Chittorgarh Fort

Historic sites

Rajasthan

15°C / Clear

History
Places to visit
How to reach

Chittorgarh Fort has a significant place in Indian history. Built by the Maurya Rulers in the 7th century AD, this Fort in Rajasthan is also one of the largest forts in India. Spread across 692 acres of land, it is a remarkable example of the then Rajputana architecture.

Today, Chittorgarh Fort is a destination for tourists which is filled with the heroic tales of the Rajput Rajas and Kings of the past. Perhaps this is a major reason why tourists love to flock here in great numbers annually. In 2013, Chittorgarh Fort was declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

What’s interesting is that Chittorgarh Fort was once also known as the Water Fort as it had about 84 water bodies but this was way back in history. However, today, out of these 84 water bodies only about 22 are left.

The Chittorgarh Fort is also believed to be a haunted site as a great many lives were lost here due to the Rajput Pratha (a ritual or tradition) of Jauhar. Due to these talks going on, several people avoid visiting the fort during the evening hours.

Best Time to Visit Chittorgarh Fort

The best time to visit the Chittorgarh Fort is between the months of October and March. During this time, the overall climatic conditions are suitable for sightseeing.

History of Chittorgarh Fort

Many experts claim that the name of the fort was derived from its builder Chitaranga. However, on the mythological side, the construction of this fort was done by Lord Bhima.

Whatever the stories may tell, the reality is that the Chittorgarh Fort is definitely a treasure trove of history where you get to hear the stories of our culture, wars, and sacrifices.

The fort was also captured three times in different timelines between the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1303, it was Allauddin Khilji, who defeated Rana Ratan Singh in 1535, then soon, Bahadur Shah took the reins of the fort from Bikramjeet Singh, and then lastly, it was in 1567, that Akbar defeated Udai Singh II, taking the fort into his command.

And every time, these foreign rulers took the fort from the indigenous kings, the women had to suffer by self-immolating themselves as per the tradition of Jauhar. This was mainly done to escape the atrocities of the foreign rulers which a queen or any woman might have to go through if captured alive after a battle.

Places To Visit in and Around Chittorgarh Fort

1. Padmini Temple

This is the place where Queen Padmini used to live after her marriage with King Rawal Ratan Singh. This is a very majestic place which in its essence showcases the sacrifice of Rani Padmini against the attack of Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji. This two-story building stands at the very center of the Chittorgarh Fort. However, all that is left now are the memories and the imaginations of the tourists who visit here.

2. Kalika Mata Temple

This temple is considered to be one of the most important temples of Chittorgarh and if you visit this place ever, then don’t miss out on this spectacular spot. The experience of visiting the temple is simply indescribable. Dedicated to the Kalika incarnation of Goddess Durga, this temple is a sight to behold, even though it is in ruins.

3. Gau Mukh Kund

This kund is also known as the Tirth Raj of Chittorgarh, the reason being that whenever pilgrims go for a spiritual pilgrimage the journey comes to an end at Gomukh Kund. The meaning of Gau Mukh Kund literally translates into the mouth of the cow. This place has been named as the water flows from a point that resembles the mouth of a cow.

How to Reach Chittorgarh Fort

To reach Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, you will need to cover a total distance of about 573, 836, 1,687, 1,616 km from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bengaluru respectively. Here is how you can reach Chittorgarh Fort by the following means of public transportation.

By Air

The nearest airport is the Udaipur Airport aka Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) situated about 100 km from the fort. The airport has good flight connectivity with nearby regions. Once off the flight, you can easily book a taxi or some other means of public transportation to reach your destination.

From Bengaluru - Board IndiGo flights from Udaipur Airport. The airfares start from INR 5,000-6,000
From Mysore - Board Air India, IndiGo flights from Udaipur Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000-7,000
From Gwalior - Board IndiGo, Spicejet flights from Gwalior Airport. The airfares start from INR 6,000-7,000

By Train

You will need to deboard at the Chittorgarh Railway Station (COR). It is fairly well connected to other cities and towns like Bhopal, Ajmer, Delhi, Mysuru, and many other places. From the station, you will need to take a cab or some other means of public transport to reach your destination.

By Road

Depending on your geographical location, you can also travel to Chittorgarh Fort via a network of roadways and national highways. You can choose to travel either by interstate or private buses as well as private cabs. However, for a memorable road trip experience, you should drive your own vehicle here.