How to reach here:
By Air: Udaipur which is about 112 km is the nearest airport.
By Rail: Chittorgarh is connected to Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Delhi, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur, Ahmedabad and various other cities.
Best time to visit:October to March.
Languages spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi.
Must eat: Aam ki Launji, Aloo Pethe ka Saag, Atte ka Malpua.
Famous Restaurants: Ashirvad, Chandal, Bajrang, Balaji.
Places you must visit:
Chittorgarh Fort is the imposing structure atop a hill of 300 m which has many palaces and monuments.Inside the large fort, is a road that connects the different gates, viz. the main gate or Ram Pol, Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Laxman Pol and Jodla Pol. These gates were built for security and fortification of the area. There are around 84 water bodies and many small palaces, important ones being Rana Kumbha Palace, Rani Padmini’s Palace.Besides these structures, the fort is known for the Kirti Stambha, in honour of the 1st Jain Tirthankara the victory tower or Vijay Stambha, Meera temple, Kalika Mata temple and the various sculptures and carvings on the monuments.
Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame, a 22 meter high seven storied tower known as Tower of Fame, is a Jain tower devoted to the the first Jain Tirthankara Adinath. The Kirti Stambh is structured in the Solanki architectural style interior to Chittorgarh fort. A sculpture of Adinath is installed in the second floor. This Jain tower is very impressive and is a complex structural extravaganza with carvings, balconies and niches. Naked figures of various Jain tirthankars are carved on the tower of Fame. The seventh floor which is topmost offers a panoramic view of the whole Chittorgarh city.
Vijay Stambh or Tower of Victory is an imposing 37 metres high structure with nine storeys is covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities. 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.
Fateh Prakash Palace was built by Maharana Fateh Singh and has been named after him. A big Ganesha idol, various frescos and a large fountain can be seen in this huge palace.The palace illustrates the maharaja’s inclination towards art and culture and is famous for the pillars and corridors. Presently, the Fateh Prakash Palace serves as a museum with a large collection of paintings and various sculptures.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is located on the western boundary of the Vindhyachal range. In the sanctuary, animals like panther, antelope, wild boar, etc and various species of native and migratory birds can be seen.This sanctuary is a protected region and requires permission from the District Forest Officer of Chittorgarh. The Orai and Bassi dams within the sanctuary are another attraction.
Gaumukh Kund or Gaumukh Reservoir is shaped like the mouth of a cow, hence the name gaumukh, meaning cow’s mouth. The water which accumulates in the reservoir flows through a crack in the rock.The Rani Bindar tunnel nearby is another attraction of the area. According to legend, the tunnel which leads to the chamber underground is where Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh performed sati.
Tulja Bhawani Temple was built to worship Goddess Tulja or Turya Bhawani, who is considered sacred in the local custom. Next to the temple is the cannon foundry which was used by the erstwhile rulers and still some cannons can be seen.This temple is located at the entrance of Ram Pol and was constructed in the mid 16th century. Phatta’s Memorial is found very near to the temple, in respect of the 16 year young soldier who died protecting the fort.
The Archaeological Museum has a rich collection of items, the place is full of artifacts, paintings, frescos, sculptures, that were either built during the Rajput era or were made in later years for commemorating the kings and their valour.Some articles date back to the Maurya and Gupta dynasties. The Chittorgarh Archaeological Museum is located at the eastern end of the Banbir-ki-Diwar and has a number of historical artifacts from the ruins of Chittorgarh Fort. These artifacts are related to Buddhism and Hindu culture. Various findings from the excavations in these historical locations have been preserved in the museum.
Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is spread over a wide region on the Malwa Plateau and Aravalli mountains. This sanctuary houses a number of animals and birds and is known for the forests of teak, bamboo, tendu, amla and salar.Three rivers of which Jakham and Karmoi are famous pass through these areas. Jakham dam is a site for picnickers and the water is used for irrigation.Animals like flying squirrel, spotted deer, wild bear, four horned antelope, nilgai, jungle cat, jackal, hyena, etc can be spotted here. Some less common varieties such as caracal wild boar, leopards, wild pangolin, etc can also be seen in this sanctuary. Due to the shedding of leaves in February and March, spotting the animals is easy.It is believed that Lord Rama’s wife Sita, stayed in this forest in the ashram of Saint Valmiki, hence the name Sitamata.
Sanwaliya Ji Temple has the dark skinned lord Krishna who is considered auspicious by many Hindu devotees and has become a famous pilgrimage place.
