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Tour to Chittaurgarh
General Information
In Summer: 43.8 C (Max) - 23.8 C (Min) In winter: 28.37 C (Max) - 11.6 C (Min)
Rainy Season: July to Mid Sept, and very humid (upto 90%)
Best Season: Oct to March
The tale of Chittaurgarh in the north Indian state of Rajasthan is an epic saga of valor, tenacity and sacrifice. Chittaurgarh (also spelled Chittorgarh) is a storehouse f history and offers to the traveler a glimpse into the life of the Great Rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of capitulation under them. The hilltop fortress of Chittaurgarh reverberates with the romantic, ill-fated ideal of Rajput chivalry. Today, the Chittaurgarh Fort is a derelict, tranquil wreck standing on a 280 sq area atop a 180m hill bulging abruptly from the surrounding plain region. This historic monument, which commemorates heroism, is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture.
» Chittaurgarh History
Alauddin Khilji was the first to ransack Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the royal beauty, queen Padmini. Legends enumerate that Alauddin Khilji saw the reflection of her face in a mirror and was taken over by her enchanting charisma. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed ‘Jauhar’(the act of burning in the pyre).
In 1533 A.D., occurred the second attack on Chittaur from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat, during the rule of Bikramjeet. Once again Rani Karanavati, a Bundi princess, commited ‘Jauhar’. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaurgarh to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the fortress. He learnt from his vexing childhood that prudence is preferred to valor. So in 1567 A.D. 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 exhibited true and exceptional Rajput chivalry and died after ‘Jauhar’ was performed. Immediately after this Mughal emperor Akbar annihilated the fort to debris. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always stood high owing to the heroic spirit of the Rajputs.
» Tourist Attractions in Chittaurgarh
Chittaurgarh Fort: Chittaurgarh Fort bears witness to the gallantry of the great Rajput rulers who chose to lay down their lives fighting a superior enemy rather than live a life of subjugation. The Chattaurgarh fort is nestled on a hill that overlooks the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine exemplar of the graceful and exquisite Rajput architectural style. Standing tall in one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, the Chittaurgarh Fort is balanced on a 152-m-high rocky hill.
Vijay stambh (Victory Tower): The most arresting structure within the Chittaurgarh Fort is the Vijay Stambh (Victory tower). This tower can be seen even from the town located below the fort. This excellent piece of grand architecture stands on a podium 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.
Rana Kumbha's Palace: Located in the Chittorgarh Fort, the Rana Kumbha Palace is a remarkable architectural masterpiece. This place can attributed to be the most perfect representation of the celebrated and audacious past of the Rajuputs. Tripolia is the main gateway, which leads to the famous historical palace.Padmini Palace: The Padmini Palace constructed adjacent to a lotus pool is another places worth seeing within the Chittorgarh fort. Chittaurgarh fort has a legend attached to it. Ala-ud-din Khilji saw the reflection of Queen Padmini in the lotus pool. He was so mesmerized by her elegance and beauty that he fought a furious battle with Maharana Ratan Singh (husband of Maharani Padmini) in an attempt to possess the queen. This battle changed the history of Chittorgarh.
Government Museum: The marvelous Fateh Prakash Mahal has been converted into a museum, which accommodates a rich collection of unique sculptures from the forts and the temples. Other important places worth visiting in Chittaugarh are the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary goddess of the scribes), temple of Annapurna, the Naulakha Bhandar or Nine Lakh treasury, Singar Chaori, depicting inscriptions which date back to 1448 AD, Sat-bis- Deori , the old Jain temple etc.
Kalika Mata Temple: Kalika mata temple is a temple dedicated to goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valor. Originally it was built as a sun temple in the 8th century and was converted to Kali temple in the 14th century.» Shopping in Chittaurgarh
Chittaurgarh is a city, which epitomizes a history of gallantry and forfeit. Chittorgarh is also known for its atypical shopping items and its shopping destinations offer an interesting experience to the tourists. A Chittorgarh shopping excursion would include items like metal ware, fabrics, thewa jewelry (gold designs embedded in glass), colorful leather jutis (embroidered camel leather shoes), akola fabrics (painted with vegetable dyes), wooden painted toys (from Bassi village) etc. for which the city is famous.
» How to Reach Chittaurgarh
By Air: Udaipur is the nearest airport. Daily flight form Delhi, Mumbai, Jaipur and Lucknow are available to Udaipur.
By Train: Chittaurgarh has rail links with Ahmedabad, Chittaurgarh, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota, Alwar and Delhi.
By Bus: Rajasthan Roadways run very comfortable deluxe and air-conditioned buses from Jaipur to Chittaurgarh. It is also connected by road to Delhi, Mount Abu, Chittaurgarh, Bundi and Udaipuri.