Chittorgarh Fort situated at Chittorgarh in the state of Rajasthan is known as the largest fort of India. This fort used to be the capital of Mewar and was ruled by Guhilot, Sisodias, Suryavanshi clans until it was abandoned after the siege by Emperor Akbar.

Chittorgarh Fort, Mewar History :

Rani Padmini's Water Palace

It is spread over a hill (area of 280 ha and height 180 m) above the plains of valley. Chittorgarh Fort is quite famous all over the world and is constantly visited by many tourists throughout the year. The Chittorgarh Fort has been sacked thrice between 15^th and 16^th centuries. The great Rajput Warriors and their women sacrificed their lives giving a fine example of courage, nationalism and medieval chivalry.

Allaudin Khilji obsessed with desire to capture Rani Padmini, rallied his forces against Mewar in 1303 AD. The Chittorgarh Fort was impregnable and all efforts of Allaudin Khilji were futile. Khilji sent a request through his messenger to Rana Ratan Singh that if he allowed Khilji to view image of Rani Padmini, he will stop the siege and return back to Delhi.

Rana agreed to his request and allowed him to view Padmini through a set of mirrors.  After fulfilling Khilji’s request Rana accompanied him to outer gate, but Rana was double-crossed and captured by Khilji’s men. Somehow the brave soldiers of Rana managed to rescue him and took him to the fort. This followed with a fierce battle and finally Rana was killed and the Rajputs lost the battle to Khilji’s men. This followed with the royal Rajput ladies led by Rani Padmini to perform Jauhar (self immolation on a pyre).

The Tower of Victory (Vijay Stambh) is a popular tourist attraction in Chittorgarh Fort. It was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440 AD in order to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji. It is a 9-storyed tower with steps leading to terrace with balconies. Other monuments and sites of concern for tourists are Gaumukh reservoir, Kirti Stambh, Rana Kumbha palace, Padmini palace, Meera temple, Kalika Mata temple, Fateh Prakash palace, Jain temples and seven gates of the fort.

Chittorgarh is a world famous tourist destination with impressive forts, magnificent royal buildings and ruined castles. It used to be one of the most influential cities in Rajput Kingdom and has witnessed many battles since ancient times. The rich history and eventful great past of this city has attracted many tourists from all over the globe. These days Chittorgarh tourism is promoted by many travel agencies and tour operators.

Victory tower

Places of sightseeing Near Chittorgarh:

• Sanwariyaji Temple (Lord Krishna Temple): Located at Chittorgarh-Udaipur highway, Sanwariyaji temple is an important pilgrimage spot. This temple is famous for its beautiful architecture and huge donations.
• Nagri: Nagri is at 7 km distance from Bassi on Bundi-Chittorgarh highway. Formerly known as Madhyamika, it is known to be one of the oldest towns in Rajasthan. Remains of Buddhist and Hindu influence have been excavated here.
• Chittorgarh Fort: It is one of the most popular places of visit at Chittorgarh. This site has been one of the main reasons for
  Chittorgarh tourism to flourish. Known for its rich history and sacrifices of its brave Rajput men and women, Chittorgarh Fort has attracted many tourists from all over the world.
• Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: Spread over an area of 50 sq. Km, Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to many exotic species of wildlife such as wild boars, mongoose, panthers, antelopes and migratory birds. You have to obtain permit from District Forest Officer, Chittorgarh before making a visit to this place.
• Deogarh: This is a 16^th century fort situated near Pratapgarh and is famous for its palaces and Jain temples.
• Menal: Menal is situated amidst natural beauty and is famous for its waterfall, ancient Shiva temples and dense forests. Site like Menal present a complete different aspect of Chittorgarh Tourism.
• Bijaipur: Bijaipur is a castle which is now converted into a heritage hotel. It was built by Rao Shakti Singh who was the younger brother of Maharana Pratap.
• Mandalgarh: The fort of Mandalgarh is famous for many fierce battles fought during medieval times. It is an oldest fort in Rajasthan and is believed to be built by a chief of the Balnote Clan of Rajputs.

In the eighth century, Bappa Rawal received Chittor as a dowry. It was basically a long hill (seven miles), with several temples, palaces, fortifications and towers. The descendants of Bappa Rawal ruled Mewar for almost eight centuries. Chittor was considered to be impregnable, but was attacked three times by the invaders. The battle of Chittorgarh is one of the significant historical events of India, which gives the account of the Rajputs putting up a heroic fight till their death.

Historical Battle of Chittorgarh :

Chittorgarh

Allauddin Khilji was the Sultan of Delhi in 1303. He had heard about the exceptional beauty of Padmini, the queen of Mewar. Led by the desire to possess her, Allauddin decided to siege the fort of Chittor. On 28^th January he invaded the Rajput stronghold and surrounded Chittor. A message was sent to Rana Rattan Singh. It was told in this message that the Allauddin would lift the siege if he could meet Padmini.

Rana Rattan Singh agreed to a point that Allauddin could look upon the reflection of queen in the mirror. Finally the sultan was able to see the reflection of Padmini’s face and was later accompanied by Rana Rattan Singh out of the fort. But in a very treacherous manner the Sultan’s men took Rana hostage, which resulted into a battle.

Somehow the Rana’s men managed to rescue him, but till then 7,000 brave Rajput warriors have died. The defeat was unavoidable and surrender was unthinkable in all regards. Therefore the brave rani, and the wives of soldiers and generals performed jauhar to save their honor. Their men fought gallantly to the enemies and sacrificed their lives for Chittor. This is how the battle of Chittor ended. After the victory of Chittor, Allauddin appointed his son Khizar Khan as its Governor and changed the name of this place to Khizrabad.

The battle of Chittorgarh reminds us of the sacrifices made by the brave Rajput men and women, who gave their lives for their motherland.

