Chittorgarh
History of Chittorgarh: Chittorgarh is the epitome of Rajput pride and spirit. The fort was built by the Mori Rajput ruler Chitrangada Mori in the 7th century. It served as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom for eight centuries. The city witnessed three major sieges and the legendary ritual of Jauhar. Sacrifice and Bravery: The tales of Rani Padmini and Meera Bai are deeply etched in its walls. Warriors like Bappa Rawal and Maharana Pratap are celebrated for their defiance. The fort remains a symbol of the "unconquerable" spirit of the Rajputs. Ancient Temples: The city houses many 8th-century structures like the Kalika Mata Temple. These temples reflect the early Gurjara-Pratihara style of building. Natural Landscape: Spread over 700 acres, the fort sits atop a 180-meter high hill. It offers a commanding view of the Berach River and surrounding plains.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1-2 DaysPlace Type:
Historical HeritageEntry Fees:
Entrance Fees: For Indian nationals, the entry fee is 40 INR per person. For Foreigners, the cost is 600 INR.
Additional Charges: Sound and Light show costs 100 INR for Indians and 200 INR for foreigners. Photography is free, but professio...Entrance Fees: For Indian nationals, the entry fee is 40 INR per person. For Foreigners, the cost is 600 INR.
Additional Charges: Sound and Light show costs 100 INR for Indians and 200 INR for foreigners. Photography is free, but professional video cameras may require a fee.Timing:
Regular Timings: The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The evening Sound and Light show usually starts after 7:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning hours between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM are best to avoid the heat. Alternatively, late af...Regular Timings: The fort is open from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The evening Sound and Light show usually starts after 7:00 PM.
Ideal Visit Time: Morning hours between 8:00 AM and 11:00 AM are best to avoid the heat. Alternatively, late afternoons provide a cooler climate and better lighting for photography.Special Events:
Jauhar Mela: Held annually in February-March, this fair commemorates the valor of the ancestors. Thousands of locals gather to celebrate their heritage through music and rituals. ...Jauhar Mela: Held annually in February-March, this fair commemorates the valor of the ancestors. Thousands of locals gather to celebrate their heritage through music and rituals.Best Photo Spots:
Vijay Stambha: The best shot is from the base looking up during the golden hour. The intricate carvings appear deep and detailed in the soft sunlight.
Gaumukh Reservoir: The view of the reservoir with the fort walls in the background is ico...Vijay Stambha: The best shot is from the base looking up during the golden hour. The intricate carvings appear deep and detailed in the soft sunlight.
Gaumukh Reservoir: The view of the reservoir with the fort walls in the background is iconic. The green water and stone steps provide a classic heritage look.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
The **Kalika Mata Temple** is one of the oldest and most historically layered structures within the **Chittorgarh Fort**. Its history stretches back to the **8th century CE**, originally constructed as a magnificent **Sun Temple** dedicated to **Surya**, the Sun God, likely commissioned by the **Mori Rajput** rulers. The original Sun Temple was famed for its intricate carvings and architectural brilliance. However, the temple suffered significant damage and desecration during the first siege of **Chittorgarh** by **Alauddin Khilji** in **1303 CE**. It stood partially in ruins for some time before being rebuilt and reconsecrated in the **14th century CE** by **Maharana Hammir Singh** of the **Sisodia** dynasty, who recovered the fort. During this restoration, the temple?s main deity was changed, and an idol of **Kalika Mata** (an aggressive form of **Goddess Durga** or **Kali**, the Hindu goddess of time, power, and destruction) was installed in the sanctum sanctorum (*garbha griha*). This act symbolized the renewed power and fighting spirit of the **Rajputs** after reclaiming their fortress. The temple complex is a beautiful blend of the original ancient architecture and later **Rajput** restoration work. Though much of the original roof structure is gone, the surviving walls, pillars, and carvings on the door frames and lintels offer a rich display of art, depicting various deities, auspicious symbols, and scenes from the **Puranas**. Its close proximity to **Rani Padmini's Palace** and the **Vijay Stambh** makes it a crucial historical and religious nexus within the fort, attracting thousands of devotees and history enthusiasts who come to witness its architectural continuity and historical resilience. ***
