacks made with lentils and spices.
• Daal Baati Churma: This is a traditional Rajasthani dish made with lentils, wheat balls and jaggery.
• Ghevar: This is a sweet dish made with milk, sugar, saffron and cardamom.
• Rajasthani Gatte: These are spicy gram flour dumplings cooked in a spicy yogurt gravy.
• Papad ki Sabzi: This is a dish made with papad and vegetables cooked in a spicy gravy.
• Gulab Jamun: This is a sweet dish made with milk, sugar and cardamom.
• Makke ki Roti: This is a flatbread made with corn flour, spices and ghee.
• Besan Ka Halwa: This is a sweet dish made with gram flour, ghee and spices.
• Sweet Kadhi: This is a sweet yogurt dish made with yogurt, sugar and spices.
6. Best Places to Eat in Kota:
• Kota Haveli: This is a popular restaurant known for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
• Chokhi Dhani: This is a popular restaurant known for its traditional Rajasthani thali.
• Chawla’s: This is a popular restaurant known for its North Indian and Chinese cuisine.
• Utsav Restaurant: This is a popular restaurant known for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
• Rajasthali: This is a popular restaurant known for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
7. Weather and Climate:
Kota has hot summers and cool winters. The temperature ranges from 10- 40 degree celsius. The best time to visit Kota is between October and March. It is advisable to avoid travelling to Kota during the summer months as the temperature can get unbearably hot.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Kota:
• It is customary to remove shoes before entering a temple or a place of worship.
• It is advisable to dress modestly when visiting temples and other places of worship.
• It is advisable to seek permission before clicking pictures of locals or their property.
• It is advisable to be polite and courteous when interacting with the locals.
• It is advisable to respect the local culture and traditions.
9. Popular Scams in Kota:
• Pickpocketing: Pickpocketing is a common occurrence in crowded areas. Be careful of your belongings when travelling in crowded areas.
• Fake Products: Be wary of vendors selling fake products at inflated prices.
• Fake Cabs: Always ensure that you book a cab from a reliable source.
• Overcharging: Be aware of taxi drivers and shopkeepers who may overcharge you.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
A minimum of 3 days is suggested for a first time traveler to Kota.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
Stay: INR 1000-3000 per night
Food: INR 300-500 per day
Activities: INR 200-500 per activity
Tickets: INR 500-2000 per ticket
12. Nearby Cities:
• Bundi: 46 km
• Jaipur: 210 km
• Udaipur: 286 km
• Ajmer: 315 km
• Bikaner: 358 km
13. Local Language and Communication in Kota:
The official language spoken in Kota is Hindi. English is also widely spoken in tourist areas. English speaking guides are available at most tourist attractions and they usually charge around INR 500 per day.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The Indian Rupee is the accepted currency in Kota. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most restaurants and shops. Tipping is not common in Kota but it is appreciated.
15. Health and Medical Information:
It is advisable to carry basic medications such as painkillers and anti-allergy medications while travelling to Kota. Medical facilities in Kota are basic and it is advisable to carry your own medical insurance.
16. Packing Tips for Kota:
• Comfortable clothing such as cotton t-shirts and trousers.
• Lightweight jackets for cooler evenings.
• A pair of comfortable shoes.
• A hat and sunglasses for protection from the sun.
• Sunscreen and mosquito repellent.
• An umbrella or raincoat.
17. To Sum Up:
Kota is a city in Rajasthan, India, known for its majestic forts, classical temples, delicious local cuisine and ancient culture. It is a great destination for travellers looking to explore and experience the vibrant culture of Rajasthan.