CHITTORGARH
Tourist Attractions: Vijay Stambh, Padmini's Palace
Best Time To Visit: September-March
The Epitome of Romance and Valour 
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
'chhatris'.
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 AD, overpowered by
a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has
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'.
In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second attack from
Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani
Karnvati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of
Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He
learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour
so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to
establish a new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind
Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and
Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died
after 'Jauhar' was peformed. Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort
to a rubble.
Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic
spirit of Rajput warriors.
RAJASTHAN TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all about! Welcome to
Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that carries with it an ambience of the
Rajputana era and an exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor
to the imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches also
carry out an image of the Rajput states with beautiful interiors. Last but
not the least the "Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every coach as well as
restaurant and organized shopping facilites. more...
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
The Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive
structure with many gateways built by the literary rulers in 7th century
AD. Perched on a height of 180 m high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The
tablets and 'chhatris' within are impressive reminders of the Rajput
heroism.
The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol. The
fort has many magnificent monuments - all fine examples of the Rajput
architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments
in solitude.
Vijay Stambh(Victory
Tower) :The imposing 37 metres high structure with nine storeys, covered
with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the
two great epics -Ramayana and Mahabharata. more...
It was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful ruler of Mewar to
commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malawi and Gujarat.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): The22 metres high tower built by a
wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century AD
The tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras
and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.
Rana Kumbha's Palace: The ruined edifice of great historical and
architectural interest, bring the most massive monument in the fort of
Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani
Padmini and other women committed 'Jauhar'
Jaimal and Patta Palaces: The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal
and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.
Padmini's Palace:
Built beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one. It was here that
Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji.
Rani Padmini stood in 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre and her
reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror placed in the main
hall. After having glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the
extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her. more...
TEMPLES
Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the
Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meera
bai - an ardent Krishna devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
Kalika Mata Temple: Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th
century, the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the
14th century AD, dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kali --the symbol of
power and valour.
Meera Bai Temple: The temple where Meera Bai worshipped Lord
Krishna is built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical
roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum has
four small pavilions in each corner.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum: The magnificent Prakash Mahal, presently a fine
museum with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and buildings
in the fort is worth a visit. Closed on Fridays.
Fateh Prakash Museum:
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash
Palace was converted into a museum in the year 1968. more...
GARDENS
Gardens and Parks: Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are
beautifully laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja Rose
Garden at Sawa is just 13-km from Chittaur.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
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.
WILDLIFE
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: 50-sq-kms 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 Office,
Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.
Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad: This thickly wooded jungle
sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malawi plateau with three rivers
flowing through the forest. According to legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama
stayed in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki's Ashram after she was exiled by
Lord Rama.
The common fauna that can be sighted here includes Leopard, Hyena, Jungle
Fox, Porcupine, Sambhar, Wild Bear, four-horned Antelope, Nilgai and
Flying Squirrel.
TEMPLES
Sanwariyaji Temple (40-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'.
FORTS
Deogarh (125-km): A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh
with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.
OTHERS
Bijalpur (40-km): A marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh,
the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands in the village. Presently,
it has been converted into a heritage hotel.
Menal (90-km): On the Bundi-Chittaur Road, amid the natural beauty
is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiv temples, picturesque water falls and
dense forests.
HOW TO GET THERE
Air: 90-km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport,
Udaipur.
Rail: Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail. Some important train
connections are : Chetak Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-
Chittaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota-Chittaurgarh-Nimach); 9769 Express
(Khandawa-Chittaurgarh-Ajmer)
Road: Bus services operate to several important destinations.
Delhi (583-km), Mount Abu (297-km), Jaipur (325-km), Indore (325-km) and
Ajmer (185-km) away from Chittaurgarh.
Local Transport: Unmetered auto-rickshaw, cycle-rickshaws and
tongas are avilable for commuting within the city.
PLACES TO STAY
There are Standard Hotels and also budget hotels available
offering excellent accommodation facilities.
Supplementary Accommodation: Circuit House, Railway Retiring
Rooms, PWD Dak Bungalow, Irrigation Dak Bungalow.
SHOPPING
The beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near
Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are 'Thewa' articles
of Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and leather 'Mojri' of Gangaur.
Favourite shopping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New
Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
Banks / Money Changers: State Bank of Bikaner and
Jaipur, Near Collectorate; Bank of Baroda, City Branch; Punjab National
Bank, near Panna Tourist Bungalow; State Bank of India, Meera Market, City
Road; Bank of Rajasthan, Fort Road; Chittaur Kendra Bank, Station Road
Post and Telegraph Office: General Post Office, Shree Gurukul Road
.There are several smaller post offices in other areas of the town.
Conducted Tours: Sight seeing of Chittaurgarh Fort can be made by
auto rickshaws, this tour covers the View Point, Tope Khana, Srinagar
Chauri, Rana Kumbha Palace, Govt. Museum, Sat Bees Deori, Meera Temple,
Victory Tower, Kalika Temple, Padmini's Palace, the Deer Park, Suraj Pol,
Tower of Fame, Banmata Temple and the Palace of Rana Ratan Singh.
Guides: Approved guides of the Central Archaeological Department
and Rajasthan Tourism are available.
Sports Activities: Fishing-Bassi Lake, Gambhiri Dam, Gosunda Dam,
Matrikundiya Dam.
Hospital: General Hospital, Collectorate Circle; Aditya Hospital,
New Indra Market; Kothari Clinic, near General Hospital; Ladha Clinic,
Meera Nagari; Dashora Clinic, Udaipur· Road; Jainam Hospital, City
Road
NEARBY CITIES
Nagari: 20-km
Bejalpur: 40-km
Menal: 90-km
Udaipur: 90-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
| Area | : | 6.5-sq-kms | |
| Altitude | : | 408m | |
| Climate | Max | Min | |
| Summer | : | 43.8°C | 23.8° C |
| Winter | : | 28.37° C | 11.6° C |
| Rainfall | : | 60 - 85 cms. | |
| Best Time To Visit | : | September-March | |
| Clothing | |||
| Summer | : | light tropical | |
| Winter | : | light woollen | |
| Languages | : | English, Hindi, Rajasthani. | |
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