Chittorgarh, also called Chittaur, from the 7th century to the 16th, was the capital of

Mewar under the Rajputs. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by
Rajput men and women in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders
from Northwest or Delhi. Chittaur witnessed both the ravages of war and the triumphs
of the spirit. Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in
1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of
fire rather than submit to anybody. This supreme sacrifice has been called 'Jauhar' and
epitomizes the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. The city stands strewn with
monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through in
medieval times.
The Chittaur Fort is the best known fort in Rajasthan. Its origins are traced to the
Pandavas of Mahabharata. It is said that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, built the
fort. Standing on 180 meters high hill, the fort covers an area of 700 Acres. Inside it is
the Meera and Khumba Shyam Temple. It is associated with Meera, a mystic poetess
devoted to Lord Krishna whose life and bhajans have become part of the folklore and
literary traditions of the region and several parts of India.
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 structures were added to it by the successive Mewar
rulers.
The one mile long serpentine road to the fort is quite steep and exhaustive. The fort
is approached through seven huge gateways or ´pols´, which are guarded by watch
tower and massive iron spiked doors.

Water Fort:
Chittorgarh fort is also called as Water Fort. The fort had 84 water bodies, out of which
only about 22 exist today. These Include talabs (ponds), kunds (wells), and baories
(stepwells). All the talabs have a natural catchment. The kunds and baories are located
below the talabs, so that even the seepage from the latter is not lost.

The fort spreads over 700 hectares, 40 per cent of which are given over to water bodies.
The average reservoir depth is about 2 m. Taken together, this means these reservoirs
can store about 4 billion litres of water.

In a year of more than normal rainfall (average annual rainfall: 700 mm), enough water
would be stored to last the next 12 months. Even after water loss due to seepage and
evaporation and other causes, an army of 50,000 could live in the fort for four years
without fear of thirst.
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.
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.

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 22
metres high tower was build by a wealthy jain merchant in the 12th century A.D.

Gaumukh Reservoir

A deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of the
cliff. It is considered to be sacred where you can feed the fishes.

Rana Kumbha Palace

The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the most massive
monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars
where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.

Padmini Palace

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. In the same premises, there is a small temple of Lord
Krishhna.

Kalika Mata Temple (Kalikamata Mandir)

This mother goddess temple was build originally in the 8th century as the Surya or Sun
temple and converted to its present form in the 14th century.

Fateh Prakash Palace - (Government Museum)

Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of modern 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.
This palace, now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and
buildings in the Fort.
Jain Temples (Jain Mandir - Sattavish devri)

At present six jain temples on the fort of Chittor. The largest and chief among them is
the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha with fifty-two devkulikas. The place of this temple is
known as ‘Sattavish devri’. It means that at some time in the past, there were twenty-
seven temples here.
The Digamabar Jain Kirtistambh and seven-storied Kirtistambh are two among them. The
seven-storied Kirtistambh was built in the fourteenth century in memories of Bhagawan
Adinatha.

Seven Gates of the Fort

To enter in to the Fort Of Chittorgarh, the person has to go through seven huge
gates(Pol). Each gate is different in its name, design and its size. Below is the list of
these gates:
1. Padan Pol
2. Bhairon Pol
3. Hanuman Pol
4. Jorla Pol
5. Ganesh Pol
6. Laxman Pol
7. Ram pol

Sanwariyaji Temple (Lord Krishna Temple)

It is a famous temple of Lord Krishna and an important pilgrimage spot. The Temple is
located on the Chittorgarh - Udaipur road.

The Sanwariya ji temple is recently renovated and beautifully builds with glasses.

The temple is especially famous among Opium Farmers. The temple is also famous due
to the huge donation it recieves from hundreds of visitors every day.

Opium is legally grown in India and exported to the Pharmaceutical industry worldwide
to manufacture Morphine-based pain-killers. Rajasthan is the main region for legal opium
cultivation in the world and India is the largest legal exporter, with about 58% of the
market

Daily buses are available from various surrounding cities like Chittorgarh, Nimbahera,
Mandsor etc.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary near Bassi, covering an area of 50 Sq km with panthers, wild boars,

antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. The Sanctuary is situated 5 kms from the Fort
on the western fringes of Vindhyachal Ranges with series of tableland, gentle slopes and
vast streches of large lakes, water channels of which penetrate into the forest.
Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittorgarh before
visiting the sanctuary.

Deogarh
Deogarh 16th century fort, near Pratapgarh is famous for the palaces with their ornate
murals and the Jain temples.

Bijaipur

A marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap,
situated in the village. It is now converted into a heritage hotel. (To stay at the castle
book through Hotel Pratap Palace in Chittorgarh - Tel:01472-240099)

Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dharlyavad

This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with
three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama
stayed in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki's ashram after Lord Rama exiled her. The fauna here
includes leopard, hyena, jungle fox, porcupine, sambhar, wild boar, four horned
antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.

Menal

Amidst the natural beauty lies Menal, the coldest town famous for its ancient Shiva
temples, picturesque waterfalls and dense forests on the Bundi-Chittaur road.It is also
known as the "Mini Khajuraho" blessed with natures bounty.
You can also have a look at the picturesque waterfall, if you happen to visit the place
after a good monsoon.

Bijolia

On the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road, in Bhilwara district, is the old fort and city of Bijolia. In
ancient times it was known as Vindhyavali. During Chauhan period, it became a famous
centre for art and architecture. Several beautiful Shiva temples were constructed by the
Chauhan rulers on this place. Most of the temples have either disappeared or are in ruins
today. On the eastern side of the town near the city wall, there are three beautiful
temples. Prominent amongst them is Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high linga
surrounded by hundreds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or Sahastralinga.
The temples of Mahakala and Baijanath are also well known. The temple of Undeshwar
Mahadeva is also well known. Near by Mandakini Kund is a holy water tank.

Mandalgarh

The Fort of Mandalgarh, situated at a distance of 54 Kms from Chittorgarh city, is of

historical importance because it was the scene of many a fierce battle during the
mediaeval times.
The Fort of Mandalgarh is considered as the oldest fort in rajasthan.
To the North-West is a fort about half a mile in length with a low rampart wall and
bastions encircling the crest of the hill on which it stands .The fort is said to have been
constructed by a chief of the Balnote Clan of Rajputs ( a branch of solankis). The fort
houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other hindu gods. There is also a large
pond in the Fort which was the source of water in old times.

Nagri
It is one of the oldest towns in Rajasthan north of Chottor. Hindu and Buddhist remains of
the Mauryan to the Gupta period have been found here. It is 7 kms from Bassi on Bundi -
Chittorgarh road. Nagri is one of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in
Rajasthan, situated on banks river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which
flourished from the Maurya to Gupta era. The excavation over there unearthed many
interesting facts and have shown signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence.