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The  pride and glory of Rajasthan , chittor echoes with the  tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition . A ruined citadel , where the royal and velour unique to the Rajput tradition . A ruined citadel , where the royal past lives in its imposing forts , graceful palaces and spectacular chhatris .

This fortified settlement has been ravaged thrice and each time the outcome was “ Jauhar “ – When women and children immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre while men donned in saffron robes of martyrdom rode out of the fort towards a certain death .

Alauddin Khilji was  the first to sack Chittor in 1303A.D , overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty , queen Padmini ,Legend has it that he saw her face in the reelection of mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty But the noble queen preferred death to dishonor and committed “ Jauhar “ .

In 1553 A.D during the rule of Bikramjeet , come the second attack from Bahadur Shah , the sultan of Gujarat . Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karnavati , bundi princess . Her infant son , Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittor to Bund survived to inherit the throne of the citadel . he learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to velour , so, in 1567 A.D When the mughal Emperor invaded Chittor , Udai Singh Fled to establish a new Capital Udaipur – a beautiful lake city , leaving behind Chittor to be defended by two 16 year old heroes , Jaimal of Bednore and Patta of kelwa . These young  men displayed true Rajput chivalry and died after “ Jauhar “ was performed .Immediately thereafter Akbar razed the fort to a rubble .

Chittor was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors .

PRIME SITES

The Fort : The indomitable pride of Chittor , the fort is massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7^th century A.D  Perched on a height of 180m  hill it sprawls over 700 acres . The tablets and chhatris within are impressive reminders of the Rajput heroism .

The main gates are Padal Pol , Bhairon Pol , Hanuman Pol and Ram Pol , the Fort has many magnificent monuments – all fine examples of the Rajput architecture . the ancient  ruins of the fort are worth spending few moments in solitude .

Vijay Stambha ( Victory Tower) : The imposing 37 meter high structure with nine stores , covered with exquisite sculptures of hindu deities and depicting episodes from the two great epics Ramayana and Mahabharatha . It was built in 1440 A.D by Maharana Kumbha , a powerful ruler of Mewar , to commemorate his victory over the muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat .

Kirti Stambh ( Tower of Fame ) : The 22 meters high tower built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12 th century A.D  The tower is dedicated to Adinathji  the first of the Jain Tirthankaras and is decorated with figures of the Jain Pantheon .

Rana Kumbha’s Palace : The Ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest , being the most massive  monument in the fort of Chittor , The palace is beloved to have underground callers where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar .

Padmini’s Palace : Built beside a pool , the palace is magnificent one , It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alaudin khilji .

Rani Padmini Stood in a “ Zanana Mahal ” a pavilion in the center and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror places in the main hall . After having a glimpse of the legendary beauty , Alauddin went to extent of ravaging Chittor in order of possess her .

Kumbha Shyam Temple : built during the region of Rana Kumbha in the IndoAryan style , the temple is associated with the mystic poetess Meerabai – an ardent Krishna devotee , She was the wife of Prince Bhojraj .

Kalika Mata Temple : Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8^th century , the temple was later converted  into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14^th century A.D dedicated to the mother Godess Kali –the symbol of power and velour

Jaimal and Patta Palaces : The ruins of palaces of Rathore jaimal and Sisodia Patta are witness to the gallantry of these great warriors .

 Gardens and Parks : Pratap Park , Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully laid out parks in lush  surroundings . Beautiful Khawaja rose garden at Sewa is just 13 km from Chittor .

 Meerabai Temple : The temple where Meerabai worshipped Lord Krishna is built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum . An open colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions in each corner .

 EXCURSIONS

 Nagari ( 20km) : One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan of great importance during the Mauryan period , is situated on the banks of River Bairach . the Hindu and Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here .

 Bassi Village ( 25 km ) : Enrooted Bundi s a marvelous village with historical forts temples and kunds , Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft . A Place of great tourist interest .

 Bassi Wild Life Sanctuary : 50 Sq .Km sanctuary near Bassi , supports a population of panthers , Wild boars , Antelopes , Mongoose and migratory birds, Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer , Chittorgarh before visiting the sanctuary.

 Sanwariyaji Temple ( 40 km ): On the Chittor –Udaipur road is a contemporary temple of Lord Krishna an important pilgrimage spot .

 Matri Kundia Temple ( 50km) : A popular Sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva , Popularly called “ Haridwar of Mewar “ .

 Bijaipur  ( 40km) : A marvelous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh , the younger brother of Maharana Pratap , stands in the village . Presently , it has been converted into a heritage hotel .

 Sita Mata Sanctuary , dhariyavad : This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the forest . According to the legend , Sita wife of Lord Rama stayed in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki’s Ashram after she was exiled by Lord Rama .

The common fauna that can be sighted here includes leopard ,hyena ,jungle fox , porcupine , sambhar ,wild boar ,four horned antelope , and flying squirrel .

 Deogarh ( 125 km) : A 16^th century magnificent fort near Partapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with murals and splendid Jain temples .

 Menal ( 90km ) : One the bundi –Chitttor road amid the natural beauty is Mena , famous for its ancient Shiva temples Picturesque water falls and dense forests .