The Fort is what Chittor is famous for. It is located on a hilltop 6 kms away from the railway station. The histoy of the Fort is a history of the valiant traditions of Rajasthan. The city was ravaged three times and on all occasions the citizens resorted to the ultimate Rajput tradition of Jauhar, as honour was valued much more than death. The men rode out to war to face death and, knowing that defeat was imminent, the women and children created a huge funeral pyre and immolated themselves.

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.

Two centuries later, in 1535, Bahadur Shah won a savage victory and the tradition of Jauhar was repeated. In 1568, the Emperor Akbar tried to take the city, again resulting in the same outcome.

Places to See in Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh 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.

Rana Kumbha's Palace
The ruins of this large monument can be seen in the Fort. Legend has it that it was from here that Alauddin Khilji first glimpsed, and became obsessed with possessing, queen Padmini. Legend has it that he saw her in a mirror while she was standing in her palace; an unfortunate incident which later culminated in the sacking of Chittaur. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also constructed here.

Padmini's Palace
The palace is built next to a large pool and has a pavilion in the centre, the same pavilion, 'Zanana Mahal', where the queen was standing when Alauddin Khilji caught a glimpse of her. The bronze gates to the palace are missing from here as they were carted away by Emperor Akbar, in the 16th century, and installed at the Agra Fort.

Jaya Stambh
The tower was constructed by Maharaja Rana Kumbha to mark a victorious battle in 1440 AD over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat. The nine-storey structure is 37 metres high and it is possible to climb some of the way up by the narrow stairs. It is decorated with sculptures dedicated to Hindu deities, some of which represent scenes from the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata.

Kirti Stambh
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.

Archeological Office & Museum
These stand across the main palace and occupy a small portion of the comparatively recent Fateh Prakash Palace. Also in the Fort compound are the Kumbha Shyam Temple, the Meera Temple and the Kalika Mata Temple.

Jaimal and Patta Palaces
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.

Gardens and Parks
Pratrap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautiful laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja rose garden at Saw is just 23 km from Chittaur.

Meerabai Temple
The temple where Meerabai 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 pavillions in each corner.

Excursions near 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 Bairach. 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 km)
This is a small sanctuary 50 km away, that can be visited after obtaining permission from the District Forest Officer at Chittaur.

Bijaipur (40 km)
A 16th century castle stands at Bijaipur, 40 km from Chittaur. It has been converted into a heritage hotel.

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.

Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad
This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the 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 boar, four horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.

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

Menal (90 km)
On the Bundi-Chittaur road amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests

How to Reach Chittorgarh

Air: The nearest airport is Udaipur Airport, 90 km away.
Rail: Chittorgarh is connected by rail to Udaipur (112 km) and Ajmer (182 km). It is also connected by rail to Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Delhi.
Bus: Buses take three hours from Udaipur.

Shopping in Chittorgarh

Know for its wooden painted toys made in the surrounding villages, and thewa gold jewellery in its own distictive style. Also Akola printed fabrics and leather juttees made in Gangrar.

Hotels in Chittorgarh

- Hotel Padmini

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