The Tailor-Made Guide to Chittorgarh Tourist Attractions: Chittorgarh Fort
- Mar 26
- 9 min read
Author: Barry Pickard
Hi, I'm Barry, the owner of Tailor-Made Itineraries and I have been designing bespoke self-guided tours for adventurous and curious travellers since 2015. I am a history graduate with a passion for travel.
I created this blog to show, through my own adventures, how you can have an incredible travel experience as an independent traveller, giving you the information to navigate the world with confidence.
Contents
Are you planning to explore the most awe-inspiring of all Chittorgarh tourist attractions: Chittorgarh Fort? If so, you're in for an experience unlike any other. One of the largest forts in India, its ancient stone walls echo with tales of valour, sacrifice, and defiance — and I've spent hours wandering this magnificent fortress, uncovering its history and marvelling at its enduring beauty. Now, I'm sharing everything you need to know to make the most of your visit.
Picture this: the clang of a temple bell reverberating through the air as you climb a steep cobbled path. The faint scent of incense drifting from a Jain shrine tucked into the ramparts. And in the distance, the sound of peacocks calling as the golden light of the afternoon bathes the ruins. This isn’t just a place; it’s a sensory journey through time, where every turn offers a glimpse into its storied past.
As an independent traveller who thrives on uncovering the heart and soul of a destination, I know how overwhelming it can be to explore Chittor Fort — a site as vast and historically rich as this. Whether you're planning things to do in Chittorgarh or simply want to understand the Chittorgarh attractions on offer, this guide has you covered. Whether you're drawn to the iconic Vijay Stambh, the serene waters of Gaumukh Reservoir, or the poignant story of Rani Padmini, you'll find it all here.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the finest Chittorgarh sightseeing places, is located in the present-day city of Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, sprawling over a hill 180 m in height and covering an area of 280 ha above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. The history of Chittorgarh Fort dates back to the 7th century, with its foundation attributed to Chitrangada Mori of the Maurya dynasty. The fort came into the possession of Bappa Rawal, who established the Mewar dynasty, in the mid-8th century. Over the centuries, the fort has witnessed significant events that shaped the history of the region, including several sieges.
As you explore the fort, you’ll discover 65 historic structures, which include four palaces, 19 large temples, 20 large water bodies, 4 memorials, and a few victory towers. I visited the fort when driving between Udaipur and Bundi, during my travels of Rajasthan, so I was only able to explore this vast fort for four hours, and I would love to go back and see more of this imposing site.
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stunning sights of Chittorgarh Fort, or indeed, a general tour of Rajasthan state.
**Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. Regardless of this, please be advised that all opinions expressed in this blog post are genuine and authentically my own.**
Chittorgarh Tourist Attractions: Chittorgarh Fort
Jain Shwetambar Temple
This is one of the most important Jain temples in India and is dedicated to the Tirthankara Rishabhadeva, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras of Jainism. It’s a part of the many Jain and Hindu temples scattered across the fort, each with its own unique story.
The temple was built in the 12th century by Rawal Kumar Singh, a Jain ruler of Chittorgarh. The temple is a fine example of Jain architecture, and it is decorated with intricate carvings of Jain symbols and motifs. The temple is built in the Solanki style of architecture, which is a distinctive style of architecture that originated in Gujarat and is made of white marble, which is a symbol of purity in Jainism.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
Before entering the temple complex, make sure to take your shoes off at the steps. So you may want to make sure you have a pair of socks on when visiting. Your shoes are always safe when left at a temple.
Samadhisvara Mahadev Temple
This Hindu temple is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest temples in the fort, said to have been built in the 11th century. The temple is a fine example of early Hindu architecture, and it features a number of unique features. The temple is built in the Nagara style of architecture, and it has a pyramidal shikhara (spire). The temple is also decorated with intricate carvings of Hindu deities and symbols.
The temple is named after Samadhishvara, which means "Lord of Samadhi". Samadhi is a state of deep meditation, and it is said that the temple was built on the site where the Hindu saint Gorakshanath attained samadhi.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
You can get a perfectly framed view of the temple as you approach the complex gate. An ideal photo opportunity!
Vijay Stambh
This victory tower is over 37 metres tall, and it was built in the 14th century to commemorate a victory by the Rajputs over the Delhi Sultanate. The tower is a fine example of Rajput architecture and offers stunning views of the fort and surrounding countryside — it's also one of the best spots to take photos of Chittorgarh Fort, particularly in the golden afternoon light.
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Gaumaukh Kund
This a natural spring-fed reservoir is one of the most important water bodies in the fort, and probably the most beautiful. The reservoir is named after the "cow's mouth" (gaumukh) from which the water flows. The water is said to be holy, and it is believed to have medicinal properties.
Kalika Mata Temple
This temple is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, and it is one of the most important temples in Rajasthan. The temple is said to have been built in the 8th century AD, and it is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus from all over India.
Tailor-Made Top Tips:
The temple isn’t that big and can get quite busy, so it is best making this one of your first stops at the fort to avoid the crowds.
Maharani Padmini Palace
This modest palace in the middle of a pond is associated with Rani Padmini, a queen of the Mewar kingdom. She was celebrated for his exceptional beauty and her story is deeply intertwined with the history of the fort. There is also a small palace and garden complex at the side of the pond.
And that's not all!
Other Attractions
There are many other attractions to visit in this vast fortified hill. The Fateh Prakash Palace has been converted into a museum, and has a large collection of wood crafts, weapons, paintings, and traditional costumes. The ruins of the Rana Kumbha Palace are interesting to explore, as are those of the Rana Ratan Singh Palace. Other notable temples that can be explored include the Tulja Bhawani, Kumbha Shyam, and Meera temples.
