Travel to Chittorgarh : - By the very name of Chittorgarh springs to the mind the ambience of chivalry and valor. It bears glowing testimony to the bravery with which the Rajputs fought with the past besiegers of the fort, the prime attraction of this town. The genesis of this place (259 km from Jaipur) dates back to seventh century A.D. Attacked thrice during the medieval period, its architectural grandeur speaks eloquently of the past glory of the place.
Tourist Places in Chittorgarh
A massive structure, the Chittorgarh Fort had been cynosure in the eyes of the people of Mewar and thorn in the eyes of the enemies. One has to zigzag one kilometer in order to ascend it. After passing through seven gateways or 'pols', one reaches the main gateway Rampol meaning 'Gate of Ram.' The other gateways are Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and Suraj Pol. Between the second and third gateways there are two chhatris (small domed canopies, supported by pillars), built in honor of two Rajput commanders Jaimal and Patta who were killed during Akbar's siege of the fort in 1567 AD. Akbar was so enamored of their bravery that he got their life-size statues installed at the main entrance of the Agra Fort.
Vijay Stambh -Tower of Victory -
Built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in 1440A.D. This imposing 37 meter high tower with nine storeys is adorned by exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and the scenes depicting the different episodes from the two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharata; a piece-de-resistance during Chittorgarh tour. About 157 narrow steps lead to the terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view of the whole town. When illuminated in the evening, the Tower of Victory produces an intoxicating effect and is the prime tourist attraction of Chittorgarh.
Kirti Stambh - Tower of Fame -
Travel to the 22 meters high Kirti Stambh or 'Tower of Fame' built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century A.D. It is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the 24 Jain Tirthankars ('Fordmakers').
Rana Kumbha's Palace -
Though in ruins, the palace within the Chittorgarh Fort is of great historical and architectural interest adn also forlds within the great culture and heritage of Rajasthan. This palace is of great tourist importance as this was the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh who was saved by the maid Panna, the epitome of supreme sacrifice. It is said that she replaced her son in place of the prince. As a consequence her own son was killed by Banbir. This act of supreme sacrifice is arguably unparalleled in the annals of history. The palace has also the distinction of being the residence of mystic poetess Meera Bai. Tour Chittorgarh to tour the underground cellars of the palace used by Rani Padmini and thousand other women to commit Jauhar.
Kumbha Shyam Temple -
Meera Bai, wife of Prince Bhojraj, was an ardent devotee of Lord Krishna. Associated with the great medieval saint-poetess Meera Bai, this temple was built during the region of Rana Kumbha. A perfect specimen of the Indo-Aryan architecture, the temple is a must see tourist place in Chittorgarh.
Padmini Palace -
Constructed adjacent to the lotus pool, this heritage palace with a historical pavilion changed the course of Chittor's history. So mesmerized was Ala-ud-din Khilji of Delhi Sultanate with the beauty of Queen Padmini, whom the sultan saw only in her reflection on the mirror, that he decided to attack the Chittor city. This ensued a deadly battle between Rana Ratan Singh, husband of Queen Padmini, and the Sultanate army. The battle resulted in the end of Rana Rattan Singh and Queen Padmini together with other women preferred committing jauhar to falling into the hands of the enemy's army.
Kalika Mata Temple -
Tour the Kalika Mata Temple originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century. It was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century A.D. The temple enshrines an image of the goddess Kali - the symbol of power and valor in Hindu mythology.
Hotels in Chittorgarh
There are several good hotels in Chittorgarh, a city in Rajasthan, famous for its history of valor and sacrifice. The best hotels in Chittorgarh are listed below. To know more about hotels in Chittorgarh, or to book a hotel, please fill the form at the end of the page
- Hotel Padmani
- Castle Bijaipur
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