Chittorgarh Sightseeing, Quick Facts, History, Packages, Tours & Excursions

Sightseeing Highlights:

Most of Chittorgarh's magnificent monuments - palaces, temples and towers - are situated in Chittorgarh Fort, which can be accessed through a 1km-long ascent that leads through seven gateways to reach the main gate, called Rampol. Jaimal and Kalla, the heroes of the 1568 siege by Akbar, are honoured by two chhatries (cenotaphs) between the second and third gates. The other main gate of the fort is on its eastern side and is Surajpol. The Rana Kumbha Palace is considered to be one of the most impressive palaces in the fort. It is believed that the palace has underground basements where Rani Padmini and other women performed jauhar. A part of the Fateh Prakash Palace was converted into the Government Museum in 1968. Vijay Stambha, or Tower of Victory, is a nine-storey, 121ft-high structure which was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440AD to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji. The tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities. Built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century, Kirti Stambh, a seven-storeyed, 72ft-high tower, is dedicated to Adinathji, the first Jain teerthankar. Padmini's Palace is built close to the lotus pond where Ala-ud-din Khilji apparently saw a reflection of Rani Padmini in his mirror, so enamouring him that he attacked the fort in a bid to capture her. A good example of Rajput architecture, the Meera Bai Temple was built during the rule of Maharana Kumbha and was later given to Meera Bai, the legendary devotee of Lord Krishna.

For excursions around Chittorgarh, visit Menal (90km away) on the Bundi-Chittaur road, the 423sq km Sita Mata Sanctuary in Dhariyavad, the 16th century Deogarh Fort (125km away), the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary in village Bassi, 25km from Chittorgarh, and Bijalpur (40km away), a grand castle which is now a heritage hotel.

Activities:

Shopping for genuine Rajasthani artifacts is popular with visitors to Chittorgarh. Look for metal ware, fabrics, thewa jewellery (gold designs embedded in glass), colourful leather jutis and Akola fabrics. These are available at Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk and Station Circle. Sculptures and wooden painted toys from Bassi village are also sought after.

Department of Tourism, Art & Culture

Government of Rajasthan

Tourist Reception Office

Janta Avas Grih

Chittorgarh

Tel. - (91)-01472-41089

Bastion of Mewar rulers from the 8th to the 16th centuries, Chittorgarh is dominated by its fort, which has been witness to many a bloody battle, with its inhabitants preferring death to dishonour. It is here that the Ranis of Rajasthan undertook jauhar or self-immolation, rather than surrender to marauders. It is also the site of the famous battle of Haldighati.

According to the history books, Chittorgarh was founded during the rule of the Maurya dynasty, and came to be the capital of the Mewars only from 734AD onwards with Bappa Rawal as its first Mewar sovereign. Through its history, Chittorgarh has been overpowered thrice; in 1303 by Ala-ud-din Khilji; by Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, in 1535; and by Emperor Akbar in 1568 after which it gradually lost its importance. It is a place synonymous with Rajput valour and honour.