Chittorgarh is near to Udaipur and people who come to Udaipur are more likely to visit Chittor as well. The place has an avid history and the fort of Chittorgarh is considered the largest in India. The whole place is a tourist friendly place and has a lot to explore. Here we are listing places to visit in Chittorgarh.
Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh’s massive hilltop fort is regarded as one of the most outstanding forts of the country. The remarkable fort sits atop a 180-meter-high hill, covering an area of 700 acres. It is believed that the fort was built by the Mauryans in the 7th century and further structures were added to it by the successive Mewar rulers.
The fort had 84 water bodies, out of which only about 22 exist today and hence sometimes it is also known as the Water Fort. These water bodies included ponds, wells, and step wells. These reservoirs can store about 4 billion liters of water!
Time taken to visit: People typically spend up to 2 hours here
Vijay Stambh- Tower of Victory
The Vijay Stambh is a 9 story tower decked by sculptures of Hindu deities. It was built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to celebrate his victory over Mohamed Khilji.
There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace of the stambh and gives a sight not to be missed!
Kirti Stambh- Tower of Fame
It is said the 22 meters high Tower of Fame was built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century A.D. It is dedicated to Adinath, the 1st Jain Teerthankar; this stambh is decorated by the naked figures of the Digambars. A narrow stairway goes through 7 stories of the tower to the top.
Time taken to visit the two stambh: People typically spend up to 45 min here
Gaumukh Reservoir
Gaumukh means ‘mouth of a Cow’. This reservoir is considered to be sacred- a spring coming from a ‘cow mouth’ situated at the edge of the cliff.
At Gaumukh Reservoir people can also feed the fish present in the tank.
Rana Kumbha Palace
The palace was first built by Bappa Rawal in 734 A.D, later renovated by Maharana Kumbha. Today, the ruined structure of this great historical place is lying in the fort which was once the most massive monument in the fort of Chittorgarh.
Time taken to visit: People typically spend 20 min here
Padmini Palace
It is one of the earliest palaces constructed in India to be completely surrounded by water. It is inscribed on stones near the monument that it was here when the King Rana Ratan Singh showed the beauty of his wife to Alauddin Khilji through a mirror which later on led to the battle and subsequently the act of Jauhar.
Meera Mandir
Build by Maharana Kumbha in 1449, it is the only temple dedicated to Meera Bai, a Rajput princess who gave up her royal life and devoted herself to Lord Krishna. It is believed that she asked her Father in Law, Rana Sanga, to build a temple for her placing centering Lord Krishna.
Time taken to visit: People typically spend 30 min here
Kalika Mata Temple
It is believed that this mother goddess temple was built originally in the 8th century while the upper parts of the structure are more recent. It is dedicated to the Goddess ‘Kali’ who is the deity of the Panwar Clan.
Time taken to visit: People typically spend 30 min here
Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
Build by Maharana Fateh Singh, the property carries his name. It was turned into a museum in the year 1968. This palace, exhibits various kinds of weapons, a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort.
Timings: 10:00 am to 04:30 pm
Seven Gates of the Fort
To enter into the Fort of Chittorgarh, the person has to go through seven huge gates or Pol. Each gate is different in its name, design and its size. Below is the list of these gates:
- Padan Pol
- Bhairon Pol
- Hanuman Pol
- Jorla Pol
- Ganesh Pol
- Laxman Pol
- Ram Pol
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Your trip to Chittorgarh isn’t complete if you haven’t been to the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary.
The Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq km and has panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. The Sanctuary is situated at a distance of 5 km from the Fort of Chittorgarh. Orai Dam and Bassi Dam located within the sanctuary are also prominent attractions of the place.