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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'.
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 budget hotels available offering
excellent accommodation facilities.
Supplementary Accommodation: Circuit House, Railway Retiring
Rooms, PWD Dak Bungalow, Irrigation Dak Bungalow.
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.
TOURIST
INFORMATION CENTRES
Banks
/ Money Changers: State Bank of Bikaner and Jaipur, Near
Collectorate; Bank of Baroda, City Branch; Punjab National Bank,
near Panna Tourist Bungalow; State Bank of India, Meera Market, City
Road; Bank of Rajasthan, Fort Road; Chittaur Kendra Bank, Station
Road
Post and Telegraph Office: General Post Office, Shree Gurukul
Road .There are several smaller post offices in other areas of the
town.
Conducted Tours: Sight seeing of Chittaurgarh Fort can be
made by auto rickshaws, this tour covers the View Point, Tope Khana,
Srinagar Chauri, Rana Kumbha Palace, Govt. Museum, Sat Bees Deori,
Meera Temple, Victory Tower, Kalika Temple, Padmini's Palace, the
Deer Park, Suraj Pol, Tower of Fame, Banmata Temple and the Palace
of Rana Ratan Singh.
Guides: Approved guides of the Central Archaeological
Department and Rajasthan Tourism are available.
Sports Activities: Fishing-Bassi Lake, Gambhiri Dam, Gosunda
Dam, Matrikundiya Dam.
Hospital: General Hospital, Collectorate Circle; Aditya
Hospital, New Indra Market; Kothari Clinic, near General Hospital;
Ladha Clinic, Meera Nagari; Dashora Clinic, Udaipur· Road; Jainam
Hospital, City Road
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