Location:
90-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Vijay Stambh,
Padmini's Palace
Best Time To Visit: September-March |
Tourism in
Chittorgarh
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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India
Travel Guide / States / Rajasthan / Cities / Chittorgarh Travel