Kumbha Shyam Temple is an ancient temple with main deity as Varaha, one of the incarnations (boar incarnation) of Lord Vishnu. This temple is built by Maharana Kumbha and is located in Chittorgarh Fort. The temple architecture is similar to Kalika Mata temple at Chittorgarh and is very attractive and beautiful. Unlike other temples, this is decorated less. It is has a lofty roof and pyramidal tower. The wall was adorned with many sculptures depicting Hindu Gods and Goddesses. The ceilings are decorated with garlands and the sanctum of the temple is magnificent.
Meera Bai was the saint-poet and a 16th century Rajput princess. Princess Meera Bai who had given up the luxurious royal life to spend her life devoted to Lord Krishna and to sing the devotional songs, bhajans of Lord Krishna. Meera Temple, associated with Meera Bai add affine specimen of architectural style of Rajputs, is situated nearby to Kumbha Shyam Temple in Chittorgarh. The temple designed in North Indian style has four pavilions in the open arcade enclosing the sanctum. Interior of the Sanctum is adorned with beautiful eye catching paintings of Meera Bhajans and Lord Krishna.Chittorgarh is a birth place of Meera Bai.
Kalika Mata Temple, a shrine dedicated to Kalika – a symbol of courage and power, has its origin in 8th century and is one of the oldest temple in the Chittorgarh region. It is believed that the temple was constructed as a Sun temple originally in the 8th century by the King Bappa Rawal of Sisodia Dynasty Later Maharana Hamir Singh congregated a Kalika Idol during some time in 14th century and started worshipping there. Hence the present temple got the name as Kalika Mata temple. This goddess is assumed to be the Patron Goddess of Chittorgarh. The temple is credited with a marvelous architectural style, owes many superb carvings and sculptures.
Palace of Rana Kumbha, a 15th century old mammoth monument, is enclosed interior to Chittorgarh fort. This Palace where the Rajput King Maharana Kumbha lived his royal life is a fine specimen of Rajput architecture and it is one of the marvel structures in India. It attracts many tourists just because of its breathtaking structural beauty and style. It is believed that the palace holds underground cellars, and the folk stories claim that it was here in these cellars Rani Padmini and other women folks in the royal palace performed Jauhar. A grand old temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and stables of horses and elephants are placed nearby.
Phatta's Memorial (Ram Pol), seventh gate of the Majestic Chittorgarh fort, is the main entrance of the Fort. Ram Pol is distinct from other gates due its marvelous Rajput architectural style. This gate stands as a symbol of Hindu culture and Indian architectural beauty. Phatta’s memorial, Phatta being a brave child of age 16 when he died in battle with the intruders defending chttorgarh fort, is located just inside Rampol near the assembly hall. Phatta’s symbolizes Rajput’s valor and determination. A temple of Ramachandraji is located nearby.
Padmini’s Palace, the erstwhile residence of Rani Padmini the embodiment of beauty, courage and grace, is situated inside the majestic Chittorgarh Fort. A beautiful lotus pond is located nearby the palace. It is believed that it was in this palace the Sultan Alauddin Khilji view the reflection of the beautiful Rani Padmini in a mirror which was located in the main hall of palace. Overwhelmed by the eternal beauty, the Sultan decided to make Rani as his worthy wealth and eventually this desire led to the conquering of Chittorgarh. The architectural style is marvelous, the surroundings are picturesque.
Maha Sati, a sacred place used to cremate the Udaipur rulers, is located at a place Ahar in Chittorgarh. A main attraction in Maha Sati is a natural reservoir named Gangodbhawa Kund and mythological stories claim that a tributary of Ganges flows underground and emerges here as Ahar river in which this Kund is originated. It is of belief that this reservoir contains very pure sacred water; considered as having equivalent purity and holiness of Ganges water. An ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is also located nearby in Maha Sati. This place is unspoiled and slowly becomes an attractive tourist spot.This is the area where women suicided by self immolation.
Nagari is a village situated at a distance of 18 km, north of Chittorgarh. In olden days, it was known as Madhyamika and was a flourishing town under the Mauryan and Gupta rulers.There is a stupa in Nagari, decorated with terracotta tiles, that has been discovered during excavations. The village of Nagari is situated along River Bairach.
The town of Menal is located 90 km from Chittorgarh, along the Chittaur – Bundi Road. It is popularly known as mini Khajuraho, due to the natural landscape and many temples.There are various ancient temples, belonging to the Buddhist culture and excavations are revealing more and more temples. One excavation has shown the presence of a 12th century temple.Besides the temples, there are many waterfalls and forests. Menal has become a famous picnic spot due to its natural landscape.
Mahanaleshwar Temple
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