Located in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh, also known as Chittor, is a city, nestled on the Berach River. Find out more about the city and the surrounding area. The city is renowned for Chittorgarh Fort, which is the largest of its kind in India and Asia. The fort set on a 590-ft (180-m) hill sprawls over the hillside, with spectacular views over the surrounding countryside. Chittorgarh Fort saw three sieges by Muslim invaders over the years. The fort hosts a number of spectacular monuments, details of which can be found in the guide to Chittorgarh, Rajasthan below.
Things to do / highlights
Seven Gates
When ascending up the hill to the fort, visitors walk past seven gateways (Pols) that were built between 1433 and 1468. These are Paidal Pol, Ganesh Pol, Bhairon Pol, Laxman Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol and finally Ram Pol at the top.
Suraj Pol
On the eastern side of Chittorgarh Fort and separate from the seven gates is the Suraj pol. The name translates to Sun and the gate was placed here to face the sun.
Water Fort
At one stage, Chittorgarh Fort contained 84 bodies of water, including talabs (ponds), baories (step-wells) and kunds (wells). These days only 22 remain. The ponds have the natural catchment, with the step-wells and wells located underneath the ponds to catch the seepage.
Jaimal & Patta’s Palace
The palace now stands in ruins but commemorates the value of Patta Sisodia and Jaimal Rathore, both of whom sacrificed their lives for Chittorgarh.
Rani Padmini’s Palace
One of the most popular attractions of Chittorgarh Fort is the Palace of Queen Padmavati. There was a palace pavilion where the ladies of the royal family could enjoy privacy. The palace stands on the banks of a lotus pool.
Rana Kumbha Palace
The massive Rana Kumbha Palace stands in ruins and is thought to have been built in 734 AD. In the palace, a horse stable can be seen as well as a temple of Lord Shiva.
Ratan Singh’s Palace
Ratan Singh Palace was the royal family’s winter palace. While the exterior has been revamped, the interior stands mostly in ruins. The building overlooks Rataneshwar Lake. Just past the main gate of the palace is a temple, Rataneshwar Mahadev.
Meerabai’s residence
Maharana Uday Singh, who founded the city of Udaipur, is said to have been born here and legends say his wet nurse, Panna Dai, saved his life here. This is also believed to be the former home of Meerabai, a famous bhakti poetess.
Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)
Kirti Stambh, or Tower of Fame, was built during the 12th century and stands xx ft (22 m) high. The tower was dedicated to Lord Shri Adinath Rishabdeo.
Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory)
Vijay Stambh, or Tower of Victory, was built by Rana Kumbha in 1440 as a commemoration of his triumph against the forces of Gujarat and Malwa. The tower stands nine stories in height and is composed partly of white marble and red sandstone. It bears sculptures of iconic Hindu gods and goddesses.
Temples
In total, there are six Jain temples standing in Chittorgarh Fort
Kumbhashyam Ka Mandir and the Meera Temple
The temple of Kumbhashyam Ka Mandir was dedicated by Maharana Kumbha to Lord Vishnu. On the grounds stands a second temple, dedicated to poet Meera.
Fateh Prakash Mahal
Fateh Prakash Mahal is a two-story, white palace built between 1884 and 1930. Each corner of the palace bears a tower, crowned with a dome. Part of this palace was converted into a museum in 1968 which exhibits a rare collection of sculptures.
Chittorgarh Fort Festival
Each year during January, the city of Chittorgarh hosts the three-day Chittorgarh Fort Festival. The events include a welcome ceremony for visitors at the Gora-Badal stadium, a handicraft fair, selling arts and crafts of the area and a procession to the fort (known as Shobha-Yatra). Activities during the festival include wrestling, a horse competition, a dancing event and the Miss Chittorghar Beauty Contest. The last day of the event features a Village Safari and a traditional lunch at Bassi village.
Things to buy
A Rajasthan Textile Development Corporation (RTDC) shop stands in Chittorgarh Fort, selling a range of local goods, including silk saris and other silk items, traditional blankets and other handicraft and gift products.
Traveler tips
Wheelchair accessibility
The majority of Chittorgarh Fort is inaccessible to those visitors in a wheelchair.
Souvenir shop
Some reviewers of Chittorgarh Fort have stated that items on sale in the RTDC shop are overpriced and that the same items can be purchased in the city for much less
How to get there
On foot
Chittorgarh Fort is located in the centre of the city and is within walking distance of most attractions. However, the steep road up the hill can be challenging.
Public transport
Buses are available from all the major Rajasthan cities, including Udaipur, which is the closest. The town is also connected by rail.
By car
Chittorgarh Fort can easily be accessed by car and parking is available. Search on Google Maps for the best route.
Rideshare services
There are no online rideshare services available in Chittorgarh.
How to book tickets (official ticket purchase) (from USD 18.0)
Tickets for entry to Chittorgarh Fort are available at various websites or book a tour online instead. Also, check out the official tourism website for package deals.
Skip the Line Chittorgarh Fort Tickets with guide
Duration: 2 hours
Chittorgarh Fort information
Chittorgarh Fort
Address: Chittor Fort Road, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India
Opening hours: Wed - Mon: 4am - 10pm; Tue: 4am - 8:15pm
Cost: 9 USD
Website: Chittorgarh Fort
Department of tourism: Visit Rajasthan
Chittorgarh Fort Independent Tour with Transport from Udaipur
Duration: 7 to 8 hours
History
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