Tourist places in and around Chittaurgarh
Both unmetered taxi and tonga can be hired from either the railway station or the bus station. Bicycle can also be rented to visit the fort.
Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture.
Standing tall in one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, the Chittaurgarh Fort perched on a 152-m-high rocky hill. The Chittaurgarh Fort epitomises the doomed romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput warriors who sacrificed their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission.
The fort with its impressive location and colourful history is the main source of attraction in Chittor town. Named after Chittrangad Mauraya, the fort is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. The Sisodia ruler Ajay Pal (1174-1177 AD) improvised the fort wall built by the Gahlot king in the ninth century AD. The immense stretch of the walls and the ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism. The Chittaurgarh Fort witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought valiantly against the enemies.
With the modern town of Chittor at the foot of the hill, imposing Chittaurgarh Fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.
The legend of Chittaurgarh Fort still lingers with the story of Queen Padmini and Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi, who was besotted with her beauty. According to legend, it was because of the beautiful Padmini that Chittaurgarh was sacked the first time. Ala-ud-din Khilji is said to have been so carried away by Padmini's beauty that he attacked Chittor in order to possess her. This led to the first bitter and bloody siege of the Chittaurgarh Fort and the subsequent mass suicide.
The main places of interest within the precincts of the fort are the two towers known as the ‘ Kirti Stambh' (Tower of Fame) and the ‘Vijay Stambh' (Tower of Victory). Besides these, there are several temples, reservoirs, and palaces originating between the 9th and 17th centuries AD. There is also a big complex of Jain temples within the fort.
The formidable fort perched atop a 180 metre high hillock covers a huge area of 700 acres. It is said to be originally built by the Mauryans in 7th century and later developed by the successive Mewar rulers. The citadel was ravaged thrice, but each time the indomitable spirit of chittaur rose like a phoenix and regained its lost glory. In 1303, it was first Padmini. But, Rani Padmini preferred death to dishonour and committed Jauhar (self immolation), along with other ladies of the court. Chittaurgarh was plundered again in 1535, by Bahadur shah of Gujarat and fibally in 1567, by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort is approached through seven huge gateway or ‘Pols', which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors, some of the important
The 22 metre high tower was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Adinath Rishabedeo, the first Jain tirthankar. The intricately carved structure is full of figures from Jain pantheon.
It was erected by Rana Kumbha in 1440, to commemorate his victory over the combined forces of the kings of Malwa and Gujarat. The nine storeyed tower rises to a height of 120ft (36.5mts) and has a firth of 30ft. at the base. It is ornately carved with splendid sculptures of Hindu deities.
The Temple of Adabadji (1483) has another three-faced image of Shiva; more unusual is the external sculpture of a woman seated on a camel and writing a letter! Outside Surajpol (Sun Gate) is the earlier approach to the fort, also with seven gates. On a low ridge is a shooting tower - perhaps the one Akbar built to mark the centre of his camp and from which he directed his siege.
The ‘Zanana Mahal' of the palace overlooks a pond of water, where allaudin Khilji is said to have seen the reflection of Rani Padmini.
Gyan Bhandar a library founded in 1500 AD. by Acharya Maharaj Jin Bhadra Suri. This small underground vault houses priceless ancient illustrated manuscripts, some dating from the 11th century. Other exhibits include astrological charts and the Jain version of the Shroud of Turin: the Shroud of Gindhasuri, a Jain hermit and holy man who died in Ajmer. In a small locked cabinet are the images of Parasnath made of ivory and various precious stones including emerald and crystal. There are plans to shift the library outside the present location within the Jain temple so it can be visited.
Hot Attraction
Chittorgarh Fort
A standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock, covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th century AD.Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture.
Standing tall in one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, the Chittaurgarh Fort perched on a 152-m-high rocky hill. The Chittaurgarh Fort epitomises the doomed romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput warriors who sacrificed their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission.
The fort with its impressive location and colourful history is the main source of attraction in Chittor town. Named after Chittrangad Mauraya, the fort is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. The Sisodia ruler Ajay Pal (1174-1177 AD) improvised the fort wall built by the Gahlot king in the ninth century AD. The immense stretch of the walls and the ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism. The Chittaurgarh Fort witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought valiantly against the enemies.
