Chittaurgarh Tour
 

The pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular 'chhatris'.

This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was 'Jauhar' - when women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death.

Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD, overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'.

In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a new capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was peformed. Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.


Prime Attractions of Chittorgarh
Vijay Stambh
The Victory Tower, 37 metres high, is an imposing structure of nine storeys. With sculptures of a secular nature on the exterior, it was built by Maharaja Kumbha in commemoration of his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440 AD.

Chittorgarh Fort
The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the literary rulers in 7th century AD. Perched on a height of 180 m high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris' within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism. The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments - all fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The ancient ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in solitude.

Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace in Chittorgarh was converted into a museum in the year 1968. It has a great collection of sculptures. Among the important ones are Ganpati (8th - 9th century) from Pangarh and lndra and Ambica statues from Rashmi village of post medieval period.

Gardens and Parks
Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja Rose Garden at Sawa is just 13-km from Chittaur.

Government Museum - Chittor
The magnificent Prakash Mahal, presently a fine museum with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Closed on Fridays.

Jaimal and Patta Palaces
The ruins of palaces of Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors.

Kalika Mata Temple
Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century, the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century AD, dedicated to the Mother Goddess Kali --the symbol of power and valour.

Kirti Stambh
The22 metres high tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century AD The tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain pantheon.

Meera Bai Temple
The temple where Meera Bai worshipped Lord Krishna is built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions in each corner.

Padmini's Palace
The Chittorgarh fort perched on a 180 mts. high hill, covering 700 acres, was constructed by Mauryan rulers in the 7th century. In the fort, this palace was built for Queen Padmini whose beauty was responsible for the battle between Allauddin Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh.

Rana Kumbha's Palace
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, bring the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed 'Jauhar'

Excursions from Chittorgarh
Bassi Village (25Km.)
Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village with historical forts, temples and 'kunds'. Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A place of great tourist interest.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (25Km.)
50-sq-kms sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Office, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.

Bijalpur (40Km.)
A marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, stands in the village. Presently, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.

Deogarh (125Km.)
A 16th century magnificent fort, near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples.