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Author: Barry Pickard
Contents
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The majestic Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, India, is one of the largest forts in the country and is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This fort, located in the present-day city of Chittorgarh, sprawls over a hill 180 m in height and covers an area of 280 ha above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. For independent travellers who prefer to explore at their own pace, the fort offers ample opportunities. Wander through the ruins, soak in the spiritual ambiance of the temples, or simply sit and admire the panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
The history of Chittorgarh Fort dates back to the 7th century, with its foundation attributed to Chitrangad 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.
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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.
Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan, India
Jain Shwetambar Temple
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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This victory tower is over 37 meters 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 it offers stunning views of the fort and the surrounding countryside.
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Gaumaukh Kund
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
Other Attractions
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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.
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How to Get To Chittorgarh Fort
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By Air: The nearest airport to Chittorgarh is the Maharana Pratap Airport, in Dabok, which is approximately 90 km away.
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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 to the defended hill plateau. 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. Attractions are scattered throughout the fort, so it really isn’t practical to walk around the fort, hence why you need a driver of some sort.
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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.
As for accommodation, it is quite limited, but I noted that the Hotel Pride of Chittor and the Hotel Grand get good reviews.
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.
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Related Blog Posts
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If you would like more information on the exciting places to visit in Rajasthan, please view the Tailor-Made Itineraries posts below:
Comment below and let me know what your favourite place was to visit in Chittorgarh Fort.
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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.
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Barry
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Contact Me: tailoritineraries@gmail.com
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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.
