The Magnificent Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh is well known for its majestic Chittorgarh Fort, built by the
later Maurya rulers in 7th century A.D. The most attractive thing about this
massive fort is that it is built on a 180 m high hill. It is in the area of
700 acres. The main gates are Padal Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol and Ram
Pol. The fort houses several magnificent monuments which are fine specimen
of Rajput architecture. Chittorgarh Fort is a massive and majestic fort.
This fort is not only one of the most historically significant forts in
Rajasthan but whole of North India. Within the fort a circular runs around
the ruins of the fort. Chittorgarh is located in the southern part of the
state of Rajasthan, beside a high hill near the Gambheri River.
How to Approach
Sky Way : Chittorgarh does not have an airport of its own. The
nearest airport from Chittorgarh is Debok in Udaipur. This airport is only
160 km. away from Chittorgarh.
Trackway : Chittorgarh railway station is located on the western
banks of Gambheri River. This railway station has rail links with Ahmedabad,
Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota and Delhi. The fort is only 6km from the
railway station.
Expressway : The main bus stand is also on the western banks of
Gambheri River. There is good bus service for Ajmer, Bundi, Kota and Udaipur
from Chittorgarh. The bus stand is only 3 km away from Chittorgarh Fort.
The Most Popular Sights to See
Tulja Bhavani Temple
This temple is also known as Tuljamata Temple, dedicated to the goddess
Turya or Tulja Bhavani. This temple is just inside the fort's top gate, Ram
Pol.
Rana Kumbha
Rana Kumbha was the one who officially built Chittor. His palace is the
oldest monument within the fort walls. This ancient and beautiful palace was
built from 1433-68 in plastered stone. The entrance of this palace is
through Suraj Pol which directly leads into a courtyard.
Fateh Prakash
Fateh Prakash is the most modern building in Chittor. This was built in the
early 20th century. A small part of the building has now been used as a
museum.
Kunwar Pade ka Mahal
This palace, built in 1450 was the palace of the prince of Chittor. This is
the first palace in which ogee arches were used in the architecture. These
S-shaped arches later became an essential part of Rajput architecture.
Rani Padmini's Palace
This beautiful palace is a compact three storied white building. This
palace is surrounded by water. There is a beautiful artificial tank, known
as Bhimlat kund near to this palace. This tank is dedicated to the strongest
of the Pandava brother, Bhima.
Fort Temples
This ancient fort houses several beautiful, ancient and historical temples
inside it. In the western side of the fort is an ancient Tulja Bhawani
temple. In northeastern corner there is a small domed temple called the
Shringar Chaori. Palace has another temple known as Devji. Other famous
temples are Mira Bai Temple, Kallika Mata temple, Kumbhashyama temple and
Brahma Temple.
There are some more tourist attractions in and near this majestic fort and
they are Vijay Stambha ( Tower of victory), Ratan Singh Palace, Meera
temple, Gaumukh Reservoir, Mahasati, Sammidheshwar Temple, Kirti Stambha
(Tower of fame), Adhbudhnath Shiva temple, Lakhota Bari, Kalika Mata Temple,
Khumbha Shyam temple.
Seven Gates of the Fort
Padam Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Jorla Pol, Ganesh Pol, Laxman Pol and
Ram Pol.
