If you are looking for a peaceful and picturesque destination in Rajasthan, then Kota Barrage is a perfect choice for you. Kota Barrage is a dam over the Chambal river that was built in 1960 to provide irrigation, power generation, and flood control. It is also a popular tourist attraction that offers scenic views of the water and the surrounding greenery.
You can enjoy boating, river safari, temple hopping, shopping, and more near Kota Barrage. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Kota Barrage, including its history, purpose, best time to visit, attractions, activities, how to reach, and where to stay.
History and Purpose of Kota Barrage
Kota Barrage is one of the four dams that were built on the Chambal river under the Chambal Valley Project. The project was initiated in 1953 by the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to harness the potential of the river for irrigation, power generation, and flood control. Kota Barrage was the last dam to be completed in 1960, after Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, and Jawahar Sagar Dam. Kota Barrage has 19 gates and a total length of 114.30 meters. It has a catchment area of 27,332 square kilometers and a live storage capacity of 99.96 million cubic meters. Kota Barrage generates 8 megawatts of hydroelectric power and irrigates 2,29,000 hectares of land in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh.
Kota Barrage is not only a functional dam, but also a historic and cultural landmark. It is located near the city of Kota, which was once the capital of the Hadoti region. Kota is known for its rich history, culture, and heritage, as it boasts of several forts, palaces, museums, and temples that reflect the glory of the past. Kota Barrage is also a witness to the modern development and progress of the city, as it provides water and electricity to the industries and residents of Kota.
Best Time to Visit Kota Barrage
The best time to visit Kota Barrage is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and the water level is high. You can enjoy the cool breeze and the soothing sound of the water as you admire the beauty of the dam and the river. You can also witness the spectacular sight of the water gushing out of the gates when they are opened to release the excess water. The best time to see this phenomenon is in the evening, when the lights add to the charm of the scene.
Another good time to visit Kota Barrage is during the festivals and events that take place near the dam. One of the most popular festivals is the Dussehra festival, which is celebrated in October. It is one of the biggest and oldest Dussehra celebrations in India, where huge effigies of Ravana and his brothers are burnt to mark the victory of good over evil. You can also enjoy cultural programs, exhibitions, and fairs during the festival.
Another event that attracts many visitors is the Kota Adventure Festival, which is held in November. It is a unique festival that offers various adventure and experiential activities, such as parasailing, hot air ballooning, water zorbing, rock climbing, and more. You can also participate in competitions, workshops, and seminars related to adventure sports and tourism.
Attractions and Activities near Kota Barrage
There are many attractions and activities near Kota Barrage that you can explore and enjoy. Some of the most popular ones are:
Kishore Sagar Lake:
This is an artificial lake that was built in 1346 by the Bundi prince Dehra Deh. It is located near the Kota Barrage and offers a stunning view of the Jagmandir Palace, which is a red sandstone palace that was built in 1740 by Maharao Madho Singh. You can take a boat ride on the lake and admire the reflection of the palace on the water. You can also visit the Keshar Bagh, which is a garden that houses the royal cenotaphs of the Kota rulers.
Seven Wonders Park:
This is a theme park that showcases the replicas of the seven wonders of the world, such as the Taj Mahal, the Eiffel Tower, the Statue of Liberty, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Christ the Redeemer, the Colosseum, and the Pyramids of Giza. You can take a walk around the park and marvel at the miniature models of these iconic monuments. You can also enjoy the musical fountain and the laser show that are held in the evening.
Chambal Garden:
This is a beautiful garden that is located on the banks of the Chambal river. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind amidst the lush greenery and the colorful flowers. You can also enjoy a river safari on the Chambal river, where you can spot various wildlife species, such as crocodiles, gharials, turtles, otters, dolphins, and birds. You can also visit the Bhainsrodgarh Wildlife Sanctuary, which is a nearby forest reserve that is home to many animals, such as leopards, deer, wild boars, and monkeys.
Garh Palace:
This is a magnificent palace that was built by the Kota rulers from the 13th to the 19th century. It is also known as the City Palace, as it is located in the heart of the city. It is a complex of several buildings, courtyards, and halls that showcase the architectural and artistic excellence of the past. You can visit the Rao Madho Singh Museum, which is housed in the palace and displays a collection of paintings, weapons, armors, sculptures, and artifacts that belong to the Kota royal family. You can also see the Durbar Hall, which is a grand hall where the kings used to hold their ceremonies and meetings.
Maharao Madho Singh Museum:
This is a museum that was established in 1978 by the Maharaja Brijraj Singh of Kota. It is located in the old palace of the Kota rulers, which was built in 1699 by Maharao Madho Singh. The museum exhibits a variety of items, such as paintings, manuscripts, coins, costumes, jewelry, and furniture that reflect the culture and history of Kota. You can also see the rare collection of miniature paintings that depict the scenes from the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, the Ragamala, and the Rasikapriya.
