Chittorgarh - " City Of Pride And Honor " ~ Hello Highways

The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, Chittorgarh is a land of forts, citadels, ruins, and immortal folklore of sacrifice and heroism. Located in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is known for Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India built on a hilltop, spreading over an area of around 700 acres. The magnificent fortress will always be remembered for the courageous self-sacrificing Jauhar performed by Rani Padmini to thwart the conquest of the fort by Alauddin Khilji.

Chittorgarh stands at the helm of Chattari Rajput pride and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles, especially the siege of Alauddin Khilji. Once known for its grandeur and opulence, today, Chittorgarh has left its tales of bravery and betrayal far behind to catch up to commercialization.

Rana Kumbha Palace is the largest structure in Chittorgarh fort, and while it is now a mere tumbledown structure of broken walls and piles of stones, it was once a magnificent three-storied palace with gigantic pillars, maze-like underground tunnels, and intricately designed architecture. The most famous attraction in Chittorgarh fort is the Padmini Palace, named after Queen Padmini herself. Replete with roof pavilions and water moats, the story of Queen Padmini’s valor rings out loud in every corner of this dilapidated building. Other sights to visit in Chittorgarh include the Meera Temple, the Kalika Mata Temple, the Gau Mukh Kund, and the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary.

Best Time To Visit :

Winter is the best time to visit Chittorgarh when the weather stays pleasant and mildly chilling. Monsoon too, however, is a good time to visit here.

Places To Visit :

1.Chittorgarh Fort :

Built by local Maurya rulers (often confused with imperial Maurya Rulers) in 7th century A.D, the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan is one of the largest forts in India. The Chittorgarh Fort, plainly known as Chittor is spread majestically over a hill of 590 feet in height and is spread across 692 acres of land is a fine example of the popular Rajput architecture. The imposing structure of the fort has many gateways built by the later rulers of the Maurya clan. Chittorgarh Fort was previously the capital of Mewar and is now situated in the city of Chittorgarh. Chittorgarh Fort reverberates with tales of heroism and sacrifice and displays the Rajput culture and values in the real sense. Owing to its magnificent edifice, the Chittorgarh Fort has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013.

Chittorgarh Fort

2.Padmini Palace :

Padmini Palace is the palace where Rani Padmini lived after she married Rawal Ratan Singh, the ruler of Mewar Kingdom who ruled between 1302 and 1303 CE. The majestic palace is a historical monument related to the self-sacrifice of Rani Padmini after Chittorgarh was attacked by the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. The two-story monument stands rather strong right at the center of the Chittorgarh Fort elevated on rocky terrain. The fort is surrounded by a lotus pool which adds to the charm of the monument. One can imagine how glorious this site would have been when the royal ladies used it, the pool having colorful lotuses depicting grace and beauty in the rugged Chittor Fort. Those exploring Chittorgarh Fort must visit the Padmini Palace.

Padmini Palace

3.Kalika Mata Temple :

It is one of the most important temples of Chittorgarh and the city's tour isn't complete without a visit to this temple. The splendid sculpture of the temple is what attracts most tourists.

It is dedicated to Kalika an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The entire temple, built on a platform, boasts of Prathira architectural style. The ceiling, pillars, and gates all have intricate designs. Even though the temple is partially in ruins, one will still marvel at its architectural credibility.