How to Get To Chittorgarh Fort
By Air: The nearest airport to Chittorgarh is the Maharana Pratap Airport, in Dabok, which is approximately 90 km away.
By Rail: Chittorgarh is well connected by rail to Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ratlam, Delhi, Kota and other major cities.
By Road: Regular buses are available to Chittorgarh from all major cities in Rajasthan.
Hire a Driver: Hiring a driver is a more economical and personalised way of travelling around Rajasthan than booking with a bus tour operator. This is my own preferred mode of transport when travelling in India, and Rajasthan in particular. I used the excellent services of Vivek at Just To Travels to organise this for me – website & email.
Getting Around Chittorgarh Fort
When you have arrived in Chittorgarh, if you don't already have a driver, hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw to take you up the Chittor Fort Road and to stay with you while you discover what's inside Chittorgarh Fort. Exploring Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan this way is by far the most practical approach, as the Chittorgarh tourist places are scattered widely across the plateau and walking between them is not practical. There is a ticket office close to the fort entrance, where you will have to buy your ticket and that of your driver’s. Most attractions have small car parks beside them.
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Now, here's something most travel guides won't tell you...
The Best Time to Visit Chittorgarh Fort
The winter tends to be the best season to visit Chittorgarh and Rajasthan in general. Chittorgarh enjoys a mild weather with temperatures ranging between 10°C – 30°C for most parts. Winters in Rajasthan usually commence around October and extend to January.
The monsoon comes to Rajasthan in July and can last till mid-September. Rainfall in this area of Rajasthan ranges between 100-165 mm during the monsoon season. However, you will be welcomed by lush greenery if you visit at this time.
Summers in Chittorgarh, and in Rajasthan in general, tend to be very hot and may not suit most travellers. I visited in August and, although it was hot, it wasn’t too humid (like New Delhi and Agra!) and there were few tourists.
How Long Should You Stay at Chittorgarh Fort?
Although the main attractions in the fort could be seen within three to four hours, try to spend a full day here in order to fully appreciate it. If you would prefer exploring Chittorgarh Fort at leisure, I think two days would be more than enough for you.
Quick Questions Answered
Is Chittorgarh the largest fort in India? The largest fort in India by area is generally considered to be Chittorgarh Fort, which spans 280 hectares (691.9 acres). However, if you measure “largest” by total spread of fortifications, Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur covers over 1,200 acres, making it larger in raw land area.
What are the Chittorgarh timings? The fort is open from 09:00 to 18:00.
How much is the Chittorgarh Fort entry fee? Indian citizens are charged ₹10, while foreign tourists are charged ₹100.
Chittorgarh Fort was built by whom? The fort is traditionally believed to have been built by Chitrangada Mori, a ruler of the Mori (Maurya) dynasty.
Do people live inside Chittorgarh Fort? Yes, but only a small resident community remains.
Which famous movie was shot in Chittorgarh Fort? Padmaavat (2018), directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali, is the best‑known major production associated with the fort.
Is Chittorgarh Fort haunted or not? The fort is not officially considered haunted, but like many ancient Indian forts, it has local legends and folklore that give it a mysterious aura. There have been accounts of a strange silence in certain areas at night though.
Where is the Chittorgarh Fort located? Chittorgarh Fort is located in the city of Chittorgarh in the southern part of the Indian state of Rajasthan. It sits on a 180‑metre‑high hill above the plains and lies along the Berach River.
Chittorgarh to Udaipur distance by car = 71 miles / 114 km
Chittorgarh to Kota distance by car = 107 miles / 172 km
Chittorgarh to Jaipur distance by car = 194 miles / 312 km
Chittorgarh Hotels
Accommodation options in Chittorgarh are limited, but there are two hotels that stand out for independent travellers.
The Hotel Pride of Chittor is a well-regarded 3-star option conveniently located close to the fort, offering clean, air-conditioned rooms, a restaurant serving Indian, Chinese, and Italian cuisine, and free Wi-Fi making it a solid and affordable base for your visit.
For those looking to treat themselves, the Hotel Grand is situated just 1.7 km from the fort and boasts a rooftop open-air restaurant with a spectacular view of Chittorgarh Fort, as well as an outdoor rooftop pool — arguably the finest place to stay in the city.
Conclusion
Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, promises an unforgettable journey through the annals of time, with the fort bursting with stories etched into its stones. The plethora of activities at Chittorgarh Fort are ideal for independent travellers. Walk around the ruins, offer your prayers at the temples and capture the beauty of this world heritage site in your photographs.
Related Blog Posts
If you would like more information on the exciting places to visit in Rajasthan, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Have you visited Chittorgarh Fort, or is it on your travel bucket list? We'd love to hear your thoughts — drop a comment below and share your experience or questions!
Don’t forget that Tailor-Made Itineraries delights in creating bespoke self-guided tours. So, if visiting Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, appeals to you, reach out to me by email. I would be more than happy to design a self-guided tour around your requirements incorporating the stunning sights of Chittorgarh Fort, or indeed, a general tour of Rajasthan state.
Join me next time on my adventures when I visit Udaipur. Tailor-Made Itineraries posts every two weeks, and you can subscribe to the latest blog and newsletter here. Until then, happy reading and safe travels.
Barry
Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
Tailor-Made Itineraries creates one-of-a-kind bespoke self-guided travel itineraries for adventurous independent travellers.
These self-guided tours deliver a personalised and exciting holiday experience that takes the effort out of trip planning.
Chittorgarh Fort Map
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