@@About Kumbhakaran Hill: Located at the highest point within the Chittorgarh Fort, this hill is named after the legendary Maharana Kumbha. It offers a strategic vantage point that was historically used to monitor enemy movements across the Berach River valley. The area is steeped in stories of Rajputana defiance and military brilliance. Visitors can feel the echoes of the 15th century as they walk through the rugged terrain that once housed royal guards and strategic outposts. The hill provides a 360-degree view of the entire fort complex, making it a favorite for history enthusiasts. It represents the pinnacle of Mewar's territorial dominance. @@Historical Importance: This hill served as the foundation for several structural expansions under Rana Kumbha. It was the site of intense planning during the sieges that defined the fort's history. The elevation provided a natural defense mechanism that made Chittorgarh virtually invincible for centuries. Many local legends suggest that the hill holds underground passages leading to the palaces. Today, it stands as a silent witness to the three Jauhars that took place within the fort walls. The spirit of sacrifice and valor is palpable in the very soil of this elevated ground.The **Chittorgarh Fort** is a mammoth fortress, a **UNESCO** World Heritage Site, and the largest fort in India. Its history spans centuries, with its initial construction attributed to the **Mauryans** in the 7th century AD, though it was later captured by **Bappa Rawal**, the founder of the **Mewar** kingdom. The fort stands as a living testament to the military and architectural genius of the **Rajputs**. Within its massive perimeter wall, which stretches for over 13 km, it encompasses a plethora of historical structures, including palaces, temples, towers, and vast water bodies. The entire complex is a narrative of epic battles, royal opulence, and profound sacrifice. Key attractions within include the **Vijay Stambh** (Victory Tower), **Kirti Stambh** (Tower of Fame), **Rana Kumbha Palace**, and **Padmini's Palace**. The sheer scale and the deeply moving historical context of the fort make it an unparalleled experience, echoing the bravery of the warriors who fought to the last man during the great *Sakas* and the legendary *Jauhars*. The fort is a mandatory pilgrimage for anyone seeking to understand the essence of **Rajput** history. (Word Count: ~150/400)
@@A Biodiversity Hotspot in the Aravalis: The Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary is a pristine natural reserve established in 1983, located at the confluence of the Chambal and Bamani rivers. Spanning over 229 square kilometers, the sanctuary is characterized by its rugged terrain, dense deciduous forests, and deep riverine gorges. It is home to a variety of wildlife, including the Indian leopard, sloth bear, hyena, and chinkara. The sanctuary's unique geography, with the mighty Chambal River flowing through it, provides a rare habitat for aquatic species such as the Gharial and Mugger crocodile. For travelers seeking an offbeat adventure, this sanctuary offers a perfect blend of thrill and tranquility amidst the raw landscapes of southeastern Rajasthan.
The **Archeological Museum** in **Chittorgarh** is located in the beautiful **Fateh Prakash Palace**, which was built by **Maharana Fateh Singh** (1884-1930) in a distinctive European architectural style mixed with Rajput elements. Established in **1968** by the Government of **Rajasthan**, the museum serves as a vital repository of artifacts recovered from the fort and the surrounding **Mewar** region, covering ancient, medieval, and modern eras. The museum?s collection is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich cultural, artistic, and martial heritage of **Chittorgarh**. The exhibits are broadly categorized into sections featuring ancient sculptures, inscriptions, coins, weaponry, paintings, and various architectural fragments retrieved from the fort's ruins. The highlight is often the collection of historical weaponry, including swords, shields, and muskets used by the Rajput warriors. Visitors gain deep insight into the religious, social, and political life of the former kingdom. The palace building itself, a double-storied structure with four beautiful domes, is a significant piece of architecture. The museum also includes a gallery with old photographs and models of the fort?s monuments, aiding visitors in understanding the fort's former glory. It acts as an essential educational and cultural stop within the vast fort complex, providing context and detail to the ruins encountered outside.
@@The Green Wilderness of Sita Mata:@The Sita Mata Wildlife Sanctuary is a sprawling ecological haven spread over 423 square kilometers across the districts of Chittorgarh and Pratapgarh. Declared a protected area in 1979, this sanctuary is unique because it sits at the confluence of three distinct geographical zones: the Aravalli hills, the Vindhyachal ranges, and the Malwa plateau. This geographic diversity results in an incredibly rich variety of flora and fauna that is rare to find elsewhere in Rajasthan. The sanctuary is most famous for its elusive Flying Squirrel, which can be seen gliding between trees after sunset. Legend has it that the sanctuary houses the site of the ancient Valmiki Ashram, where Goddess Sita lived during her exile and gave birth to Luv and Kush. This mythological connection adds a layer of spiritual mystery to the dense teak and bamboo forests. The sanctuary is crisscrossed by perennial rivers like the Jakham and Karmoi, which ensure the forest remains lush even during the drier months. For wildlife enthusiasts, it offers sightings of leopards, hyenas, wild boars, and the rare four-horned antelope. Birdwatchers are particularly drawn here, as the sanctuary is home to over 325 species of birds, including the peacock and various eagles. The terrain varies from rugged hills to deep valleys and flowing rivers, making it a perfect spot for eco-tourism. Unlike many other dry parks in the state, Sita Mata feels like a tropical oasis with its dense canopy and medicinal herbs. Scientists have identified over 100 species of herbs with healing properties here, some of which are endangered. The sanctuary serves as a vital corridor for wildlife movement and a center for conservation in southern Rajasthan. Whether you are a nature photographer or a seeker of legends, this place offers a refreshing escape into the raw beauty of the Indian wilderness. It is a place where the echoes of the Ramayana blend seamlessly with the calls of the wild.
