About the Fair
The triumph of good over evil is celebrated during this epic festival when effigies of demons are publicly burnt. It is a carnival time in Kota and shoppers' paradise for handicrafts and handlooms.

Activities
Dasehra also known as Vijay Dasami is a festival of Victory of truth over sin. Lord Rama marched on this day and gained victory on Ravana. Dasehra is celebrated in the bright fort-night of Aswin on the 10th day when the stars have appeared. Rama-lila is played and on Vijay Dasami the Ravana is burned to mark victory of justice and truth.

Places to see
Located on the east bank of the Chambal River, Rajasthan's only perennial river, Kota came out of the shadows of Bundi and became prominent in the 17th century, when it was recognised as a separate state. Today, Kota is recognised as a major army headquarter and a prime industrial centre of Rajasthan. It has one of Asia's largest fertiliser plants.

While some associate the place with Kota Doria Saris, others link it with the Kotah School of miniature paintings. Made of cotton or silk, and often with delicate golden thread designs, the saris are woven in the nearby village of Kethun. The Kota paintings are often a vivid and detailed portrayal of hunting expeditions that were launched in the once thickly wooded forests around the place.

Rao Madho Singh Museum: Housed in the historic Kota Fort, the museum contains fine wall paintings, a miniature painting gallery, royal regalia, arms and armoury and lots more. Undoubtedly, one of the best in Rajasthan.

Royal Cenotaphs: These are present right in the centre of the city and have beautiful stonework and intricate carvings.

Bundi: Enjoy the medieval atmosphere of the place with its magnificent fort, lovely step wells, and quaint narrow streets. 38 km from Kota, the massive 14th century Taragarh Fort and the huge palace (with famous Bundi murals) should not to be missed.

Darrah Wildlife Sanctuary: You can find panthers, wildboars, leopards and antelopes in this area. 50 km from Kota lies the National Chambal Wildlife Sanctuary best known for gharials, the thin snouted Indian crocodile. The very rarely seen caracal can be found here.

Sorsan grasslands: 45 km away from Kota, Sorsan grasslands flank the main canal of Chambal. The grasslands teem with insects during the monsoon months and attract a great variety of resident and migratory birds. The rare Great Indian Bustard can be spotted here.

Kethun: 15 km from Kota, this is a weavers' village where the world famous kota doria saris are woven.

Bardoli Temples: These cluster of temples 56 km from Kota, depict the architecture and sculpture of 8th and 9th century.

The Alnia Rock Shelters: 14 km from Kota and along the banks of Alnia river, these picturesquely located shelters house prehistoric paintings.

Getting There

By Air: The nearest airport is Jaipur, 250 km away.

By Rail: Kota is linked by rail with Delhi, Mumbai, Agra, Jaipur, Bharatpur and Chittaurgarh. The Kota railway station is just a few kilometres from the main city.

By Road: Kota is well connected by road to the main cities to Rajasthan. It is on National Highway No 12, which connects Jaipur with Jabalpur.