Chittorgarh Fort | Best things to do in Chittorgarh

Chittorgah Fort

In Chittorgarh, tales of Rajputana bravery, pride, and passion abound. Rajasthan's bards recount stories of valour and sacrifice that every child and adult in the city is familiar with.

History of Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort has a tumultuous past. Throughout its history, this Rajput fortress has been invaded brutally three times. The first was in 1303 when Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, fell in love with Queen Padmini and staged a kidnapping attempt.

Chittorgarh Fort embodies the Rajput spirit. This magnificent fort, built on a 180-meter-high hill and spanning 240 hectares, has long been portrayed in Rajasthani bards' tales of valour, pride, and romance. Bhim, one of India's famous mythical epic Mahabharata's heroic Pandava brothers, is claimed to have begun construction of the Chittorgarh Fort. The fort is home to a variety of magnificent monuments, some of which have been damaged by the passage of time.

The magnificent tower transports visitors to a time of conquests and tragedies, and its walls are still adorned with incredible tales of extraordinary men and women. From the foothills to the summit, a one-kilometer road ascends the mountain, passing through seven gates before arriving at Rampol (Gate of Ram). In remembrance of Jaimal and Kalla, two warriors who died during Emperor Akbar's siege in 1568, two 'chattris' (cenotaphs) have been constructed. Surajpol is the fort's main gate (Sun Gate).

In the west, the fort features seven gates (called Pols in the local language), including the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol, and the main gate, Ram Pol (Lord Rama's Gate). For military protection, all of the fort's entrances were erected as large stone constructions with solid fortifications. The pointed arches of the gates' doors are reinforced to withstand elephants and artillery fire. Archers can shoot at the enemy army from the top of the gates, which have notched parapets. Within the fort, a circular path connects all of the gates and offers access to the fort's numerous monuments (ruined palaces and 130 temples).

To the right of Suraj Pol sits the Darikhana or Sabha (council chamber), with a Ganesha temple and zenana behind it (living quarters for women). Suraj Pol is bordered on the left by a big water reservoir. There's also the Jorla Pol (Welded Gate), which is made up of two gates joined together. Jorla Pol's upper arch is connected to Lakshman Pol's base. This feature, according to legend, has never been seen anywhere else in India. The Lokota Bari is the fort's northernmost gate.

Places to visit in Chittorgah Fort

The Famous Historical & heritage site in Chittorgah Fort includes:

Vijaya Stambha

Vijay Stambha

The Vijaya Stambha or Jaya Stambha was built by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. It is known as the symbol of Chittorgarh and a particularly bold display of triumph. It rises 37.2 metres (122 feet) above a 47 square foot (4.4 m2) base in nine storeys, accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps to the 8th level, from which there is a good view over the plains and the new town of Chittorgarh. The dome, which was added later, was struck by lightning and rebuilt in the nineteenth century. The Stambha is now illuminated at night and provides a stunning perspective over Chittorgarh.

Kirti Stambha

Kirti Stambh

The Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a 22-meter-high (72-foot) tower with a 30-foot (9.1-meter) base and a 15-foot (4.6-meter) top that is older (possibly 12th century) and smaller than the Victory Tower.

It was built by Jijaji Rathod, a Bagherwal Jain trader, and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar (revered Jain teacher). Figures of the Jain pantheon's numerous tirthankars can be seen in unique niches constructed to accommodate them on the tower's lowest floor. These are digambara monuments. The top of the six stories is reached via a narrow stairwell with 54 steps. There are 12 columns in the top pavilion, which was erected in the 15th century.

Padmini Palace (Padmini Mahal)

Padmini Palace

Padmini's Palace, also known as Rani Padmini's Palace, is a three-story white edifice (a 19th-century reconstruction of the original). It is located in the fort's southern section. The palace roofs are crowned with chhatris (pavilions), and the palace is surrounded by a water moat. With the concept of Jal Mahal, this form of palace became the predecessor of later palaces created throughout the state (palace surrounded by water). Legend has it that Alauddin was allowed to see the mirror image of Maharana Rattan Singh's wife, Rani Padmini, at this Palace. This view of Padmini's beauty is said to have enchanted him and convinced him to destroy Chittorgarh in order to possess her. Rani Padmini is accused of killing Maharana Rattan Singh and committing Jauhar. Rani Padmini's beauty has been compared to that of Cleopatra, and her life storey has become a legend in Chittorgarh. Akbar took the pavilion's bronze gates and brought them to Agra.

Rana Kumbha Palace

The Rana Kumbha palace was Rana Kumbha's home and where he spent his royal life. It is a most attractive place for travellers visiting Chittorgarh because of its attractive and creative architecture.

It is an amazing experience because of the surrounding Lord Shiva temple and the light and sound extravaganza in its complex.