The Rani Padmini Palace is a legendary historical structure located within the massive Chittorgarh Fort. This white three-storied building is famously associated with the exquisite beauty of Queen Padmini, the wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. According to historical accounts and the epic poem 'Padmavat', the Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji became obsessed with the Queen’s beauty and attacked Chittorgarh in 1303. The palace is situated in the middle of a beautiful lotus pond, which provided a natural cooling system and an added layer of security. It was from this palace that Khilji was allegedly allowed to see the reflection of the Queen in a mirror, a moment that changed the course of history. Today, the palace stands as a symbol of grace, sacrifice, and the tragic Jauhar performed by the Queen to protect her honor. Visitors can explore the rooms where the mirrors were once placed and walk through the corridors that whisper tales of a bygone era. The surrounding water moat adds a serene touch to the otherwise rugged atmosphere of the fort. It remains one of the most visited spots for its romantic yet melancholy history.Show All
The **Vijay Stambh** is a towering testament to the military prowess and artistic patronage of **Maharana Kumbha** of Mewar. Built between **1440 AD** and **1448 AD**, it commemorates his spectacular victory over the combined armies of the Sultanates of Malwa and Gujarat, led by **Mahmud Khilji**, in the **Battle of Sarangpur** in **1440**. Dedicated to the Hindu God **Vishnu**, the nine-storey tower is a treasure trove of Hindu iconography, with its walls entirely covered in intricate carvings of gods, goddesses, mythological episodes, and inscriptions. This makes it a remarkable example of Hindu Rajput architecture, often lauded by historians like **Colonel James Todd** as being superior to the **Qutub Minar** in **Delhi**. Its construction took approximately ten years and was supervised by the main architect, **Sutradhar Jaita**, and his three sons. The tower not only narrates the story of **Rana Kumbha**'s triumph but also reflects the religious tolerance of the Mewar rulers, as seen in the presence of Jain Goddess **Padmavati** on the topmost story. It stands as a proud symbol of Rajput bravery and cultural brilliance within the massive **Chittorgarh Fort** complex. ***Information
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Why Famous:
Victory Tower Significance: Vijay Stambha was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate a victory. It is a masterpiece of sculpture and an iconic landmark of India.
Legend of Padmini: The story of Rani Padmini and Alauddin Khalji attracts thousands...Victory Tower Significance: Vijay Stambha was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate a victory. It is a masterpiece of sculpture and an iconic landmark of India.
Legend of Padmini: The story of Rani Padmini and Alauddin Khalji attracts thousands of tourists. The palace where they supposedly met is a major point of interest.
Jauhar Sacrifice: The fort is the site where thousands of women committed self-immolation. This historical event makes it a place of deep reverence and cultural study. -
Architecture:
Fortification Design: The fort is shaped like a giant fish and spans 13 km. It features seven massive gateways called Pols, including Padan Pol and Ram Pol.
The Victory Tower: Vijay Stambha stands 37. 2 meters tall with nine distinct storey...Fortification Design: The fort is shaped like a giant fish and spans 13 km. It features seven massive gateways called Pols, including Padan Pol and Ram Pol.
The Victory Tower: Vijay Stambha stands 37. 2 meters tall with nine distinct storeys. It is decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and celestial bodies.
Mirror Work and Stones: Padmini Palace showcases early Rajasthani palace architecture with stone screens. The use of white marble and plastered stone is evident in the ruins. -
How To Reach:
By Air: The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, 100 km away. Cabs are readily available from the airport to reach Chittorgarh.
By Train: Chittorgarh Junction is a major rail head connected to Delhi, Mumbai, and Jaipur. T... -
Near Tourist Places:
Udaipur (115 km), Bundi (155 km), Kota (175 km), Bassi (25 km), Menal (90 km), Bijaipur (40 km), Nagari (20 km), Sanwariya Seth (40 km), Matrikundiya (50 km), Sita Mata Sanctuary (100 km)
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: Carry sufficient water as exploring the fort requires significant walking. Wear comfortable shoes and use sun protection even in winter.
Accommodation: Stay in heritage hotels near the fort for an authentic experience. B...
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