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Umed Bhawan Palace, Kota
Since the olden days, the Maharaos of Kotah (as Kota was formerly called) had always lived in the medieval Fort inside the city. Wanting a modern palace for his personal use, Maharaja Umed Singh II commissioned Sir Swinton Jacob, a distinguished officer of the Royal Engineers in the British Army, to design the building. As expected, Umed Bhawan came up in 1905 in the prevalent Indo-Sarcenic style.
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Getting There
Air : Nearest airport is Jaipur (242 km)
Rail : Daily overnight train from Delhi
Road : Via Jaipur; Delhi-Kota (503 km)
Some important road distances.
Delhi 503 KMS
Jaipur 242 KMS
Jodhpur 404 KMS
Udaipur 321 KMS
International Airport: New Delhi- 503 Kms
Domestic Airport: Jaipur- 242 Kms
Railway Station:Kota- 6 Kms
Bus Depot:Kota
City Center:Kota
Things to do
Kota :
The city is located on the east bank of the Chambal River, Rajasthan's only perennial river. While some associate the place with Kota Doria Saris, others link it with the Kota School of miniature paintings. Made of cotton or silk, and often with delicate golden thread designs, the saris are woven in the nearby village of Kethun. The Kota paintings are often a vivid and detailed portrayal of hunting expeditions that were launched in the once thickly wooded forests around the place.
Kota : In & Around
The City Palace and Fort : One of the largest complexes in Rajasthan. The treasury, courts, arsenal and offices were all located here. Most of the complex is open to the public.
Wildlife : In Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary one 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 team 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 too.
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.
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.
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 Ahlniya Rock Shelters: 14 kilometres away from Kota, and along the banks of the Ahlniya river, these picturesquely located shelters house prehistoric paintings.
Eating
Indian, Chinese and Continental cuisines are served. There is also a bar.
Facilities
Room Service
Conference Facilities
Laundry
Doctor on call
Cycling/Jogging Track
Croquet
TV lounge & bar
Telephones with direct dialling facilities
Running hot and cold water
Credit cards and money exchange
Jogging trail
Badminton court
Carom and chess
Banquet facilities
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