THE FORT
A standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittaurgarh, it stands tall over a 180 meter high hillock, covering a massive area of 700 acres. The fort is believed to have been built by the Maurya rulers in 7th centuary AD. The fort is atreasure house of history and historical monuments. The approach to the fort is very difficult; the one mile steep serpentine thoroughfare is exhausting and the fort is reached through seven huge gates or pols which have a watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.

It was ravaged thrice, and each time phoenix-like it rose again. Allaudin Khilji was the first to sack the Chittaur in 1303, and it is said the attack was motivated by his strong desire to abduct Rani Padmini, the legendary beauty and wife of the ruling Rana. Yet she preferred death to dishonor and committed jauhar (self immolation) along with other ladies of the court

Chittaurgarh was plundered again in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat, and finally by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1567, in an attempt to subdue Maharana Udai Singh.

The fort is approached through massive pols or gates. Near Bhairon Pol, is a cenotaph or ‘chhatri’ in honour of the chivalrous Jaimal and his cousin Kalla, who laid down their lives while defending Chittaur against the Mughals. Jaimal, who was fatally wounded but refused to die in bed, was carried into battle on the shoulders of his cousin Kalla, and both of them died fighting valiantly.

Beyond Ram Pol is a memorial to patta, who was only 16 years old and had just been married. His father had alredy died defending Chittaurgarh, whereupon his mother sent Patta in to battle and, to rid him entirely of any lingering affection for home, clutching a sword plunged herself into the raging battle, with Patta’s bride at her side. Both of them died fighting in front of Patta’s very eyes. Next day, the women folk of the palace ended their lives by commitiing jauhar.

Patta, leading the saffron robed men from the front, thundered down like lightning from the mighty fortress and died fighting heroically to the last. The other major gates are Badal Pol and Hanuman Pol, with a distinct Rajput style of architecture.

Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower
It was built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 to commemorate his victory over the combined forces of the kings of neighbouring malwa and Gujarat. This tower is 120 ft. (36.5 mts) high and has a girth of 30 ft. at the base. The nine-storeyed limestone structure is richly ornamented from top to bottom.
 

Kirti Stambh or Tower of Fame
Built in the 12th century, it was dedicated to Lord Sri Adinath Rishabdeo, the first Jain Tirthankar. The 22-metre high structure is replete with figures from the Jain pantheon. There are several other Jain temples in chittaurgarh.
 

Rana Kumbha’s Palace
This is the largest monument of the fort. It is believed that Rani Padmini committed jauhar in one of its underground cellars. The palace is in ruins now but is of historical, as well as architectural, interest. The original palace was believed to have been built by Ranas Hamir after regaining the fort in the first siege. The Mewar power reached its acme during the reign of Rana Kumbha who was a great patron of art and architecture.

Padmini Palace
The palace of Rani Padmini who preferred death to dishonor and committed jauhar, along with her entire entourage, rather than fall into the hand of Allauddin Khilji. It was her that the Rana allowed a glimpse of the legendary beauty Padmini to Allauddin Khilji. The ‘Zanana Mahal’ overlooks the pond where Padmini stood, while her image reflecting in the water of the pond was shown to Allaudin.

Meera Temple
This temple is dedicated to the mystic poetess Meera, a devotee of Lord Krishna. Meera was born in Kurki village, near Merta, to Ratan Singh Rathore, and was married to Bhojraj, son of Rana Sanga of Mewar. Legend has it that she consumed poison sent by Vikramaditya, but nothing happened to her due to the blessings of Lord Krishna.
In front of the temple is the cenotaph (chhatri) of Meera Bai’s Guru, Shri Rai Das of Banaras. Inside the cenotaph, there is a carved figure of five human bodies with one head, signifying that all castes are equal and even outcasts can attain God.

Kumbha Shyam Temple
The temple is dedicated to Varah (Boar), the incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It was built in 1448 AD by Rana Kumbha.

Mahasati Cenotaphs
This was the cremation site of the Ranas and their wives, which is dotted with Chhatris.