With the modern town of Chittor at the foot of the hill, imposing Chittaurgarh Fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.
The legend of Chittaurgarh Fort still lingers with the story of Queen Padmini and Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi, who was besotted with her beauty. According to legend, it was because of the beautiful Padmini that Chittaurgarh was sacked the first time. Ala-ud-din Khilji is said to have been so carried away by Padmini's beauty that he attacked Chittor in order to possess her. This led to the first bitter and bloody siege of the Chittaurgarh Fort and the subsequent mass suicide.
The main places of interest within the precincts of the fort are the two towers known as the ‘ Kirti Stambh' (Tower of Fame) and the ‘Vijay Stambh' (Tower of Victory). Besides these, there are several temples, reservoirs, and palaces originating between the 9th and 17th centuries AD. There is also a big complex of Jain temples within the fort.
The formidable fort perched atop a 180 metre high hillock covers a huge area of 700 acres. It is said to be originally built by the Mauryans in 7th century and later developed by the successive Mewar rulers. The citadel was ravaged thrice, but each time the indomitable spirit of chittaur rose like a phoenix and regained its lost glory. In 1303, it was first Padmini. But, Rani Padmini preferred death to dishonour and committed Jauhar (self immolation), along with other ladies of the court. Chittaurgarh was plundered again in 1535, by Bahadur shah of Gujarat and fibally in 1567, by the Mughal emperor Akbar. The fort is approached through seven huge gateway or ‘Pols', which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors, some of the important
monuments inside the fort are:-
Kirti Stambh or ‘Tower of Fame'
The Kirti Stambh is a seven-storied structure with a cramped stairway of 54 steps. It is 30 feet at the base and narrows down to 15 feet at the top and is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside. It is dated approximately around the 12th century AD. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara or spiritual teacher, Adinath, and has an impressive five-feet-high statue of the saint.The 22 metre high tower was built in the 12th century and is dedicated to Lord Adinath Rishabedeo, the first Jain tirthankar. The intricately carved structure is full of figures from Jain pantheon.
Vijaya Stambh or ‘Victory tower'
Victory TowerHowever, the most imposing structure within the Chittaurgarh Fort is the Vijay Stambh. This tower can even be seen from the town, which is located below the fort. This exemplary piece of architecture stands on a pedestal of 47 square feet and 10 feet high, while the tower alone stands at a height of 122 feet and is 30 feet wide at the base. There are 157 steps and the stairs are circular. It is believed that the tower took 10 years to be completed. The tower was built around the 15th century AD, by Rana Kumbha, one of the most powerful Mewar kings. The tower was built to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. The entire structure is covered with sculptures of Hindu deities and episodes from the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, with names given below each piece of sculpture.It was erected by Rana Kumbha in 1440, to commemorate his victory over the combined forces of the kings of Malwa and Gujarat. The nine storeyed tower rises to a height of 120ft (36.5mts) and has a firth of 30ft. at the base. It is ornately carved with splendid sculptures of Hindu deities.
