About Kota
Overview
Best Time to Visit Kota
Plan your trip around the right season
Why visit
Comfortable days for Chambal Garden, the riverfront, the City Palace and a day trip to Bundi. The Dussehra Mela in October is Kota's biggest event, with a long fair and the burning of very tall Ravan effigies.
Keep in mind
Dussehra and winter weekends fill hotels near the riverfront.
Why visit
Hotel rates are lower outside the coaching admission rush.
Keep in mind
Kota is one of the hottest cities in Rajasthan, often above 45°C in May and June.
Why visit
The Chambal runs full and the gorges and waterfalls around Kota and Bundi are at their best.
Keep in mind
Heavy rain spells, and when the barrage gates open some riverside areas are closed.
Why visit
Comfortable days for Chambal Garden, the riverfront, the City Palace and a day trip to Bundi. The Dussehra Mela in October is Kota's biggest event, with a long fair and the burning of very tall Ravan effigies.
Keep in mind
Dussehra and winter weekends fill hotels near the riverfront.
Why visit
Hotel rates are lower outside the coaching admission rush.
Keep in mind
Kota is one of the hottest cities in Rajasthan, often above 45°C in May and June.
Why visit
The Chambal runs full and the gorges and waterfalls around Kota and Bundi are at their best.
Keep in mind
Heavy rain spells, and when the barrage gates open some riverside areas are closed.
How to Reach Kota
Intercity connectivity and travel options
Kota Jn is on the main Delhi to Mumbai line, with fast trains to Delhi in about 5 to 6 hours and good links to Jaipur and Mumbai. Kota's small airport has no scheduled flights, and a new airport at Shambhupura is still under construction, so the nearest airport is Jaipur, about 250 km or 4 to 5 hours by road. The Jaipur to Kota highway runs via Tonk and Bundi.
Getting Around Kota
Local transport and practical tips
Local transport
Autos, e-rickshaws and app cabs are easy to find. Hire a car for Bundi, the Garadia Mahadev viewpoint and Badoli temples.
Best Areas to Stay in Kota
Pick the right neighbourhood for your trip
Civil Lines and Nayapura
Heritage staysHeritage hotels such as Umed Bhawan Palace and Brijraj Bhawan Palace, in quiet grounds away from the traffic.
Chambal riverfront and Kota Barrage area
First-time visitorsPlenty of mid-range hotels close to Chambal Garden and the river front.
Station Road and Gumanpura
Train travellers and short staysBudget and business hotels near the railway station and the main markets, handy for early trains.