Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh Capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is located on the banks of river Gambhiri in the Chittorgarh district of Rajasthan. The Chittorgarh fort, from which the city derives its name, stands as a testimony to the Rajput pride and valor. Venue to several glorious battles, the one most remembered was the siege by Ala-ud-din Khilji when rather than falling into the hands of the attackers, the women committed jauhar (self-immolation) while the men went to war.
The Chittorgarh fort was built by the Mauryans in 7th century AD. Standing atop a 180 m high hill, the fort has 22 water bodies, palaces, towers and temples and is is spread over 700 acres. The fort is one of the strongest forts in India and its main attractions are the two commemoration towers, Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh. The former was built to honor the first Jain Tirthankar and the latter was built to commemorate the victory over Mohammed Khilji.
Chittorgarh is also a great place for shopaholics. Visitors can buy metal works, fabrics, handmade toys, leather shoes and jewelry Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Another attraction of the city is the biggest Rajput festival called Jauhar Mela held to honor the sacrifice and bravery of the ancestors and all three jauhars which happened in Chittorgarh fort.
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Fort has a significant place in Indian history. Built by the Maurya Rulers in the 7th century AD, This fort is the largest in India and it is located in Rajasthan State. Spread across 692 acres of land, it is a remarkable example of the then Rajputana architecture Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Today, Chittorgarh Fort is a popular tourist spot filled with the heroic memories of the Rajput Rajas and Kings of the previous. Perhaps this is a major reason why tourists love to come here in great numbers annually. In 2013, Chittorgarh Fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The interesting thing is that Chittorgarh Fort was once known as the “Water Fort” as it had about 84 water bodies. This was way back in history, however. Today, out of these 84 water bodies only about 22 are left Chittorgarh Tour Packages.
The Chittorgarh Fort is also believed to be a haunted site as many lives were lost here due to the Rajput Pratha (a ritual or tradition) of Jauhar. As such, many people avoid visiting the fort during the evening hours.
Padmini’s Palace (Maharani Shri Padmini Palace)
Queen Padmni’s palace is one of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh. This palace was the residing place of Rani Padmini (also hailed as Queen Padmavati) who was the wife of Maharana Rattan Singh, the monarch of the Mewar Kingdom who ruled between 1302 and 1303 CE.
The magnificent palace is a historical landmark connected to Rani Padmini’s act of selflessness after Delhi Sultan Alauddin Khilji stormed Chittorgarh Tourism. Many legends boast the bewildering beauty of Rani Padmini. It is said that her beauty won many hearts. One of which was of Alauddin who challenged to win over Chittor and Maharana Rattan Singh to make Rani Padmini his queen.
The two-story monument is elevated on rocky ground and stands quite strongly in the heart of the Chittorgarh Fort. A lotus pool surrounds the fort, adding to the attraction’s appeal. The pool, with its colourful lotuses portraying grace and beauty in the rocky Chittor Fort, makes one think of how magnificent this location must have been for royal women back in the day.
Visitors from all over the world come to Chittorgarh to see the impressive historical site and learn about the Rajputs of the Mewar Kingdom’s exploits and sacrifices. When Alauddin Khilji attacked the palace, the Rajput women gave their life at the Padmini Palace. Their willingness to battle or die rather than risk dishonour demonstrates their valour and courage. The Padmini Palace, albeit smaller than the other palaces on the grounds, is seen to be lovely and enthralling because of Rani Padmini’s beauty, intelligence, and charm as well as the tragic tale surrounding her demise. When one visits the monument for oneself, the palace’s intriguing history becomes much more apparent.
The Padmini Palace is open for visiting from 8AM to 6PM. One can visit this historic palace on any day since it remains open for all days Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory)
Located 600m away from Kumbha Palace and 8km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower is an imposing historical monument located in Chittorgarh Fort of Rajasthan, India. This is also one of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh.
Maharana Kumbha of Mewar constructed the beautiful Vijaya Stambh in 1448 AD to mark his victory over the combined forces of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Vijay Stambh is a 9-story tower with a height of 37m. Made with red sand stone and white marble, this tower has a balcony on each level Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Rana Kumbha’s court scholar, Atri, began writing an inscription in the uppermost story that provides a thorough chronological chronicle of the lives and accomplishments of the monarchs of Chittaur. His son Mahesh later finished it.
The Rajput-styled Vijay Stambh is adorned with musical instruments, swords, god and goddess representations, and architectural embellishments. The Ramayana and Mahabharata are depicted in intricate sculptures on the tower. The tower is a remarkable example of religious pluralism practiced by the Rajputs Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)
The Kirti Stambh, also known as the Tower of Fame, is a famous and an ancient tower built on the premises of the Fort of Chittorgarh by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Khilji Dynasty.
It is the oldest tower at the premises of the fort and it towers up to 22 meters from the base. Based on the Solanki style of architecture, this tower attracts tourists from all over the world, so don’t miss it.
This seven-story tower, renowned for the elaborate carvings of Digambar, contains a lovely Adinatha statue on the second floor. As one ascends to the top floor, one is treated to breathtaking beautiful vistas of Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
Gaumukh Reservoir (Gau Mukh Kund)
A sacred spring of water called Gaumukh Kund is located on the western side of the renowned Chittorgarh Fort. Gaumukh literally translates to “cow’s mouth.” The water eventually enters the reservoir after passing through the rock fissures Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh. Another well-known sight is the Rani Bindar Tunnel, which is close to this reservoir. This tunnel, according to a tradition, connects to a room below ground where Rani Padmini of Chittorgarh executed “Jauhar” Top 5 Places To Visit In Chittorgarh.
