India Tourism

Chittorgarh: Land of Rajput legends

  In Rajasthan, no place is more starkly associated with the legendary valour, chivalry and romance of the Rajputs than Chittorgarh, a historical-industrial town located about 300 km south-west of Jaipur. For tourists, a visit to Rajasthan is never complete without a sojourn to Chittorgarh, where the valour of legendary Rajput rulers of the Sisodia dynasty, such as Rana Kumbha, Rana Sanga and Maharana Pratap and the audacious queen Padmini, are etched in the historic palaces and sacred walls of its formidable hilltop fort.

OTHER ATTRACTIONS

Chittorgarh Fort: This massive fort perched atop an 180-metre-high hillock and spread over 700 acres is the most important tourist site in Chittorgarh. A mile-long serpentine and steep road leads to the fort through seven huge gateways or 'pols', which are guarded by watchtowers and massive iron spiked doors. The fort once had 84 water bodies but only 24 exist today. It has been estimated that these reservoirs can hold up to 4 billion litres of water and an army of 50,000 could live in the fort for four years without fear of thirst!

Tower of Victory: Maharana Kumbha built this 9-storyed tower in 1440 to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji. It is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities on all sides. The balconies on the terrace afford a beautiful aerial view of the town. The tower is illuminated in the evening, and is a sight to behold.

Tower of Fame: This 22-metre-high, 7-storey tower was built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century and is dedicated to Adinathji, the first Jain Teerthankar, or apostle. Other important monuments in Chittorgarh Fort include the palaces of Rana Kumbha and Queen Padmini.

Meera Temple: Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, this temple was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1449. Beautiful idols of gods and goddesses adorn the sanctum, mandap and pillars. A small temple of Lord Krishna also exists here.

Kalika Mata Temple: This 8th century temple was originally dedicated to the sun god but around 14th century, Goddess Kali began to be worshipped here.

Fateh Prakash Palace: This modernstyle palace was built by Maharana Fateh Singh and is adorned with a big idol of Lord Ganesh, a fountain, and priceless frescoes. It currently houses a museum that has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort.

Jain Temples: Chittorgarh Fort holds six Jain temples, the largest and the most important being the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha. This temple site is also known as 'Sattavish Devri', suggesting that once there were 27 temples here.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: Located 5 km from the fort, this sanctuary is dotted with a series of tableland, gentle slopes and vast streches of large lakes is home to panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. Entry is by prior permission.

Deogarh: Located near Pratapgarh, this 16th century fort is famous for its palaces with their ornate murals and Jain temples.
Bijaipur: This village is famous for a marvelous castle  now a heritage hotel  that was built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap.

Sita Mata Sanctuary: According to legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama, stayed in Rishi Valmiki's ashram in this thickly wooded jungle on the Aravalli ranges after Lord Rama exiled her. This jungle is home to the leopard, hyena, jungle fox, porcupine, sambhar, wild boar, four-horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.

Menal: Located on on the Bundi-Chittaur road, this town is famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque waterfalls and dense forests as also very low temperatures during winter.

Bijolia: This city on the Bundi-Chittorgarh road in Bhilwara district is famous for its fort, which was once a famous centre for art and architecture and held several beautiful Shiva temples.

Mandalgarh: Located about 54 kms from Chittorgarh, Mandalgarh is famous for its fort that was once the scene of many a fierce battle during the medieval times. It is also considered the oldest fort in Rajasthan.

Nagri: Situated north of Chittorgarh, this town dates back to the Mauryan times in the ancient period and has historical significance.

TOURIST INFORMATION

How to reach

By Air: Nearest all-weather airport to Chittorgarh is at Udaipur, about 100 km away.
By Rail: Chittorgarh is well-linked by rail to Delhi and other important cities.
By Road: Well-connected by road from Delhi and other important cities.

Climate

Winter: Maximum temperature is 28 degrees Celsius, minimum is 7 degrees Celsius.
Summer: Maximum temperature is 45 degrees Celsius; minimum is 25 degrees.

Best time to visit: Between October and March.

Where to stay
•  Hotel Padmini
•  Hotel Pratap Palace
•  RTDC Hotel Panna
•  Hotel Gaurav Palace

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