Chittorgarh Tourism

Chittorgarh Tourism Named after the massive Chittorgarh Fort, the city of Chittorgarh is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan. Seated on the bank of Berach River, Chittorgarh is also the district headquarters of the same name and it once served as the capital of the Sisodia Clan of Rajputs of Mewar. The major attraction of the city is inarguably Chittorgarh Fort, which is considered the largest fort complex in India with a total area of 700 acres. It was first built in the 7th Century AD by the Maurayans and then was later ruled by the Rajputs and Mughals.

In Chittorgarh Fort, the biggest Rajput Festival, Jauhar Mela is held annually on the anniversary of one of the jauhars (self-immolation of the women of Chittorgarh during three invasions in the fort). The festival commemorates the bravery of Rajput ancestors and all three jauhars. The descendants of the princely families hold a procession to celebrate the festival in Chittorgarh. Other than Jauhar Mela, Chittorgarh also celebrates festivals like Maharana Pratap Jayanti, Meera Mahotsav, Teej, Gangaur, Rang Teras – The Tribal Fair.

Fort Of Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh (Chittaurgarh) is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values.
The fort of Chittor is regarded as one of the most outstanding forts of the country and is indeed the "Pride of Rajasthan State". The formidable fort is perched atop a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres and is a standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittorgarh. It is belived that the fort was build by the Mauryans in 7th century and further strucres were added to it by the successive Mewar rulers.
The one mile long serpentine road to the fort is quite steep and exhastive. The fort is approached through seven huge gateways or 'pols', which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.

Tower of Victory (Vijay Stambh)
Built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities around. It is situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort.There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view of the whole town. When illuminated in the evening, the tower reflects a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing in the camera. The topmost storey features an image of the Jain Goddess, Padmavati. Rana Kumbha also had carved the word "Allah" in Arabic nine times in the third storey and eight times in the eighth.

Tower of Fame (Kirti Stambh)
Dedicated to Adinathji the 1st Jain Teerthankar adorned by the naked figures of the Digambars [Adherents of the Digambar sect who does not believe in covering the natural body] A narrow stairway goes through seven stories of the tower to the top.The tower was built by a Jain merchant Jeeja Bhagerwala during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh for the glory of Jainism which is 22 metre high, 30 feet wide at the base and narrows down to 15 feet at the top. Kirti Stambha is older than another tower in the same fort, known as the Vijay Stambha "Tower of Victory".

Gaumukh Reservoir
Gaumukh Reservoir symbolizes the exuberance of its homely fort more than the fort itself. A deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of the cliff. It is located near temple, and is a complete natural beautyand also feeding fishes here is considered to be an auspicious ritual. The Gaumukh Reservoir is one of the eighty four water bodies of the fort is filled with water to this day. It is believed that after touring various holy places in India, Hindus need to visit the Gaumukh Kund in Chittorgarh to complete their holy journey.

Rana Kumbha Palace
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur, this palace was named after the greatest of the Sisodia's. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar. This place was once the home of the famous bhakti poetess Meerabai.

Padmini Palace
Padmini Palace was once the palatial abode of the exquisitely beautiful Rajput queen, Rani Padmini, the wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. Revered as an epitome of beauty, Rani Padmini was the daughter of a Sinhala ruler Gandharvasen and plays a crucial role in the history of the gallant Rajput warriors. The palace, once the scene of an incident directly responsible for the bettle between Allauddin Khiliji and Rana Ratan Singh, is a distinctly feminine structure that overlooks a pleasant pool.

Meera Temple (Meera Mandir)
Build by Maharana Kumbha in 1449, this lord Vishnu Temple has beautiful idols in its sanctum, mendap and pillars. The Meera temple is constructed to be dedicated to Meera Bai and is a very famous Hindu temple. The splendid work of art on the temple attracts a large number of tourists and also the temple reflects the Indo-Aryan style of architecture which was very famous in those times and is still a part of our cultural heritage. The Meera Bai temple and the Kumbha Shyam temple are both built on the same ground and on the outer side of the Meera Bai temple there is a carved statue of five human bodies with one head which symbolizes the fact that people of all castes and creed are the same and no differences exists.

Kalika Mata Temple (Kalikamata Mandir)
This temple belongs to the 14th century and it is said that the temple which is placed across Padmini Palace was originally a temple which is also called "Temple of the Sun God", which was built here during the 8th century. After the attack by Allaudin Khilji, this temple was destroyed. Dedicated to Goddess Kali also known ak Kalika Mata, this temple is an architectural gem that belongs to the Pratihara times. Thus, this temple is not only a popular religious site but is also quite popular amidst tourists and art lovers.

Fateh Prakash Palace (Government Museum)
Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of morden style. This place has been named Fateh Prakesh after Maharana Fateh Singh. There is a big Ganesh idol, a fountain, and different frescoes which are to be seen to be believed. It is located inside the Chittorgarh Fort. It is now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort. It also exhibits various kinds of weapons which includes daggers, old shields, knives, helmets, axes, uniform of soldiers and farsa. Clay models of local tribes wearing traditional outfits are also a part of the exhibits of the museum.