Garh Palace, right in the heart of Kota, Rajasthan, is a hidden gem that reflects the grandeur of Rajputana heritage. While lesser-known compared to other Rajasthani palaces, its rich history, intricate architecture, and cultural significance make it a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts and travelers alike. Here is a first-hand account of our visit to Garh Palace Kota and the magnificence that we witnessed.
Stepping into the past
Garh Palace is also called Garh Palace, Kotah Garh, and City Palace. It is believed that the foundation of the palace was laid in 1264 C.E by Prince Jait Singh from the royal family of Kota.
The palace has witnessed the rise and fall of many rulers and has been a silent spectator to the evolution of Kota’s history. The royal family of Kota, known for their valor and dedication to their people, played a significant role in shaping the region’s cultural and political landscape. The palace’s architecture is a testimony to the artistic and engineering prowess of the Rajputs, with a blend of influences that add to its grandeur. The royal family ruled Kota in the service of the British and Mughal empires until 1948 when Kota merged with Independent India.
A tour of the Garh Palace
As you enter the palace gates, you cross the magnificent Hathi Pol where two gorgeous statues of elephants flank the massive doors.
Madho Singh Museum
Move forward into the courtyard, where life-sized brass vessels and statues adorn the place. Here on the ground floor, the Madho Singh Museum is the first attraction with an antique collection of weapons, palanquins, currency, and artifacts of the royal lifestyle.
The most eye-catching relic is the enormous statue of an elephant that’s close to real. The museum not only serves as a repository of history but also as a tribute to the legacy of the Kota royal family.
The Souvenir Shop
Right outside the Madho Singh Museum is the souvenir shop with bright colorful handicrafts. From wall hanging and stone sculptures to embroidered bags and fridge magnets, the shop sells everything at reasonable price. We bought quite a few pieces for souvenirs and gifting. Your purchase supports local artists and promotes sustainable tourism. The embroidered sling bags are a steal-deal!
Armoury Gallery
Outside the souvenir shop, we were guided towards the armory section that houses heavy arms used by the royal lineage. The collection displays heavy swords, guns from the pre-independence era, large bullets, shields, binoculars, and a lot more. The basement of the armory section has an exhibit of old photographs showcasing important events and heirs of the royal family. It was exciting to see how the young heirs ruled this state and how the political connections took them on a journey of rise and fall.
A part of this section also has taxidermied animals hunted down by the kings back in the day. It is sad and we feel bad for the poor animals who were killed for trophy hunting. Nonetheless, keeping our emotions aside, we quickly walked to the next section.
The Durbar Hall
The Durbar Hall, with its royal thrones on display, is one of the highlights of the palace, showcasing the craftsmanship of the period. Right here is the zenana mahal which was the palace for the royal ladies. The Zenana Mahal has exquisite mirror work and wall paintings.
The Palace on the first floor
The structures on the first floor are a labyrinth of rooms that serve for different occasions. For instance, the royal room was the private room of the Maharaja. (Sadly it was unnamed) We were asked to take off our shoes to enter this chamber. And the imperial interiors left us speechless!
The aged carpet, carved ceilings, gemstone-studded jharokas, and grand chandeliers, emanated prosperity. The staff has taken great care to preserve and maintain the palace. We had a heart-to-heart conversation with the staff member who guards this palace. She expressed her displeasure with tourists who do not respect boundaries and take pictures or touch exhibits even when warned not to.
Bada Mahal
This was probably constructed to soak in the view of the outdoors and watch the processions on the roads. Supported by numerous pillars painted in red, Bada Mahal faces the Chambal River view and the enormous city booming with modern changes.
Other Structures in Kotah Garh
Bhim Mahal is another palace on the first floor with modest architecture. However, it was closed for public visit.
The architecture of Garh Palace is a fascinating blend of Rajput and Mughal styles. The palace is adorned with elaborate frescoes, intricate carvings, and magnificent courtyards that reflect the opulence of a bygone era. The palace’s numerous balconies, arches, and domes add to its architectural splendor, making it a true masterpiece.
A Lesser-Known Marvel in Kota
Despite its historical and architectural significance, Garh Palace remains a lesser-known marvel in Kota. This works to the advantage of those who visit, as it allows for a more intimate and personal experience. The palace’s serene surroundings and well-preserved structures offer a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse oneself in the history and culture of Rajasthan. A part of the palace was given to the Government and has been converted into a school for girls.
Visitor Information for Kota Garh Palace
Timing– Garh Palace opens from 10:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Entry Fee: Rs. 100 for Indians, Rs 350 for International tourists. Rs. 50 for using a camera and mobile phone. Rs 20 for Indian students and children aged less than 12 years.
Important Note- Use of mobile cameras is not permitted inside the palace premises. Even if you try doing that in stealth mode, the staff calls you out and warns you. So don’t embarrass yourself by taking out your mobile phone unless you have bought a ticket for it. Also, shoulder bags and backpacks are not allowed. You have to deposit them in lockers at the reception.
Location– Garh Palace, Kota in Rajasthan, merely 40 kilometers from the city of Bundi, 172km from Chittorgarh, 200 km from Ajmer, and 250 km from Jaipur.
Time to visit Garh Palace- Two to three hours depending on your speed and what you want to cover in detail. Photo enthusiasts will take more time.
How to reach Kota
The modern city of Kota is well connected by road network and airways. If you plan to travel by bus, express and deluxe bus services can be booked from here. We took a road trip in January this year and covered cities of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. This was our route- Gurugram-Tonk (2 nights)-Udaygiri Sanchi, MP (2 nights)-Bundi (2 nights)-Gurugram. You can club Chittorgarh, Ajmer, Bundi, and Kota for a week-long road trip.
However, if you hate road trips and like fast travel, book a flight to the city. Kota Airport is 8 km from the Railway Station and is connected to the major cities of Rajasthan and around. The closest airports are Jaipur, Agra, and Gwalior.
Best Time to Visit Kota- October to March is the best time to visit Kota when the weather is pleasant and the temperature is milder than summer months.
Garh Palace Kota in a nutshell
Garh Palace in Kota is a treasure trove of history, art, and architecture; and it deserves to be explored and appreciated. While Kota is known as an education hub, the Kota Palace is still lesser known. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply a traveller seeking to discover hidden gems, Garh Palace will leave you spellbound. The palace’s rich heritage and timeless beauty will stay in your mind for a long time. Plan your visit today and embark on a journey through the royal history of Kota.
