12 BEST Places to Visit in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

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Rajasthan is famous all over the globe for its rich culture and great historical importance. Chittorgarh, also known as Chittor or Chittaurgarh lies on the banks of Rivers Berach and Gambini, Rajasthan and is the largest fort in India and Asia.

Chittorgarh is only about at a distance of 310 kilometers from the state capital, Jaipur and about 567 kilometers from the national capital, New Delhi. The nearest airport with international and domestic air connectivity is from Udaipur that is Maharana Pratap Airport or Dabok Airport of Udaipur (UDR) which is situated at a distance of about 70 km.

Best Time to Visit Chittorgarh:
The best time to visit Chittorgarh is during winter months. This season is quite pleasant and mildly chilly there in this season. Summer months especially June and July should be avoided as the city gets extremely hot in these months.

Places To Visit In Chittorgarh:

There are many beautiful tourist attractions in Chittorgarh, of which, the following are the top tourist attraction in Chittorgarh that you may not miss:

1.Chittorgarh Fort:

Chittorgarh fort view | Photo By: Deen Dayal, Lala (1844-1905) (Public Domain)

Chittorgarh Fort is located at a distance of 112km from Udaipur, on a high hill near the Gambheri River in Chittaurgarh, Rajasthan. This fort is 3 km in length and 13 km in peripheral length, covering 700 acres of space in total and is one of the largest forts of India. It also consists of a number of temples including Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Meerabai Temple, Sammidheshwara Temple, Jain Temple, Kalika Mata temple, and Kumbha Shyam Temple. It consists of magnificent cenotaphs, huge towers and also well-designed palaces.

You can easily reach Chittorgarh Fort either by taking regular buses or by hiring Taxis from Udaipur city. Also, it contains 84 water bodies inside its grounds, of which 22 exist today, this is known as Water Fort. It was first built in the 7th century and is one of the most visited places in Rajasthan.

2.Vijay Stambha (Victory Tower):

Vijay Stambha – tower of victory – Chittorgarh Fort Rajasthan | Photo By: Sougata Bhar (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Built-in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha, has nine storey, each of the nine storey are distinctly marked with openings and balconies at every face of each storey. The view from the top of the structure is just amazing, as after reaching at the top of tower, anyone can see a great and unique view of the whole city. The architecture of this immense structure is just so beautiful. One thing is proving this is its 157 circular and narrow steps.  But due to some reasons, the uppermost part of the building is not visible to the public because it has been sealed off.

The area beside this beautiful tower consists of a pair of monumental gateways and a number of florid temples in addition to superbly decorated Samiddhesvara Temple, whose shrine houses an image of the trimurti, a composite, three-headed image of Shiva, Brahma and Vishnu.

3.Tower of Fame (Kirti Stambh):

Kirti Stambha | Photo By: Anil Methwani (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Kirti Stambh is a 12th-century tower which is an ancient Jain monument situated inside Chittorgarh Fort Complex. It consists of many-columned balconies, latticed arches and intricately carved niches situated at a distance of 800 m from Kumbha Palace and 7.5 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station. It reflects the cultural beliefs of the Digambars comprehensively as it is decorated with the naked figures of the Digambars as a whole.

It is 30 feet wide at the base and narrows at the top to 15 feet with a beautiful Adinatha statue on the second floor. It was built by Jijaji Bhagerwala, a known Jain merchant. The tower is built in the Solanki style and from the 15th to 17th centuries, it was the seat of a Bhattaraka. It is one of the lovely tourist attractions of Chittorgarh

4. Padmini Palace:

Padmini’s Palace Chittorgarh Fort Rajasthan| Photo By: Sougata Bhar (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Built in the 19th century, it is one of the earliest palaces constructed in India to be completely surrounded by water. It is one of the most top attractions in Rajasthan and this palace was the reason for the battle betweenAla-ud-din Khilji and Rana Ratan Singh. It is believed that Alauddin Khilji was smitten by the beauty of Rani Padmini and the desire to win her led convinced him to destroy Chittor. Padmini’s husband, Maharana Rattan Singh was killed in the battle and Rani Padmini committed Jauhar.

5.Rana Kumbha Palace:

Facade facing the tower commanding the entrance to Rana Kumbha Palace | Photo By: Daniel Villafruela (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Rana Kumbha Palace was built by Bappa Rawal in 734 AD, the founder of the House of Mewa and is also named after the greatest of the Sisodias. It is a part of the number of legends and these were associated with queen Padmini of Chittorgarh. There are a number of things that will attract you towards its beauty. The major thing of all is the Tripolia gate that opens to a large courtyard. Other major attractions of this palace are Kanwar Pada Palace, Suraj Gokhra, Shiva Temple, Diwan-i-am and Zanana Mahal.

Rani Padmini committed Jauhar or self-immolation in this palace only to avoid getting dishonored at the hands of the enemies and to save honor, it was followed by 700 other members as well. This palace not only reveals the rich Rajasthan architecture but also the history of the place.

