Chittorgarh Tourism - Rajasthan

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. Today, Chittorgarh is the name for the town below the ancient fort. It lies in the southern part of Rajasthan, 325km from state capital Jaipur. The main attraction here is the fort, which, though now relegated to being a deserted ruin, is still grand and overawing in scope and history. It is spread over 240 hectares on the top of a 591ft-high hill.