Tourist places in and around Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh Fort
This massive fort is perched on a 500 ft high hill and is Chittorgarh's most enduring icon. This is one of Rajasthan's most historical forts, subject to three sieges by different rulers. Within the fort are several palaces, temples and other structures, which render it great significance.
Gateways
The massive fort has a total of seven huge pols or gateways, which are made of heavy stones, which were strong enough to protect from elephant attacks and cannon shots. The Padam Pol is the first gate, followed by Bhairon Pol and Ram Pol, where the defenders Jaimal and Patta fell respectively. The Ram Pol has tiny chattris and a stone bracket to support the arch and cenotaphs dedicated to the two brave soldiers adorn each pol. The eastern entrance is the Suraj Pol or Sun Gate. The Ganesh Pol is located after the Hanuman Pol and thereafter the Jorla Pol and Lakshmana Pol. Especially check out the top of the Jorla Pol, which is connected to the base of the Lakshmana Pol, an architecture not seen elsewhere.
Rana Kumbha's Palace
The fort was the brain-child of Rana Kumbha, hence his palace is understandably the oldest structures here. Enter the palace through the Suraj Pol, to the saqbha or council chamber bordered by a Ganesha Temple and the Zenana. The palace complex also houses smaller chambers, which might have been used by the nobles in the king's court. The central courtyard is the site where Rani Padmini committed jauhar, along with the other women of Chittorgarh, to save them from falling in the hands of the enemy. The palace has intricately carved canopied balconies and a stable-like structure, which must have housed horses and elephants, but is today in ruins.
Fateh Prakash Palace
Located near Rana Kumbha's Palace, this was home to Maharana Fateh Singh. One part of this palace has been converted to museum and houses interesting articles including swords, utensils and royal garments for public viewing.
Open from: 10.00 am-4.00 pm (Friday closed)
Kunwar Pade ka Mahal
This palace housed the prince of Chittor and is the first instance of use of S-shaped arches in Rajput architecture. These arches are also found in the Palace of Rana Ratan Singh, as well as in most temples and step wells constructed later. A special feature of the Kunwar Palace is the excessive use of blue tiles.
Padmini's Palace
This three storeyed white building is surrounded by a pool and crowned by carved chhatris. This is also the historical site where Allauddin got the glimpse of Rani Padmini that set him off towards attacking the fort in order to possess her. Located within the palace complex is Bhimlat Kund, an artificial tank built in memory of the Pandava brother, Bhima.
Palaces of Jaimal and Patta
Jaimal and Patta were among the most renowned and strongest defenders of the Chittorgarh Fort. They resided in what was among the last structures to be constructed in Chittorgarh. These are not really palaces, but simple houses with minimally decorated facades and lack the opulence of the other palaces. Located a little away from these palaces is the three-storeyed now in ruins, Chonda House.
Naulakha Bhandar
This was the storehouse of the royal treasures and wealth of Chittor. It once sported massive walls and towers, but the structure today lies in ruins.
Gaumukh
Located away from the Brahma Temple, the Gaumukh fountain derives its name from its shape, which resembles the mouth of a cow. A tunnel near this leads to the chamber, where Rani Padmini committed jauhar. Within the same complex is the Sammidheshwara Temple, which receives light from four directions. The temple is supported by small pillars and columns and the central chamber is open on all sides, instead of being an enclosed room.
Towers
These towers, two in number, are perhaps the most enduring structures within the fort. The Vijaystambha or Victory Tower is the more popular among the two and is made of limestone and quartz, rising almost 122 ft with nine storeys sporting pillared balconies. The topmost balcony has a sculpture of a young girl surrounded by dancing maids. The fifth floor contains reliefs of the builders of the tower. The Kirtistambha or Tower of Fame was dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara. Also built in quartz and limestone, the tower has seven storeys and intricate carvings of Jain saints adorn the walls.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Located in the Bassi Village, almost 25 kms from Chittorgarh, you would view a profusion of panthers, wild boars, ante¬lopes, mon¬gooses and several migratory birds. If you intimate in advance, you could also enjoy a wildlife tour on horseback.
Bhainsrodgarh Fort
This is credited to be one of the forts, which was never conquered. Located on a 230 ft high rock, its accessibility makes it impregnable. The fort is accessed only by one route, while the remaining three sides open to precarious drops. The fort still houses the original family of Baroli and is not open to the public.
Menal
Located 78 km from Chittor, this is ter.