Kalika Mata Temple
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Kali, the symbol of power and valour. Located on the southern side of the fort, it was built by Rana Hamir. Originally, it was built as a Sun Temple by Bappa Rawal in the 8th centuary but was destroyed during the first sack of Chittaur. Rana Hamir converted it into a Kali temple after regaining the fort in the 14th centuary.
The house of Chunda is situated near the temple. There are several other temples within the ramparts of the fort, including that of Annapurna and the Jain temples.

Jaimal and Patta’s Palace
The ruins of this place remind one of the stories of the gallant Rathore Jaimal and Sisodia Patta, the two great warriors who laid down their lives for the honour of Chittaurgarh

Government Museum
The magnificent Fateh Prakash Mahal has been converted into a museum, which houses a rich and rare collection of sculptures from the fort and the temples.

Gaumukh (Cow’s Mouth) Reservoir
It is situated near the Mahasati Chowk. The water from a spring flows through a stone structure, carved in the form of a cow’s mouth, into the reservoir.

Mohar Nagri (Hill of Gold Coins)
A small structure, which was raised during the invasion of Chittaurgarh by Akbar 1567, it gets the name Mohar Nagri because, it is believed, Emperor Akbar paid one mohar (gold coin)for each basketful of earth placed on this mound. As the work was very dangerous, brave soldiers kept guard from the ramparts above. The mound was raised to such a height that the Mughal cannons could be placed over it and fired inside the fort.
The important places inside are – the temple of Tulja Bhawani (the tutelary goddess of the scribes), the naulakha Bhandar or nine lakh treasury, Singar Chauri, with its inscripitions dating to 1448 AD, Sat-bis-Deori, the old Jain temple, etc.

Nagri (20 km)
One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, it is situated on the banks of river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which flourished from the Maurya up to the Gupta eras. Excavations carried out here have unearthed many interesting facts about the strong Hindu and Buddhist influences existing here.

Baroli (30 km)
The ruins of the famous temples of Baroli, near Rawatbhata can be seen here. This town is worth a visit, because of a number of ancient temples situated here

Bassi Village (25 km)
The historical fort en route to Bundi is the main attraction. It has beautiful temples and a Kund (reservoir). The exquisite sculptures and woodcraft of Bassi are also very famous.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 sq. km. and is near to Bassi village. The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelope and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permission is to be obtained from District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh.

Sanwariaji temple (40 km)
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna and is situated on the Chittaurgarh-Udaipur highway. This is not a very old monument but is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.

Matri Kundiya Temple (50 km)
Is also known as the ‘Haridwar of Mewar’. This shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Bhainsrorgarh wildlife Sanctuary (90 km)
The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrorgarh, and has numerous archaeological remains.

Sitamata Sanctuary
The sanctuary is spread over the Aravalli and Vindhyachal ranges, and is the only forest where teak is found. The thickly vegetable sanctuary is half covered by teak, besides salar, tendu, amia, bamboo and bel etc. Three rivers flow through the forest Jakham and Karmoi are the major ones. A huge dam has been constructed over the Jakham River for irrigation.
The key fauna of the sanctuary are leapord, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, spotted deer, wild boar, four-horned antelope and nilgai etc.
The most conspicuous animal of the sanctuary is the flying squirrel which can be observed gliding between the trees during the night. This nocturnal creature hides during the day and the best time to watch it at Arampura Guest House is in February and March, when most of the trees shed their leaves making it easier to spot the squirrel.
The sanctuary is associated with mythological events. It is believed that Sita, wife of Lord Rama, stayed here in the ashram of Saint Valmiki while in exile.

Deogarh (125 km)
The 16th centuary fort, near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces with their exquisite murals and the Jain temples.

Menal (90 km)
Also known as the mini Khajuraho, it is blessed with nature’s bounties. Situated on the Chittaur- Bundi road, it has many ancient temples, a waterfall and beautiful forests.

Gotmeshwar (130 km)
This place is famous for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.