Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is a historical fort located in the city of Chittorgarh in the Indian state of Rajasthan. It is one of the largest forts in India and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The fort was built in the 7th century AD by the Maurya dynasty and has been witness to several important events in Indian history. It has been besieged several times, with the most notable being the Siege of Chittorgarh in 1568 by the Mughal emperor Akbar.

The fort complex includes several palaces, temples, and other structures. The most famous of these are the Kirti Stambh and the Vijay Stambh. The Kirti Stambh, or Tower of Fame, is a seven-story tower that is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Jain deities. The Vijay Stambh, or Tower of Victory, is a nine-story tower that was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa.

Other notable structures in the fort complex include the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, the Padmini Palace, and the Kalika Mata Temple. The Rana Kumbha Palace is known for its architectural beauty and is where the legendary Rajput warrior, Maharana Pratap, was born.

The Chittorgarh Fort is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan and attracts visitors from all over the world. It is known for its impressive architecture, rich history, and stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

History

The history of Chittorgarh Fort dates back to the 7th century when it was built by the Maurya dynasty. Over the centuries, it was ruled by several different Rajput clans, including the Guhilots, Sisodias, and Gehlots. The fort served as the capital of the Sisodia dynasty of Mewar for several centuries.

Chittorgarh Fort has been a witness to several important events in Indian history. One of the most notable of these events was the Siege of Chittorgarh in 1568, when the Mughal emperor Akbar attacked the fort. The siege lasted for several months and resulted in the deaths of thousands of Rajput warriors and civilians. The women of the fort performed jauhar, a ritual of self-immolation, to avoid being captured by the Mughals.

The fort was also the birthplace of the legendary Rajput warrior, Maharana Pratap. He was a 16th-century king of Mewar who fought against the Mughals in several battles. His most famous battle was the Battle of Haldighati, which was fought in 1576 against the Mughal emperor Akbar’s forces. Although Maharana Pratap lost the battle, he is still remembered as a hero in Rajasthan.

Chittorgarh Fort has also been a center of art and culture. It is known for its architecture, which includes several palaces, temples, and other structures. The fort has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a popular tourist destination in Rajasthan.

How will you gain access?

Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur is the closest airport to Chittaur. There are daily flights connecting to Delhi, Mumbai, Jodhpur, and Jaipur. Chittaur station has fabulous links with Jaipur, Udaipur, and Delhi by the Chetak Express. By road, the city is connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Udaipur. NH 8 connects Jaipur and Delhi to NH 79 at Ajmer. From Ajmer, Chittaur is a 3¾-hour drive. Chittaurgarh is a 2½-hour drive from Udaipur.

What are the timings and the entry charges?

The visiting hours of the Chittaurgarh Fort are from 10-00 hours to 16-30 hours. The entry fee for Indians is Rs 5, while for foreigners it is Rs 100.

What goes behind the architecture?

The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the fantastic examples of the Rajput style of architecture. The gigantic structure of the fort has seven enormous gateways namely the Padan Pol, the Bhairon Pol, the Hanuman Pol, the Ganesha Pol, the Jolla Pol, the Lakshman Pol, and the Ram Pol. The main attractions within the fort are the ‘KirtiStambh, (Tower of Fame) and the ‘Vijay Stambh’ (Tower of Victory). Apart from these, there are a number of temples, reservoirs, and palaces dating between the 9th and 17th centuries.

Things to do

There are several things to do at Chittorgarh Fort, some of which are:

1. Explore the Fort Complex: The fort complex is vast and has several structures, including palaces, temples, and other buildings. Exploring the complex and learning about its history is an exciting experience.
2. Visit the Kirti Stambh: The Kirti Stambh, or Tower of Fame, is a seven-story tower that is adorned with intricate carvings depicting Jain deities. It is a must-visit attraction at the fort.
3. See the Vijay Stambh: The Vijay Stambh, or Tower of Victory, is a nine-story tower that was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Sultan of Malwa. The tower is an impressive piece of architecture and offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape.
4. Visit the Rana Kumbha Palace: The Rana Kumbha Palace is known for its architectural beauty and is where Maharana Pratap was born. It is a great place to learn about the history of the fort and the Rajput dynasty.
5. Explore the Padmini Palace: The Padmini Palace is a beautiful palace that overlooks a lake. It is said that Alauddin Khilji saw a reflection of Rani Padmini in the lake and was mesmerized by her beauty, which led to the Siege of Chittorgarh.
6. Attend the Light and Sound Show: The fort hosts a light and sound show in the evening, which depicts the history of the fort and the bravery of the Rajput warriors. The show is a great way to learn about the fort’s history in an engaging way.
7. Trek to the top of the fort: The fort is located on a hill and offers fantastic views of the surrounding landscape. Trekking to the top of the fort is a great way to experience the beauty of the area.