There are many other places to visit near Kota Barrage, such as the Kota Zoological Park, the Godavari Dham Temple, the Khade Ganesh Ji Temple, the Kota Government Museum, the Hathi Pol Bazaar, and the Kota Thermal Power Plant.
How to Reach Kota Barrage
Kota Barrage is easily accessible from different locations by various modes of transportation. Here are some of the ways to reach Kota Barrage:
By Air:
The nearest airport to Kota Barrage is the Jaipur International Airport, which is about 250 kilometers away. You can take a flight to Jaipur from any major city in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. From Jaipur, you can take a bus, a taxi, or a train to Kota.
By Rail:
The nearest railway station to Kota Barrage is the Kota Junction Railway Station, which is about 6 kilometers away. You can take a train to Kota from any major city in India, such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata, and Hyderabad. From Kota, you can take a bus, a taxi, or an auto-rickshaw to Kota Barrage.
By Road:
Kota Barrage is well-connected by road to various cities and towns in Rajasthan and neighboring states. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a self-drive car to Kota Barrage from any nearby location, such as Jaipur, Udaipur, Jodhpur, Bikaner, Ajmer, Indore, and Bhopal.
Some of the tips and precautions to follow while travelling to Kota Barrage are:
1. Carry a valid identity proof and a copy of your travel itinerary.
2. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes, and carry a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Carry enough water and snacks, and avoid drinking tap water or eating street food.
4. Respect the local culture and customs, and avoid littering or damaging the property.
5. Follow the safety rules and regulations of the dam and the river, and do not venture into restricted areas or swim in the water.
Where to Stay near Kota Barrage
There are many options for accommodation near Kota Barrage, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the best hotels and resorts near Kota Barrage are:
WelcomHeritage Umed Bhawan Palace:
This is a heritage hotel that was built in 1905 by Maharaja Umed Singh II of Kota. It is located about 4 kilometers from Kota Barrage and offers a royal and luxurious stay. It has 32 rooms and suites that are elegantly furnished and equipped with modern amenities. It also has a restaurant, a bar, a swimming pool, a spa, a gym, and a banquet hall. The hotel is surrounded by lush gardens and fountains, and has a museum that displays the artifacts and paintings of the Kota royal family. The hotel also organizes cultural shows, puppet shows, and folk dances for the guests. The tariff for the hotel ranges from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 15,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Hotel Lilac:
This is a boutique hotel that was established in 2016 by a group of hospitality professionals. It is located about 5 kilometers from Kota Barrage and offers a comfortable and cozy stay. It has 48 rooms that are tastefully decorated and equipped with modern amenities. It also has a restaurant, a cafe, a lounge, a conference hall, and a terrace garden. The hotel is known for its friendly and courteous staff, and its delicious and hygienic food. The hotel also provides complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking for the guests. The tariff for the hotel ranges from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 4,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
Palkiya Haveli:
This is a heritage haveli that was built in the 18th century by Thakur Deo Singh Ji of Palkiya. It is located about 7 kilometers from Kota Barrage and offers a traditional and authentic stay. It has 8 rooms that are spacious and furnished with antique furniture and artifacts. It also has a courtyard, a veranda, a dining hall, and a library. The haveli is adorned with frescoes, paintings, and murals that depict the history and culture of Kota. The haveli also offers a glimpse of the rural life of Rajasthan, as it is situated in a village that has farms, wells, and temples. The haveli also arranges for camel rides, village walks, and cultural programs for the guests. The tariff for the haveli ranges from Rs. 3,000 to Rs. 5,000 per night, depending on the season and the room type.
There are many other options for accommodation near Kota Barrage, such as the Hotel Surya Royal, the Hotel The Grand Chandiram, the Hotel The Leisure Inn, and the Hotel The Geeta.
Kota Barrage is a scenic and historic dam on the Chambal river that is worth visiting for its beauty and significance. It is also a great base to explore the city of Kota and its attractions, such as the Kishore Sagar Lake, the Seven Wonders Park, the Chambal Garden, the Garh Palace, and the Maharao Madho Singh Museum. You can also enjoy various activities near Kota Barrage, such as boating, river safari, temple hopping, shopping, and more. You can also experience the culture and heritage of Kota during the festivals and events, such as the Dussehra festival and the Kota Adventure Festival.
You can also find a range of accommodation near Kota Barrage, from heritage to boutique to budget hotels and resorts.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Kota Barrage today and enjoy a memorable and relaxing vacation. Visit our website to find the best travel packages and deals for Kota Barrage and other destinations in Rajasthan.
