Chittorgarh fort
Victory Tower
The Vijay Stambha Victory Tower or Jay Stamba, called the symbol of Chittor and a particularly bold expression of triumph, was erected by Rana Khumba between 1458 and 1468 to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa, in 1440 AD. Built over a period of ten years, it raises 37.2 m 122 ft over a 4.4 m² 47 ft² base in nine stories accessed through a narrow circular staircase of 157 steps the interior is also carved up to the 8th floor, from where there is good view of the plains and the new town of Chittor. The dome, which was a later addition, was damaged by lightning and repaired during the 19th century. The Stamba is now illuminated during the evenings and gives a beautiful view.
[Admission Fee: Rs 5 for Indian nationals, Rs 100 for foriegn tourists] The fort, plainly known as Chittor, was the capital of Mewar and is today situated several kilometres by road south of Bhilwara. It sprawls majestically over a hill 180 m 591 ft in height spread over an area of 280 ha 692 ac above the plains of the valley drained by the Berach River. A winding hill road of more than 1 km 0.6 mi length from the new town leads to the west end main gate, called Ram Pol, of the fort.
Within the fort, a circular road provides access to all the gates and monuments located within the fort walls. The fort that once boasted of 84 water bodies has only 22 now. These water bodies are fed by natural catchment and rainfall and have a combined storage of 4 billion litres that could meet the water needs of an army of 50,000. The supply could last for four years. These water bodies are in the form of ponds, wells and step wells.
The fort has seven gates in the local language, gate is called "Pol", namely the Padan Pol, Bhairon Pol, Hanuman Pol, Ganesh Pol, Jodla Pol, Laxman Pol and the main entry gate of Ram Pol Lord Rama's Gate. All the gateways to the fort have been built as massive stone structures with secure fortifications for military defense. The doors of the gates with pointed arches are reinforced to fend off elephants and cannon shots. The top of the gates have notched parapets for archers to shoot at the enemy army. A circular road within the fort links all the gates and provides access to the numerous monuments ruined palaces and 130 temples in the fort.
Chittorgarh Fort is a large space, and visitors may find it useful to compartmentalise the different sections.
Kirti Stambha
Kirti Stambha "Fame Tower" is a 22 m 72 ft high tower built on a 9.1 m 30 ft base with 4.6 ft 1.4 m at the top, is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside and is older probably 12th century and smaller than the Victory Tower. The Chittorgarh Victory Tower and the Meera Mandir. Built by a Bagherwal Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, it is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankar revered Jain teacher. In the lowest floor of the tower, naked figures of the various tirthankars of the Jain pantheon are seen in special niches formed to house them. A narrow stairway with 54 steps leads through the six storeys to the top. The top pavilion that was added in the 15th century has 12 columns.
Rana Kumbha's Palace
At the entrance gate near the Vijaya Stamba, Rana Kumbha's palace in ruins, the oldest monument, is located. The palace included elephant and horse stables and a temple to Lord Shiva. Maharana Udai Singh, the founder of Udaipur, was born here; the popular folk lore linked to his birth is that his maid Panna Dhay saved him by substituting her son in his place as a decoy, which resulted in her son getting killed by Banbir. The prince was spirited away in a fruit basket. The palace is built with plastered stone. The remarkable feature of the palace is its splendid series of canopied balconies. Entry to the palace is through Suraj Pol that leads into a courtyard. Rani Meera, the famous poetess saint, also lived in this palace. This is also the palace where Rani Padmini, consigned herself to the funeral pyre in one of the underground cellars, as an act of jauhar along with many the other women. The Nau Lakha Bandar literal meaning: nine lakh [900 000] treasury building, the royal treasury of Chittor was also located close by. Now, across from the palace is a museum and archeological office. The Singa Chowri temple is also nearby.
Other attractions
Jain Temples
At present six jain temples on the fort of Chittor. The largest and chief among them is the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha with fifty-two devkulikas. The place of this temple is known as âSattavish devriâ. It means that at some time in the past, there were twenty-seven temples here. The Digamabar Jain Kirtistambh and seven-storied Kirtistambh are two among them. The seven-storied Kirtistambh was built in the fourteenth century in memories of Bhagawan Adinatha
Kalika Mata Temple
Across from Padminiâs palace is the Kalika Mata Temple, Chittorgarh Fort. Originally, a Sun temple dated to the 8th century dedicated to Surya -the sun-god, was destroyed in the 14th century. It was rebuilt as a Kali temple.
Tulja Bhavani Temple
on the west side of the fort is the ancient Tulja Bhavani temple built to worship goddess Tulja, considered sacred. The tope khana cannon foundry is located next to this temple in a courtyard, where a few old cannons are still seen.
Gaumukh Reservoir
A deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of the cliff. It is considered to be sacred where you can feed the fishes.
Fateh Prakash Palace
Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of morden style. This place has been named Fateh Prakesh after Maharana Fateh Singh. There is a big Ganesh idol, a fountain, and different frescoes which are to be seen to be believed. This palace, now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort.
Many of the historical sights are in ruins and within the fortress compound. It takes approximately 3 hours to see everything. If you are planning a full-day tour in the area, a morning visit to the fort followed by visiting some of the nearby attractions makes a good itinerary.
excursions
Some of the popular destinations around Chittorgarh that would spice your stay at Chittorgarh. Rent a car or buy a ticket from conducted travel agents to explore the outskirts of Chittorgarh.
Nagri 20km from Chittorgarh - One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era situated on the banks of River Bairach. The place which flourished during Maurayan and Gupta era now consists excavations and ruins unearthened.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary 25km from Chittorgarh - The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 sq. km. near Bassi village and house to panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permision is to be obtained from the District Forst Officer, Chittorgarh.
Sanwariyaji Temple 40km from Chittorgarh - The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, situated on the Chittaurgarh - Udaipur highway. This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre.
Bijolia 50km east of Chittorgarh - The place has three ancient Central Indian-style temples. The Undeswara Temple has a yoni and linga in the inner sanctums, and some excellent carvings.
Menal 90km from Chittorgarh - One of the excavated area consists a group of well-preserved 12th century temples.
Deogarh 125km from Chittorgarh - The 16th century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, their murals and Jain temple.
Barolo 140km from Chittorgarh - This town is worth visiting, because of the group of ancient temples situated here especially the ruins of the famous temples of Babaroli.