Kota

Kota, is situated on the banks of river Chambal. It is believed that Kota gets its name from Koteya - the Bhil chieftain. Jait Singh of Bundi defeated the Bhil chieftain Koteya, and laid the foundation of an imposing fort on his severed head. The independent state of Kota was formed in 1631, when Rao Madho Singh was nominated the ruler by Shah Jahan. The Maharao Madho Singh Museum, inside the old palace has a rich collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school, exquisite sculptures, frescoes, and a good collection of weaponary.

Garh (Palace Fort), the impressive fort stands like a sentinel over the present day Chambal Valley Project. This large complex, also called as City Palace, dates back to a time when Kota was a part of the Hada Rajput kingdom. The DurbarHall bears marvellous mirror work, ebony and ivory inlaid doors, and houses an impressive collection of Rajput miniature paintings of the Kota school.

Chambal Garden, a beautiful picnic spot at Amar Niwas, in the lush green surroundings. While absorbing the ambience of the place one can enjoy a boat ride.

The Government Museum, at Brijvilas Palace near Kishor Sagar lake, houses a rare collection of coins, manuscripts, and a representative collection of Hadoti sculpture.

Jag Mandir, is an aesthetic monument built in the middle of Kishor Sagar Lake. Boating facility is an added attraction. Near the lake is Keshar Bagh, famous for its royal cenotaphs.

Bundi

The beautiful Bundi is a dream remembered - named after Bunda, a Meena chieftain. Bundi nestles along a narrow gorge in the hills and is enclosed by walled fortifications. Perched on the hill, above the town are the fascinating Hada palaces, with tier upon tier of terraces, overhanging balconies and battlement walls, presenting a striking view. Bundi is Rudyard Kipling's land and the first destination in Hadoti if one were to travel by road from Jaipur.

Chhattra Mahal or Palace of Towers, built in 1660, by Rao Raja Chattar Sal. The monument is approached through a steep, paved carriage way The Hazari Pol or Gate of Thousand, Naubat Khana, the Hathi Pol with its curious old water clock and Diwan-e-Am are some places of interest.

Taragarh Fort (The star fort) the majestic white fort crowning the wooded hill, is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. The huge water reservoirs inside the fort are noteworthy.

The Palace, below Taragarh was begun by Maharao Balwant Singh. It is the finest monument of pure Rajput architecture, with intricately carved brackets, balconies, pillars, and sculpted elephants.

Chitra Shala, a beautiful pavilion inside the palace decorated with miniature paintings and murals of the Bundi school. The colour scheme of these paintings is strikingly beautiful.

Phool Sagar Palace, houses rich collection of murals done by Italian prisoners of war held over here.

Sukh Mahal, where the great writer Rudyard Kipling stayed and is believed to have found inspiration for his famous work 'Kim' Sar Bag, has 66 richly carved royal cenotaphs.

Jhalawar

On the edge of Malwa plateau, the 'Land of Jhalas', was created by British in 1838, by separating it from Kota state. The entire region is the treasure house of pre-historic cave paintings, forts, forests and wildlife. Red poppy fields add their own colour in winters to the countryside.

Jhalawar Fort (Garh Palace), in the centre of town, has exquisite paintings on the walls and mirror in the Zanana Khas, is a treat to see. The fort now houses Collectorate and other district offices.

Government Museum, one of the oldest in the state houses paintings, rare manuscripts, idols and exquisite statues. Bhawani Natyashala, built in 1921, is one of the rare theatres, where Parsi plays were performed.

Nearby excursions are Rein Basera, fhalrapatan - the city of bells, Gagron fort, Buddhist caves and stupas. Dag, Kakuni, Bhimsagar etc.