When we think of Rajasthan, it’s mostly Jaipur, Udaipur, Jaisalmer, or Jodhpur that come to a traveler’s mind. But recently, I visited equally beautiful place and that’s Kota in Rajasthan. It’s a city on the banks of the Chambal River, and it truly surprised me in every way. Kota isn’t crowded, and I did not find any hustle in the city. It’s a blend of heritage, nature, and quiet charm.
I visited a few days ago during the monsoon in August 2025, and the city was covered in dark clouds, pained in shades of green, with the Chambal river flowing fuller than usual. Here’s my experience of exploring Kota and I truly believe it deserves a place on every Rajasthan traveler’s list.
The Chambal Riverfront — Everything You Should Know
This was the first place I visited in Kota, Rajasthan and the moment i entered through the gate, i was impressed by the infrastructure, parking space, entry points and the behavior of the staff. Everything was well-organized and it felt really good to be there. The river has two sides : East and West.
Entry Fee/Charges
- Entry is ₹200 per person.
- Students get flat ₹100 discount, with valid ID required
- The shuttle service costs ₹100 per person and takes you from one point to another within the riverfront.
Timings
The riverfront is open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, with entry allowed until 8:00 PM.
Shuttle Rides
- To avoid walking long stretches, visitors can ride an E-vehicle (golf cart)
Parking Charges
Parking is available at ₹50 for the first 4 hours, and ₹10 for each additional hour thereafter.
Seven Wonders Park
This park showcases replicas of he Seven Wonders of the World. From the Eiffel Tower to the Taj Mahal, everything is here, beautifully scaled down. At sunset, with the Chambal waters reflecting the lit-up monuments. It’s one of the must-visit spots in Kota and also offers a peaceful boating experience alongside the scenic views.
- The shared boat ride costs ₹150 per person for a 30-minute experience on the river.
Other Places to Visit in Kota, Rajasthan(2025)
- City Palace Garh, Kota – A historical fort and museum showcasing royal artifacts, weapons, and Rajasthani heritage.
- Garadia Mahadev Temple – A breathtaking viewpoint offering panoramic views of the Chambal River gorge — often called the “Grand Canyon of India.”
- Kishore Sagar Lake – Ideal for evening strolls and boating, with peaceful surroundings and views of the palace.
- Abheda Biological Park – A historical palace with a nearby zoo, ideal for family outings.
Weather in Kota, Rajasthan
The best time to visit Kota is during the winter and monsoon months, when the weather is pleasant and the natural beauty of the region is at its peak.
- Avoid Summer as temperatures often soar above 40°C, making it uncomfortable for outdoor exploration.
How to Reach Kota (2025)
- Train – Kota Junction is a major railway station has an excellent connectivity. It is well connected to all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur, and Udaipur.
- Road – Kota is well connected by road via National Highways. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles can easily reach Kota from Jaipur (about 250 km), Delhi (about 550 km), and other nearby cities.
- Air – Kota doesn’t have a commercial airport yet. The nearest airports are Jaipur (245 km), Udaipur (285 km), and Kishangarh (200 km). Taxis and buses are available from all three.
Where to Stay in Kota
You can easily find a good hotel for ₹1500–₹2000 in the city. Make sure to check reviews and ratings on Maps before booking any hotel.
Food You Must Try in Kota
Before this trip, I heard that Kota is famous for its popular Kachori shops and i visited 2-3 of them, each shop had a delicious and a different taste. You should also try Kachori when you visit Kota.
- Mirchi Bada – Perfect for monsoon evenings.
- Dal Bati Churma – The ultimate Rajasthani meal, served with generous portions of ghee.
Kota surprised me and, I realized that it’s one of Rajasthan’s most underrated destinations. I’m glad I made the decision to visit Kota, Rajasthan during the Monsoon. The roads were good, the city wasn’t crowded at all and, there are many to explore as a tourist. A big thumbs up to this place.
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