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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

Prime Attractions of Chittorgarh

Vijay Stambh

The Victory Tower, 37 metres high, is an imposing structure of nine storeys. With sculptures of a secular nature on the exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440 AD.

Chittorgarh 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.

Fateh Prakash Palace Museum

Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace in Chittorgarh was converted into a museum in the year 1968. It has a great collection of sculptures. Among the important ones are Ganpati (8th - 9th century) from Pangarh and lndra and Ambica statues from Rashmi village of post medieval period.

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.

Government Museum - Chittor

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.

Jaimal and Patta Palaces

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

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.

Kirti Stambh

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.

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.

Padmini's Palace

The Chittorgarh fort perched on a 180 mts. high hill, covering 700 acres, was constructed by Mauryan rulers in the 7th century. In the fort, this palace was built for Queen Padmini whose beauty was responsible for the battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh.

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'

Excursions from Chittorgarh

Bassi Village

(25Km.)
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

(25Km.)
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.

Bijalpur

(40Km.)
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.

Deogarh

(125Km.)
A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.

Matri Kundia Temple

(50Km.)
A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.

Menal

(90Km.)
TThe Menal River runs over a bed of granite slabs and plunges into a cavernous 122 metres deep gorge. On the other side of the broken wall is the temple complex with fascinating carvings on the walls of the shrine that depict various Hindu deities. It is located on the Chittaurgarh-Bundi Road.

Nagari

(20Km.)
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

Sanwariyaji Temple

(40Km.)
On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage spot.

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 Squirre

Climate - Chittorgarh

Summer

43.8°C 23.8° C

Winter

28.37° C 11.6° C

Rainfall

60 - 85 cms.

General Information - Chittorgarh

Location

90-km From Udaipur, Rajasthan

Best Time

September-March

Area

6.5-sq-kms

Altitude

408m

Shopping - Chittorgarh

Where to Shop

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.

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Chittorgarh - India Vacation Packages

Chittorgarh

Prime Attractions of Chittorgarh

Excursions from Chittorgarh

Climate - Chittorgarh

General Information - Chittorgarh

Shopping - Chittorgarh