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From Sawai Madhopur, the Palace on Wheels enters Chittorgarh, the pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh or Chittaurgarh is a saga of valour, tenacity and sacrifice. It is a ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.
Chittorgarh was ravaged three times and its defenders had to make the supreme sacrifice. Chittorgarh Fort is a treasure trove of history and offers travelers an insight into the life of the Great Rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission under them.
Chittorgarh Sightseeing
The main tourist attraction of the town of Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh Fort, which is located on a steep hill beside the modern township. A zigzag ascent of about 1 km through seven gates leads the tourist to its main western gate or Rampol. The main gate on the eastern side of the fort is known as the Surajpol. Though most of the monuments in the fort are in ruins, yet they reflect the glory of its great rulers.
Rana Kumbha Palace is an important spot and it is believed that Queen Padmini had performed jauhar in one of its cellars to save her honour.
The Archeological Museum, the Singa Chowri Temple, and the Fateh Prakash Palace and Museum are some places to visit, adjacent to Rana Kumbha Palace.
The Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main tourist attractions inside the Chittorgarh Fort. It was built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, the ruler of Malwa in 1440. This 37-m, 9-storied tower has a number of balconies at each story, from where the tourist can look at the monuments within the fort. 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 a mirror while she stood behind a pavilion in this palace. Ala-ud-din was so smitten by her beauty that he invaded and sacked Chittorgarh to possess her. The Tower of Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument. This 22-m-high tower, with carvings of Jain deities, was built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader).
Other spots worth visiting are the Bhimtal Tank, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and the 8th-century Kalika Mata Temple.
Getaways from Chittorgarh
Bijaipur, 40 km from Chittorgarh, is an important tourist spot, with its fort converted into a heritage hotel. One can see ancient temples at Menhal, on Bundi-Chittorgarh road, which is 48 km from Bundi. One can also see ancient Hindu and Buddhist monuments at Nagri, which is 17 km north of Chittorgarh.
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