Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh, located 115km northeast of Udaipur, has a gigantic, impressive Rajput fort. It is basically a hassle-free town, to which few travelers come to, but the outstanding fort is definitely worth a visit.

The Pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris. This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was ‘Jauhar’-when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death. Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed ‘Jauhar’.

The Pathan King of Delhi, Alauddin Khiji was the first to ransack the city in 1303 AD overpowered by a passionate desire for the beautiful queen Padmini. But he was never destined to possess her as she immolated herself along with the other women of the city

Places To See
Vijay Stambh: Is a huge nine storey tower which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440.  The tower is 122 ft high and stands on a 10 ft high base.  There are sculptures and carvings on the exterior walls of the tower.  The tower is visible from any section of the town below.  And from the tower top after climbing 157 steps, there is a great view of the surroundings.  The inside walls of the tower are carved with images of Gods, weapons, etc.

Kirti Stambh(Tower of Fame): This tower is smaller but was built earlier in the 12th century AD by a Jain merchant who dedicated it to Adinath, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras. It is a Digambara (or sky clad) monument as it has naked figures of various Jain tirthankars. 

Padmini's Palac: Continuing south, you come to Padmini's Palace, built beside a large pool with a pavilion in its centre. The bronze gates in this pavilion were carried off by Akbar and can now be seen in the fort at Agra. Continuing around the circular road, you pass the deer park, the Bhimlat Tank, the Surajpol and the Temple of Neelakanth Mahadev, before reaching the Tower of Fame.

Meerabai Temple: the temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord Krishna, is built in a North Indian stile on a elevated  base with a conic roof. Inside there's a beautiful sanctuary with 4 small pavilions, one in each corner.

Gardens and  parks: Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehrtj Park are beautiful  laid out parks in a lushly environment. The magnificent  Khwaja rose garden of Sawa lies on a distance of 13 km from Chittorgarh.

The Fort: A climb of a kilometre brings one up to this spectacular fort that was built by Maurya rulers in the 7th century AD. From its perch 180 metres high on a hill, it provides a magnificent view of the surroundings. The Fort has many gates, the main one being Ram Pol. The long walk around the Fort covers 7 kilometres and includes many sights, some of which are listed below. Two Chhatris, or memorials, are also visible while walking up. These were constructed to immortalise two valiant heroes of the battle against Akbar. 

Jaimal and Patta Palaces: the ruins of the palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia P(h)atta are silent witnesses of the  de gallantry of the great warriors.

Dilwara Temple: Presents an example of the excellence of Jain architecture. The complex includes two temples in which the zenith of the marble carving can be witnessed.

Jagat: At this small town, 20km south of the road between Udaipur and Chittorgarh, is a small 10th century Durga Temple. There are some fine sculptures, including a couple of small erotic carvings, which have inspired some people to call town the Khajuraho of Rajasthan.

Mandalgarh: A detour between Menal and Bijolia takes you to Mandalgarh. It is the third fort of Mewar built by Rana Kumbha - the others are the great fort of Chittorgarh and the fort at Kumbhalgarh.

Kalika Mata Temple: Near Padmini's Palace. Originally built in the 8th century as a Sun Temple. Later on the temple was renamed as Kalika Mata Temple (14th century A. D.) and dedicated to the mother of the goddess Kali, symbol of strength and courage.

Temple of Mira Bai: Near Kumbe Shyam stands this temple associated with Mira bai, the celebrated devotee and saint poetess of India. Built in the Indo-Aryan style of temple architecture it has a soaring shikhar which is solid and unbroken in outline.The mandap is covered with a pyramidal roof placed diagonally and rises in steps. Its special feature however is a colonnaded procession path around the sancture with small pavillions at the four corners.

Rana Kumbha's Palace: Is near the Vijay Stambh.  This is the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh the founder of Udaipur.  His life was saved by the heroic act of the maid Panna Dhay, who replaced her son in place of the prince & consequently her son was killed by Banbir.  She carried the prince away to safety in a fruit basket.  Rani Meera Bai also lived in this palace.  This is the place where Rani Padmini committed jauhar with the other ladies in one of the underground cellars

Excursions from Chittorgarh
Nagari (20-km): One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan, of great importance during the Mauryan period, is situated on the banks of River Banish. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.

Bassi Village (25-km): Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village with historical forts, temples and 'kunds'. Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A place of great tourist interest.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (50 sq. km.): Sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars, antelopes mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.

Menal (90Km.): The Menal river runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into cavernous 122 metres deep gorge.On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depicts various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh - Bundi road.

Bijaipur: Castle Bijapur is a tranquil 16th century palace in this village, 40km south of Chittor. It's now an atmospheric hotel with pleasant rooms. The amiable owners can organise interesting horse and jeep safaris to nearby villages - a half day village safari by jeep.

Sanwariyaji Temple: 940 km): on the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.

Matri Kundia Temple (50 km.): A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called Haridwar of Mewar.

Deogarh (125 km): A 16th century magnificent fort near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid jain temples.