General
Information
The
pride and glory of Rajasthan. Chittaur echoes with
the tales of romance and valour unique to the Rajput
tradition. A ruined citadel, where the royal past
lives in its imposing forts, graceful palaces and
spectacular 'chhatris'.
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Hotels
in Chittaurgarh
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This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each
time the outcome was 'Jauhar' - when women and children
immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men
donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort
towards a certain death.
Alauddin Khilji was the first to sack Chittaur in 1303 AD,
overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal
beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has that he saw her face in
the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her
mesmerising beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to
dishonour and committed 'Jauhar'.
In 1533 AD during the rule of Sikramjeet, came the second
attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once
again, Jauhar was led by Rani Karnvati, a Bundi princess.
Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to
Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel.
He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is
preferred to valour so, in 1567AD when the Mughal Emperor
invaded Chittaur; Udai Singh fled to establish a new
capital, Udaipur - a beautiful lake city, leaving behind
Chittaur to be defended by two 16 year old heroes. Jaimal
of Bednore and Patta of Kelwa. These young men displayed
true Rajput chivalry and died after 'Jauhar' was peformed.
Immediately thereafter, Akbar razed the Fort to a rubble.
Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted
the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.
RAJASTHAN
TRAIN TRAVEL
PALACE
ON WHEELS
Ever wondered what luxury in the royal times was all
about! Welcome to Palace On Wheels, a luxury train that
carries with it an ambience of the Rajputana era and an
exciting fairytale journey, which takes the visitor to the
imperial cities of Rajasthan every single day. The coaches
also carry out an image of the Rajput states with
beautiful interiors. Last but not the least the
"Royal Treat" for the passengers on board
include saloons, bar lounges & libraries in every
coach as well as restaurant and organized shopping
facilites.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
AND PALACES
The
Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a
massive structure with many gateways built by the literary
rulers in 7th century AD. Perched on a height of 180 m
high hill, it sprawls over 700 acres. The tablets and 'chhatris'
within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism.
The main gates are Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and
Ram Pol. The fort has many magnificent monuments - all
fine examples of the Rajput architecture. The ancient
ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in
solitude.
Vijay Stambh(Victory Tower) :The imposing 37 metres
high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite
sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from
the two great epics -Ramayana and Mahabharata.
It was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, a powerful
ruler of Mewar to commemorate his victory over the Muslim
rulers of Malawi and Gujarat.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): The22 metres high
tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century
AD
The tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain
Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain
pantheon.
Rana Kumbha's Palace: The ruined edifice of great
historical and architectural interest, bring 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'
Jaimal and Patta Palaces: The ruins of palaces of
Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the
gallantry of these great warriors.
Padmini's Palace: Built beside a pool, the palace
is a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh
showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji. Rani
Padmini stood in 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre
and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a
mirror placed in the main hall. After having glimpse of
the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of
ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.
TEMPLES
Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana
Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan style, the temple is associated
with the mystic poetess Meera bai - an ardent Krishna
devotee. She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj.
Kalika Mata Temple: Originally built as a Sun
Temple in the 8th century, the temple was later converted
into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century AD, dedicated
to the Mother Goddess Kali --the symbol of power and
valour.
Meera Bai Temple: The temple where Meera Bai
worshipped Lord Krishna is built in north Indian style on
a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner
sanctum. An open colonnade around the sanctum has four
small pavilions in each corner.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum: The magnificent Prakash Mahal,
presently a fine museum with an exquisite example of
sculptures from temples and buildings in the fort is worth
a visit. Closed on Fridays.
Fateh Prakash Museum: Inside the historical
Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion of Fateh Prakash Palace
was converted into a museum in the year 1968.
GARDENS
Gardens and Parks: Pratap Park, Meera Park and
Nehru Park are beautifully laid out parks in lush
surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja Rose Garden at Sawa is just
13-km from Chittaur.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Nagari (20-km): One of the oldest towns of
Rajasthan, of great importance during the Mauryan period,
is situated on the banks of River Banish. The Hindu and
Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are
found here.
Bassi Village (25-km): Enroute Bundi is a
marvellous village with historical forts, temples and 'kunds'.
Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A
place of great tourist interest.
WILDLIFE
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: 50-sq-kms sanctuary near
Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars,
antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds.
Prior permission has to be obtained from the District
Forest Office, Chittaurgarh before visiting the sanctuary.
Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad: This thickly
wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the
Malawi plateau with three rivers flowing through the
forest. According to legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama
stayed in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki's Ashram after she
was exiled by Lord Rama.
The common fauna that can be sighted here includes
Leopard, Hyena, Jungle Fox, Porcupine, Sambhar, Wild Bear,
four-horned Antelope, Nilgai and Flying Squirrel.
TEMPLES
Sanwariyaji Temple (40-km): On the Chittaur-Udaipur
road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an
important pilgrimage spot.
Matri Kundia Temple (50-km): A popular sacred place
dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called 'Haridwar of
Mewar'.
FORTS
Deogarh (125-km): A 16th century magnificent fort,
near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with
murals and splendid Jain temples.
OTHERS
Bijalpur (40-km): A marvellous castle built by Rao
Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap,
stands in the village. Presently, it has been converted
into a heritage hotel.
Menal (90-km): On the Bundi-Chittaur Road, amid the
natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiv
temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.
HOW
TO GET THERE
Air:
90-km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport, Udaipur.
Rail: Chittaurgarh is well connected by rail. Some
important train connections are : Chetak Express (Delhi
Sarai Rohilla- Chittaurgarh-Udaipur); Pass. (Kota-Chittaurgarh-Nimach);
9769 Express (Khandawa-Chittaurgarh-Ajmer)
Road: Bus services operate to several important
destinations. Delhi (583-km), Mount Abu (297-km), Jaipur
(325-km), Indore (325-km) and Ajmer (185-km) away from
Chittaurgarh.
Local Transport: Unmetered auto-rickshaw,
cycle-rickshaws and tongas are avilable for commuting
within the city.
PLACES TO STAY
There
are Standard Hotels and also available offering excellent
accommodation facilities.
SHOPPING
The
beautiful wooden toys made in Bassi village near
Chittaurgarh are the best buys. Besides these, there are 'Thewa'
articles of Pratapgarh, printed fabric of Akola and
leather 'Mojri' of Gangaur.
Favourite shopping spots include Sadar Bazaar, Rana Sanga
Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chowk
and Station Circle
