Rajasthan Holidays - Rajasthan Fort & Palaces - Chittaurgarh Fort

Chittaurgarh Fort

Covered in this Section : Fast Facts, Brief History, Chittaurgarh Fort Overview, Speciality, Accommodation and Accessibility.

Fast Facts

District : Chittaurgarh
Distance : 372 kms, South West of Jaipur
Best Time To Visit : October to March

Brief History

From 7th to 16th century A.D., the region known as Mewar, was being ruled by the Sisodia and Gahlot kings. Chittaurgarh during those days used to serve as the capital for the said rulers. The fort, that stands in ruins now, was built somewhere in the 9th century and was named after the local ruler Chittrangad Mauraya. In the early 12th century, the fort was renovated by the Sisodia king Ajay Pal. After that it did not receive any improvements and in the 21st century only the ruins of this great citadel are left. The place is known to have hold against some great invasions and attacks.

Chittaurgarh Fort - Overview

Chittaurgarh Fort lies on a rocky cliff overlooking the modern town of Chittor. From the ground, the hill rises to about 152 metres and that makes the fort visible from most of the parts of the town. The fort is built in typical architecture style and as such features the traditional Rajputana style. The fort walls are stretched over 3 kms of land and cover a good 60 acres of area. The fort, now in ruins, still provide the sights of extravaganza, in the form of palaces and cenotaphs. The fort has seven huge gates, watch towers and spiked doors.

What's So Special

The imposing fort at Chittor has many historical tales in its account. The structure and architecture of this popular monument is amazing. The citadel, fortified, is one great attraction for a tourist. Visible from a distance and with the vast blue sky in the back ground, the fort is in escapable to the eye. More famous than the invincible sheath of this protective structure are the legends attributed to it. The fort is believed to be occupied by one of the most enduring and chivalrous communities through out. Sacked thrice, first by Allaudin Khilji in the year 1303 A.D., the fort still stands on its feet. According to a popular belief, Khilji attacked the fort for his desire to abduct the queen Rani Padmini. But before Khilji could lay his hands over her she committed suicide. Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and Mughal Emperor Akbar, consequently sacked the fort. The two towers, Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh, within the fort precincts constitute some of the prime attractions at the fort. Kirti Stamb, which stands for tower of fame, is seven storeyed reached by a narrow stairway. Vijay Stambh or tower of victory, which rises to about 122 feet is visible from the town below (below the fort). There is a temple called Sammidheshwara Temple is the primary one at the site.

Transportation

Airport : The nearest airport to the Chittaurgarh is the one grounded at Udaipur.

Railways : The place is connected to the regions like Kota, Udaipur and Ahmedabad, by train services.

Bus Services : The bus services further provides means of accessing the place. Long distance bus services that travel from Udaipur to the town are convenient means of reaching the place.

Places Where You Can Stay

Accommodation at Chittaurgarh is provided by a number of budget hotels. There are many cheap hotels also, but a stay at these is not recommended. Some known budget places in the region are:

Shalimar Hotel, Hotel Pratap Palace, Hotel Meera, Bhagwati Hotel, Natraj Tourist Hotel, Hotel Panna (RTDC).