Jhalawar
The
princely state of the Jhalas created in 1838 AD, after being separated from
Kota by the British. It is best explored by foot within the city and a horse
safari in the outskirts as Jhalawar boasts of rich natural wealth, with flora
and fauna as active.
Since it is situated at the edge of the Malwa Plateau it has rocky but water
laden verdant landscape unlike much of Rajasthan, with some exquisite pre-historic
cave paintings, massive forts, thick woody forests, exotic wild life variety
and a lush country side which has Red poppy fields, orange laden orchards making
it look fascinating and colourful during winters.
Kota
An amazing, juxtaposition of majestic medieval age and modern industrialization,
mainly the Hydro Electric Plant on the Chambal River and the Nuclear Power Plant
has a few traces of its past still left. The fort overlooking the river Chambal
is the foremost tourist attraction. It also houses the museum
with a rich collection of art and artefacts and some elaborately painted chambers.
Earlier it was a part of Bundi state, but later it grew to be a bigger state.
What retains the past glory are the untouched wealth of impressive forts, opulent
palaces and temples dating back over several centuries. These temples were conquered
by the Hada chieftain Rao Deva. It was at the time of the Mughal Emperor Jahangir
that Rao Ratan Singh gifted this territory to his son Madho Singh. The Kota
state reflects in the form of a beautiful collection of Stone Idols (murties)
in the Raj Mahal, embellished with gold stained glass work on the walls, the
silver mirror work on ceilings and the marvelous wall paintings.