Sammidheshwara Temple
The Sammidheshwara Temple is near this tower. Gaumukh reservoir and the palace of Queen Padmini are important spots to the south of the Rana Kumbha Palace. According to legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in this palace. A big water reservoir with water gushing out of a rock shaped in the form of cow's mouth called ‘ Gaumukh' is close to the opening of the cave where Rani Padmini and the other women are believed to have performed jauhar. Other spots worth visiting are the Bhimtal Tank, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and Kalika Mata Temple dating back to the 8th century.Meera Temple
It is dedicated to Meera Bai, a mystic poetess and a great devotee of Lord Krishna. She was married to Bhojraj, the son of Rana Sanga of Mewar.Kumbha Shyam Temple
The temple of Varah (Boar), an incarnation of Lord Vishnu was built by Rana Kumbha in 1448. It is also associated with Meera Bai.Kalika Mata Temple
The temple of Goddess Kali was originally built as a sun temple by Bappa Rawali in the 8th century.Govt. Museum, Fatesh Prakash Mahal
It exhibits a rare and rich collection of sculptures from the fort and the temples.Padmini's Palace
The padmini Palace is the setting of a legend both romantic and tragic. It is related that Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, became infatuated by Padmini, wife of the Rana's uncle, and laid siege to the fort to claim her in marriage. Eventually he agreed to be bought off by a glimpse of her face, though because of purdah this could not be direct. The room of the palace which projects into the tank is circular inside and has four mirrors in its domed ceiling. The steps of the water pavilion, supposedly the women's summer retreat, can be seen through the one over the door and this is reputedly how Padmini revealed herself to Ala-ud-din. Rajput soldiers with swords drawn stood either side and behind him to make sure he did not turn round for a direct view. Ala-ud-din reneged on the deal and renewed the siege, leading to the first jauhar and sack in 1303.The Temple of Adabadji (1483) has another three-faced image of Shiva; more unusual is the external sculpture of a woman seated on a camel and writing a letter! Outside Surajpol (Sun Gate) is the earlier approach to the fort, also with seven gates. On a low ridge is a shooting tower - perhaps the one Akbar built to mark the centre of his camp and from which he directed his siege.
The ‘Zanana Mahal' of the palace overlooks a pond of water, where allaudin Khilji is said to have seen the reflection of Rani Padmini.
Rana Kumbha's palace
Rani Padmini is said to have committed Jauhar in one of the underground cellars of the palace. The palace although in ruins, reflects the tastes of Rana Kumbha, one of the greatest Mewar rulers.Golden Fort with 99 bastions
Known as SONAR QUILA or the Golden fort, rising from the sand, the mega structure merges with the golden hues of the desert ambience and the setting suns in its most colourful shades gives it a fairy tale look. Its simply a magic. The bastions envelop a whole township that consists of palace complex various security sources and the Havelis of rich merchants.Salim Sing Ki Haveli
This Haveli was built about 300 years ago and a part of it is still occupied. Salim Singh was the prime minister when Jaisalmer was the capital of the princely state and his mansion has a beautifully arched roof with superb carved brackets in the form of Peacocks.Patwon ki Haveli
This is one of the largest and most elaborate Haveli in Jaisalmer and stands in a narrow lane. It is five storeys high and is extensively carved. It is divided into six apartments, two owned by archaeological Survey of India, two by families who operate craft-shops and two private homes. There are remnants of paintings on some of the inside walls as well as some mirror work.Nathumal ki Haveli
Two architect brothers built it in the 19th century. Interestingly, while one concentrated on the right, the other concentrated on the left and the result is a symphony epitomising the side-by-side symmetry during construction. Paintings in miniature style monopolise the walls in the interior. Mighty tuskers carved out of yellow sandstone stand guard to the Haveli.TaziaTower
The delicate pagoda like Tazia Tower rises from Badal Mahal (Cloud Palace). Rising in its five-tiered splendour, with each storey graced by a delicately carved balcony, the tower is of historical significance. Muslim craftsmen built it in the shape of a Tazia and gifted it to their royal patron.Mool Sagar
On way to Sam Sand Dunes, is another natural point. Lake, Garden, summer palaces constructed by Maharawal Mool Raj in 18th Century.Gadisar Lake
This tank, south of the city walls, once held the town water supply, and befitting its importance in providing precious water to the inhabitants of this arid city, it is surrounded by small temples and shrines. The beautiful yellow sandstone gateway arching across the road down to the tank is the Tilon-ki-Pol, built by a famous prostitute, Tilon. When she offered to pay to have this gateway constructed, the Maharaja refused permission under it to go down to the tank and he felt that this would be beneath his dignity. While he was away, she built the gate, adding a Krishna temple on top so that king could not tear it down.Gyan Bhandar a library founded in 1500 AD. by Acharya Maharaj Jin Bhadra Suri. This small underground vault houses priceless ancient illustrated manuscripts, some dating from the 11th century. Other exhibits include astrological charts and the Jain version of the Shroud of Turin: the Shroud of Gindhasuri, a Jain hermit and holy man who died in Ajmer. In a small locked cabinet are the images of Parasnath made of ivory and various precious stones including emerald and crystal. There are plans to shift the library outside the present location within the Jain temple so it can be visited.