Victory tower

Chittorgarh is situated in western Rajasthan and is known as the city of bravery and sacrifice. It is famous for its fort, palaces and stories of the royal era. Chittorgarh is a popular tourist destination and is visited my many tourists from all over the world. Chittorgarh is home to many luxurious hotels as well as budget hotels. These Chittorgarh hotels are equipped with all required facilities and are meant to make your stay comfortable.

Best Hotels in Chittorgarh Rajasthan : 

Some of the popular Chittorgarh hotels which are available for booking throughout the year are:

• Hotel Padmini: Situated at heart of the city, this hotel is one of the best Chittorgarh hotels available for accommodation. It features 20 Double rooms with Air condition and 30 Non AC rooms. Indian, Chinese, Continental and Rajasthani food.Services of this hotel include Swimming Pool, Money Exchange, Car Rental, Travel Desk, Laundry, Children Park, Cyber Café, Huge Parking Space, Car/ Bus Rental and many more.
• Hotel Ram Rakhi: Hotel Ram Rakhi was established in 2006. It features deluxe and standard AC and Non AC rooms. It also has 12 air conditioned/ air cooled guest rooms. These rooms are available in four categories, Jharokha, deluxe, super deluxe and standard. These rooms are fully equipped with modern amenities.
• Hotel Pratap Palace: It is one of the modest Chittorgarh hotels situated in middle of the city. It features well equipped rooms with attached bathroom. Services include Laundry, Doctor on Call, Car Parking, Indoor Games, Money Exchange, Car Rental, House Safari, Arrangement of Village Safari and many more.
• RTDC Hotel Panna: It is a unit of RTDC which provides low budget rooms. Services include Laundry, Attach Bath with hot and cold water, Car Rental and many more. It also has meeting room and conference hall.
• Hotel Chetak: Situated near railway station, Hotel Chetak is the cheapest hotel in railway station area. It provides rooms with attached bathroom (running hot and cold water), color TV, Restaurant and Bar, STD and ISD facility.

Chittorgarh district is situated at southern part of Rajasthan. Chittorgarh map will basically give you information regarding hotels, hospitals, education, major roads, other roads, fort area, railway line, religious place, etc. While going through the Chittorgarh map you will notice that it is located between 23^o 32’ north latitudes and between 74^o 12’ and 75^o 49’ east longitudes with 10,856 square km area of land in state of Rajasthan. The Aravali hills are scattered throughout the region of Chittorgarh district. Chittorgarh has four major rivers, namely Banas, Chambal, Jakaharn and Bedach with tributaries such as Gunjali, Gambhiri and Barhmani.

Chittorgarh Map and General Information about City :

Chittorgarh has a good network of roads and highways which connects it to all parts of India. It has a good bus service available for major cities of India such as Ahmedabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Bundi, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur and other cities. The bus stand is centrally located and is at a distance of 2 km from railway station. Many private bus companies are also operating at Chittorgarh which provide services to all major cities. Chittorgarh map also illustrates a good network of railway. Chittorgarh railway station has links with Ajmer, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Kota and Udaipur.

You can also visit Chittorgarh by air. Dabok Airport situated at Udaipur is the nearest airport at a distance of about 90 km from Chittorgarh. It is linked by daily air service from Munbai, Jaipur, New Delhi, Jodhpur and Ahmedabad.

Distance from Major cities denoted in Chittorgarh Map:

• Delhi- 570 kms
• Jaipur- 309 kms
• Mumbai- 973 kms
• Ahmedabad- 422 kms
• Udaipur- 120 kms
• Bhilwara- 58 kms

Climate at chittorgarh :

Summer: Max 38.3 degree C Min 28.8 degree C

Winters: Max 28.3 degree C Min 11.6 degree C

Average temperature: Ranges between 22.0 degree C [+/-5’c]

Population and Community: The total population of Chittorgarh is 1,802,656.

Literacy Rate: The overall literacy rate of Chittorgarh district is 54.37%.  In the rural areas literacy rate is 49.11% and in urban areas the literacy rate is 81.01%.

Victory tower at Chittorgarh fort

Chittorgarh is one of the most visited places in Rajasthan and is the ultimate symbol of Rajput pride and gallantry. Chittorgarh is famous for its massive fort which is considered to be India’s largest fort. This fort is 495 feet high and 3 miles long. It is home to the famous Victory Tower Chittorgarh or Vijaystambha.

Victory tower at Chittorgarh fort :

The fort was sacked three times and each time the brave Rajput warriors fought till their death. Rani Padmini and wives of these brave soldiers performed grand jauhar to prevent captivity and humiliation at the hands of their enemies. This fort of Chittorgarh gives us a fine example of courage, nationalism, sacrifice and medieval chivalry.

While getting into the fort you will witness winding road and seven ‘pols’ (fortified gateways). These gates are Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jorla Pol, Lakshman Pol and Ram Pol.

Victory Tower Chittorgarh or Vijaystambha is one of the most notable and visited monuments in Chittorgarh. It is an amazing tower with 37 meters in height and 9 floors. It was built by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his triumph over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. Victory Tower Chittorgarh was built between the period of 1458 and 1488.

This tower is covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu gods and goddesses. These sculptures on the walls of Victory Tower Chittorgarh basically depict epic stories from Mahabharata and Ramayana. The narrow stairs in this tower will lead you to the top of the tower from where you can take a nice view of the city of Chittorgarh. The dome of Victory Tower Chittorgarh was damaged by lightning during the last century, it was later repaired. Near this tower there is an area called Mahasati. This is an area where the Ranas were cremated when Chittorgarh was the capital of Mewar. You will also find many sati stones here. During the evenings lights are focused on this tower which makes it illuminate giving a beautiful view.