The palaces and pavilions inside the Kota Garh Fort beaconed me with its grandeur and charm when I visited the fort last month.
The captivating beauty of the main court left me spellbound.
The ceiling and the pillars of the courtyard are decorated attractively.
The main portion is this beautiful Baradari hall with 12 doors where the Maharaja once held his court.
The enchanting crystal palace beholds my sight on the first view.
The Queen’s chamber has one of the most spectacular examples of the Kota school of painting that once thrived in the city and survives till date.
It is set on the upper floor of the palace in the heart of the Kota fort.
The walls of the chambers are all decorated with paintings.
It is truly a sight to behold.
The Palace has rooms after rooms with vivid paintings that never failed to enthrall me.
Two elephant statues indicate that the bed is reserved for the royal family.
The window arches are decorated with embedded precious stones like jade and emerald. The mirror is made of finely polished metal and reflects perfectly even after 300 years.
Special cavities in the walls called Konadas to temporarily store important things like jewelry or simple things like a glass of water are also richly decorated.
In the photo below, note the door stoppers on both sides that are also artistically made in the shape of a dove and carved in marble. This is the epitome of luxury.
The ceilings are also richly decorated with paintings of floral patterns.
Quick Facts
Timings: 10 am to 5 pm
Entrance Fees: INR 50
Camera Fees INR 100
Parking: Free
What Else to See Inside the Kota Fort
The Kota Garh Palace offers many hidden treasures as well. I visited the
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The Royal Museum and
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The Armor museum
Where to Stay in Kota
I stayed in the Ashoka Hotel and Restaurant on Canal Road. They have various budget rooms for a comfortable stay and the best view of the canal that runs in front of it.
Note
- The ticket for both museums is included in the main ticket for the fort.
- The ticket for photography and videos must be purchased separately.
Accessibility Features
The main entrance and several parts of the palace and the pavilions do not have ramps or any features to facilitate access to the differently-abled.
Here’s a snapshot:
Ramp access.
A wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
A wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
A wheelchair-accessible Parking.