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17 Things To Know Before Travelling to Kota, Rajasthan, India
1. Destination Overview of Kota:
Kota is a beautiful city located in the southeast of Rajasthan, India. It is known for its beautiful palaces, temples and scenic lakes. It is also home to the world-famous Kota stone, an architectural marvel.
2. Top Activities to do in Kota:
• Chambal Garden – A beautiful garden with a variety of plants, flowers and trees.
• Kishore Sagar – A beautiful artificial lake with a temple in the centre.
• Jag Mandir – An architectural marvel with a beautiful garden.
• Kota Fort – A fort that was built in the 16th century by the princely state of Kota.
• Seven Wonders Park – A theme park with seven different attractions.
• Garadia Mahadev Temple – A Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• Kota Zoo – A zoo with a variety of animals and birds.
• Royal Kota Palace – A palace with a museum and a library.
• Brij Raj Bhavan Palace – A palace with a museum and a library.
• Maharao Madho Singh Museum – A museum dedicated to the history of Kota.
• Kota Barrage – A dam built over the Chambal River.
3. Best Places To Stay in Kota:
• Luxury Places: The Chambal Safari Lodge, The Oberoi Udaivilas, The Gateway Hotel
• Mid Range: The Grand Kota, The Kota Inn, The Kota Palace
• Budget Friendly: The Kota Wazir, The Kota Nagri, The Kota Heritage
4. How to Travel to Kota?
Kota is well connected by road, rail and air. The nearest airport is Jaipur International Airport. The nearest railway station is Kota Junction. The city is also well connected by road to major cities in Rajasthan.
5. Must Try Local Food and Drink in Kota:
• Dal Bati Churma – A traditional Rajasthani dish made with wheat flour dumplings, ghee and spices.
• Kachori – A deep-fried snack made with lentil, wheat and spices.
• Pyaaz Kachori – A deep-fried snack made with onion and spices.
• Laal Maas – A spicy and tangy mutton curry.
• Kadhi – A yogurt-based curry made with besan (gram flour).
• Kulfi – A traditional Indian ice cream.
• Ghevar – A sweet dish made with milk and sugar.
• Kair Sangri – A spicy dish made with kair (Indian plum) and sangri (bean).
• June to August – The best time to enjoy the local Mawa Kachori.
6. Best Places to Eat in Kota:
• Ghevar House – Famous for its delicious Ghevar.
• Bhaang Ki Chai – Popular for its signature bhaang ki chai.
• Chokhi Dhani – Famous for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
• Sheesh Mahal – Popular for its delicious kebabs and tandoori dishes.
• Gopal Sweet Home – Popular for its mouth-watering sweets.
• Kota Junction – Famous for its Kota-style food.
• Maa Vaishno Dhaba – Popular for its traditional Rajasthani dishes.
• Chawla Chicken – Famous for its delicious chicken dishes.
• Chokhi Dhani – Famous for its traditional Rajasthani cuisine.
7. Weather and Climate:
Kota has a hot and dry climate. The temperature ranges from 15°C to 45°C in the summer and 5°C to 25°C in the winter. The best time to visit Kota is from October to March. April to June should be avoided as it gets very hot.
8. Local Customs and Etiquette in Kota:
When in Kota, dress modestly and respect local customs. Tipping is generally not expected, but it is appreciated. In restaurants, it is polite to leave a tip of around 10%.
9. Popular Scams in Kota:
• Be wary of strangers offering to show you around the city.
• Be careful when hiring taxis, as drivers may try to charge more than the agreed price.
• Be careful when purchasing souvenirs, as some vendors may try to overcharge.
• Be aware of pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas.
10. Suggested Trip Duration:
A trip to Kota should ideally last for at least 4 to 5 days.
11. Total Estimated Budget Per Person:
• Stay – Rs. 1000 to Rs. 5000 per night
• Food – Rs. 300 to Rs. 1000 per day
• Activities – Rs. 500 to Rs. 3000 per activity
• Tickets – Rs. 100 to Rs. 1000 per ticket
12. NearBy Cities:
• Jaipur – 250 km
• Udaipur – 300 km
• Jodhpur – 400 km
• Ajmer – 250 km
• Mount Abu – 350 km
13. Local Language and Communication in Kota:
The official language of Kota is Hindi. English is widely spoken and understood in the city. English speaking guides are available at most tourist attractions, and they usually charge around Rs. 500-1000 per day.
14. Accepted Currency and Money:
The local currency in Kota is the Indian Rupee (INR). Most businesses accept credit and debit cards, as well as cash. Tipping is not expected, but it is appreciated.
15. Health and Medical Information:
It is recommended to get vaccinated for Typhoid, Polio and Hepatitis A before travelling to Kota. There are several hospitals and medical facilities in the city, and emergency services are available.
16. Packing Tips for Kota:
• Lightweight and comfortable clothing, as the temperatures can get quite hot.
• Comfortable shoes, as the city is quite large and you will be doing a lot of walking.
• Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat, as the sun can be quite strong.
• Mosquito repellent, as there are a lot of mosquitoes in the city.
17. To sum up:
Kota is a beautiful city in Rajasthan, India, renowned for its palaces, temples, and scenic lakes. It is a great destination for those looking for an authentic Indian experience, with plenty of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and delicious local cuisine to enjoy.