Fateh Prakash Palace

Fateh Prakash Palace

The precincts, which are adjacent to the Rana Khumba palace, which was erected by Rana Fateh Singh, feature modern houses and a small museum. An adjacent school serves the local youngsters (the fort is home to around 5,000 inhabitants). Chittorgarh's palace elevates Rajput splendour to new heights. The building is beautiful, and the layout is ideal.

The existence of a great variety of crystal items, as well as a number of corridors and a magnificent display of Rajasthani paintings, reveals the King's fondness for it. A considerable portion of the fort has now been transformed into a museum, with royal crystal objects occupying a significant portion of the exhibit.

Gau Mukh Kund

The Gomukh Kund, which is located within Chittorgarh fort, is also known as the "Tirth Raj" of Chittorgarh because whenever pilgrims and devotees travel on a tour of different Hindu spiritual destinations, they return to Gomukh kund to complete their holy journey.

Gau Mukh literally translates to "mouth of the cow," since the water comes from a point shaped like a cow's mouth. The natural setting, complete with lush green plants and flowing water, adds to the allure of this location.

Other must-see sights inside the Chittorgarh fort include:

The Meera Temple, also known as the Meerabai Temple, is located near Vijay Sthamba. It was designed in an opulent Indo-Aryan architectural style by Rana Khumba. It is linked to Mirabai, a mystic saint-poet who was a devout follower of Lord Krishna and committed her entire life to his service. Meera Bhajans are lyrical bhajans that she penned and sung. She is said to have escaped poison supplied to her by her nasty brother-in-law thanks to Krishna's blessings.The temple's pinnacle is shaped like a pyramid. The temple presently contains a painting of Meerabai worshipping in front of Krishna.Across from Padmini's Palace is the Kalika Mata Temple.

The old Goddess Tulja Bhavani Shrine, erected by Banvir and dedicated to Goddess Tulja Bhavani, is another temple on the fort's west side. A few antique cannons can still be seen in the courtyard of the Tope Khana (cannon factory), which is located next to this shrine.

How to reach Chitorgarh?

Chittorgarh is a popular tourist location in Rajasthan, and you can reach it by different modes of transport. Travelers can choose the best choice for themselves according to their preferences, travel time, and money.

Chittorgarh by Air

The nearest airport to Chittorgarh Fort is Udaipur's Maharana Pratap airport, which is 95 kilometres distant. If you fly into Maharana Pratap Airport, cabs, buses, and other modes of transportation are available throughout the day from the airport to Chittorgarh. The journey from the airport to the city would take 90 minutes. Direct flights are available from cities such as Mumbai, Jodhpur, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kolkata, New Delhi, and others.

Chittorgarh by Train

Chittorgarh has a major railway station, Chittorgarh Railway Station, that connects it to a number of other cities, including Delhi, Jaipur, Kota, and Ajmer. There are other luxury trains that stop in Chittorgarh, such as Palace on Wheels. Are you planning a regal tour to Rajasthan and the neighbouring areas? The best option is Palace on Wheels. Chanderiya is a less-frequently used railway station in the city.

Chittorgarh by Car

Chittorgarh has a well-developed road network that connects all parts of the city. It is connected by road to other regions such as Jaipur, Delhi, and others. Every day, commercial and public buses run to Chittorgarh from numerous major cities across the state. The Golden Quadrilateral Road Project links the city to a variety of different locations. The city's bus station is located in the heart of Chittorgarh's Old and New cities. Buses to and from Chittorgarh are available in both luxury and cheap options. You can also book a cab from any of the country's major cities.

Where to Stay in Chittorgarh

Travelers of all budgets may enjoy their stay in Chittorgarh's regal city, since there are both exquisite hotels and cheap rooms that provide royal services. Exploring the region would be a fantastic experience, as one will be able to witness the ruins and forts that show the Rajput monarchs' rich history. Continuing the journey by staying in locations that provide exceptional services and facilities will be a fascinating experience that will make the vacation one to remember.

There are a variety of lodging options and locations that provide a luxurious stay as well as a delectable gastronomic experience. Those interested in participating in the activities can spend lavishly at the luxurious hotels that offer a variety of amenities. Two outstanding heritage hotels, Bassi Fort Palace and Castle Bijaipur, are two outstanding heritage hotels where you may unwind in big rooms with ethnic decor. Every traveller can have a comfortable stay in exquisite locations while taking in the scenic views of the region and taking advantage of different royal services.

Along with the luxury and premium hotels, there are also mid-range and budget hotels to choose from, such as the Bhagwati Hotel, Hotel Shree Ji, and Shalimar Hotel, which are all filled with traditional Rajasthani furnishings and all the usual and modern facilities. People who want to experience royal services for a low cost can do so in the lovely region of Chittorgarh.