6. Fort Fateh Prakash Palace:

Fateh Prakash Palace (on the left), Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India| Photo By: Shakti (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Fort Fateh Prakash Palace is one of the most mesmerizing palaces in the Chittorgarh. This palace is built in Rajasthani style to reveal his quality taste for art and culture. It was built by the Maharana Pratap Singh was converted into a museum in the year 1968. There was large variety of crystal objects in the palace and soon it was realized that the collection is big enough to be exhibited in a museum.

There are a lot of paintings hanged on the walls of the palace that are date back to 17th and 19th century. You can even see collection of crystals that were collected by Maharana Sajjan Singh from F & C Osler, England. It also consists of huge collection of dressers, shields, knoves, farsa, helmets, axes, perfume bottles, dining tables and sofa sets.

7. Meera Temple:

Meera Temple, Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan| Photo By: Koshy Koshy (CC BY 2.0)

It is one of the best tourist destinations in the world that attracts millions of tourists to visit this place every year. Dedicated to Meera Bai, the Meera Temple is one of the most popular temples in Chittorgarh. It was built during Rana Kumbha’s reign and that has a deep-rooted association with the rich history of Rajasthan. What makes is so special?

It is known worldwide because of its splendid architecture and that carries both historical and religious significance. You will get to see the carved statue of the five human bodies and one head in the temple. It implies that there is no division on the basis of caste and creed. Not only this, but also you will get knowledge of various significant historical facts such as it was the temple that escaped the seize by Alauddin Khilji during the 16th century, Indo Aryan style architecture and Rajput’s inclination towards Hinduism.

8. Archeological Museum:

Archeological Museum is located on the eastern end of the Banbir Ki Diwar inside the Chittorgarh fort. It is known for portraying a valuable collection of artifacts belonging to the royalty of Chittorgarh such as metal and terracotta figures, coins, frescos, inscriptions, paintings, sculptures, apparels, and weapons. It was built during the reign of Maharaja Fateh Singh in the 19^th century.

But later in the year 1968, this glorious place was converted into a museum by the Government of India. It is different and most known museums because it consists of artifacts of even Gupta and Maurya Dynasties.

9. Kumbha Shyam Temple:

Kumbha Shyamji Temple, Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India | Photo By: Shakti (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Temples are the main reasons for such a large number of tourists coming to Rajasthan. Named after the Rana Kumbha, it is one of the most popular temples in Chittorgarh.  The temple built by Rana Kumbha is dedicated to Varaha who is an incarnation of Vishnu. The architecture of the temple portrays the images of various Hindu gods and goddesses with eight regents displaying the immense interest of Rana Kumbha in the Hinduism. He was the great follower of this religion and this is the reason why he built a lot of Hindu temples all over the place.  There is also an inner sanctum in the temple decorated with archways intersection loops and designs.

In the inner sanctum of the temple, one can see Paintings of Meerabai offering prayers to Lord Krishna. This is the place, where Bhakti movement originated and Meera Bai use to worship Krishna. Kumbha Shyam temple is one of the most visited temples in the region.

10. Padmini’s Gardens:

The beauty of Chittorgarh is enhanced by the presence of a number of gardens in various parts of it. The scenic beauty of the place is also different because of its westernization look.  It is an extremely well-maintained garden providing a perfect place for the tourists to have a great leisure time. The beauty of Padmini’s gardens reminds the glory and beauty of the Queen Padmini.  Ala ud din Khuilji invaded the region to possess queen Padmini as he was smitten by the beauty of queen.

The queen committed suicide to save herself from being dishonored in the hands of the enemy. Since then, she is remembered by the beauty of the garden. This garden is one of the most known tourist destinations in Rajasthan. It serves the purpose of commemorating the queen along with the history of serving the residents of Mewar family.

11. Kalika Mata Temple:

Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort | Photo by Sujay25 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Kalika Mata temple was dedicated to the worship of the sun god and was built in the 8th century but in the in the 14th century, it was converted into a shrine for Kalika, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. Every year, a thousand of devotees during the annual fair visits this place which is held near the temple complex. The temple consists of a largely vacant area where ‘Ratri Jagrans’ or night vigils are organized.

A lot of hard work has been put into the inner walls of the ancient temple as they are painted and include Moon god as well depicting strong Mauryan architectural influence. It is one of the most fascinating places in Chittorgarh and is also quite popular amidst tourists and art lovers who visit Chittorgarh. Kalika Mata Temple has also a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, called Jogeshwar Mahadev.

 12. Sathis Deori Temple:

Sathis Deori Jain temple, Chittorgarh| Photo By: Ssjoshi111 (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Constructed in the eleventh-century, this sacred temple is for the followers of Jainism. It is believed that there were twenty-seven temples inside this temple alone at some point in history dedicated to the Tirthankaras and other Jain religious figurines. It was built in the 11th-century and is located close to the Fateh Prakash Palace.

It is known for its awe-inspiring carvings and is a well-maintained holy place to seek refuge and blessings.  Its Architectural design is almost similar to Diwara Jain Temple and is to be marveled at for its intricate detailing and awe-inspiring domes.