Attraction around Chittorgarh Fort

There are several attractions around Chittorgarh Fort that are worth visiting. Some of them are:

Rana Sanga’s Palace:

This palace is located near the fort and was built by Rana Sanga, a 16th-century Rajput warrior. The palace is known for its beautiful architecture and is a great place to learn about the history of the region.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary:

This sanctuary is located about 40 km from the fort and is home to several species of wildlife, including panthers, sloth bears, and antelopes. The sanctuary is a great place for nature lovers and offers trekking and safari opportunities.

Menal Waterfalls:

These waterfalls are located about 50 km from the fort and are known for their scenic beauty. The waterfalls are surrounded by lush green forests and are a great place to relax and unwind.

Sanwariyaji Temple:

This temple is located about 40 km from the fort and is dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and is a popular pilgrimage site.

Bhainsrorgarh Fort:

This fort is located about 80 km from the Chittorgarh Fort and is known for its stunning architecture and scenic location. The fort has been converted into a heritage hotel and is a great place to stay and experience the royal lifestyle of Rajasthan.

Nagri:

Nagri is a village located about 20 km from the fort and is known for its beautiful temples and architecture. The village is a great place to experience the rural lifestyle of Rajasthan and learn about the local culture.

Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary:

This sanctuary is located about 100 km from the fort and is home to several species of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, and deer. The sanctuary is a great place for wildlife enthusiasts and offers trekking and safari opportunities.

Where to Stay

There are several accommodation options available near Chittorgarh Fort, ranging from budget to luxury. Some of the popular options are:

1. Hotel Castle Narela: This is a luxury hotel located near the fort and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The hotel is known for its comfortable rooms, excellent service, and modern amenities.
2. Hotel Padmini: This is a budget hotel located near the fort and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The hotel is ideal for budget travelers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay.
3. Lake Nahargarh Palace: This is a heritage hotel located about 25 km from the fort and is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic location. The hotel is ideal for those who want to experience the royal lifestyle of Rajasthan.
4. Hotel Meera: This is a mid-range hotel located near the fort and offers comfortable rooms and modern amenities. The hotel is known for its excellent service and friendly staff.
5. Hotel Pratap Palace: This is a budget hotel located near the fort and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The hotel is ideal for budget travelers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay.
6. The Lal Bagh Palace: This is a heritage hotel located about 30 km from the fort and is known for its beautiful architecture and scenic location. The hotel is ideal for those who want to experience the royal lifestyle of Rajasthan.
7. RnB Chittorgarh: This is a budget hotel located near the fort and offers comfortable rooms at an affordable price. The hotel is ideal for budget travelers who are looking for a clean and comfortable place to stay.

FAQ

Sure, here are some frequently asked questions about Chittorgarh Fort:

What is Chittorgarh Fort?

Chittorgarh Fort is a historical fort located in the city of Chittorgarh in Rajasthan, India. The fort is known for its rich history and architectural beauty and is a popular tourist attraction.

What is the best time to visit Chittorgarh Fort?

The best time to visit Chittorgarh Fort is between the months of October and March when the weather is pleasant and ideal for sightseeing.

How long does it take to explore Chittorgarh Fort?

It takes around 3-4 hours to explore the fort complex and its major attractions.

Are there any entry fees to visit Chittorgarh Fort?

Yes, there are entry fees to visit Chittorgarh Fort, which vary depending on the visitor’s nationality. Indian nationals are charged a nominal fee, while foreign nationals are charged a higher fee.

Is it safe to visit Chittorgarh Fort?

Yes, it is safe to visit Chittorgarh Fort. However, visitors are advised to take basic safety precautions and be careful while exploring the complex.

What are the major attractions inside Chittorgarh Fort?

The major attractions inside Chittorgarh Fort include the Kirti Stambh, Vijay Stambh, Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini Palace, and several temples.

Can I hire a guide to explore Chittorgarh Fort?

Yes, visitors can hire a guide to explore Chittorgarh Fort. Guides are available at the entrance of the fort complex and can provide valuable information about the fort’s history and attractions.