Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan

India’s culture and legends are filled with the stories of Rajputs, members of a brave warrior clan that has clashed with external forces trying to invade from time to time.

And while forts are a common historical structure in the country, tourists on e-Tourist Visa are largely attracted to the Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan.

The Chittorgarh Fort is one of the largest forts in India and Asia with an area of 691.9 acres. It is located on a hill 590.6 feet (180 m) high, which gave it a military advantage.

It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and so are 5 other forts in Rajasthan.

The fort is home to several stories and legends, and naturally is one of the most famous ones as well. Architects and historians from all around the globe have shown an interest in the fort’s architecture, and the artefacts found inside its walls.

History of The Chittorgarh Fort

The Chittorgarh Fort has a huge history, and while some stories are glorified, others are not. As for who built it, well it is considered that a local Maurya Rajput ruler was the one to do it.

But several legends and theories say otherwise too.

The fort has witnessed its fair share of lengthy wars and sieges, the first of them being in 1303 between Rana Ratan Singh and Alauddin Khilji. After the latter won and the Rajputs were defeated, it was his son that ascended the throne.

But since then, there have been several rulers from different dynasties that have ruled over the Chittorgarh. The rulers had to fight against external forces to maintain their hold over it, while history also suggests turmoil between brothers for the same.

Even though the Rajputs inside were not always able to thwart the invaders successfully, it does not undermine their courage and bravery one bit. And after the final siege in 1567 and the treaty of 1616, it was the British who refurbished it in 1905.

Where is The Chittorgarh Fort Located?

The Chittorgarh Fort stands at a distance of 233 KM from Ajmer, in the southern part of Rajasthan. It is almost at a midpoint between Delhi and Mumbai on National Highway 8 in the Golden Quadrilateral road network.

Therefore even if you’re visiting the place for the first time on an Indian e-Visa, you should have no problem reaching there via the road network available.

Other than that, the Dabok Airport (Udaipur) is the nearest if you’re considering taking a flight.

Now depending on where you arrive in India, you may plan your trip to the Chittorgarh fort accordingly.

Major Attractions Of the Chittorgarh Fort

The Chittorgarh Fort was once a glorious place with numerous temples, monuments, palaces, etc. inside it. However, the several attacks and time have taken their toll on them, and hence most of these have been reduced to broken structures.

With that said though, there are still plenty of things that the Fort has to offer, and is now under maintenance being a World heritage site.

Vijay Stambha

The Vijay Stambha or The Tower of Victory is often considered the symbol of Chittorgarh. It has a 47 sq ft base and 122 feet (37.2 m) in height, and as per the records, it took around 10 years for its completion.

The tower is illuminated in the evening, and a nice view of Chittorgarh can be experienced from its top. 

Kirti Stambha

The Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) might be shorter and smaller than the Vijay Stambha but certainly contains excellent Jain architecture. It is also older than the other tower.

The lowest floor of the tower has Digambar monuments, and the tower was dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara.

Rana Kumbha Palace

The almost ruined Rana Kumbha’s Palace is one of the significant palaces inside the Chittorgarh Fort that allures tourists travelling on Indian e-Visa.

The palace once had elephants and horse stables, and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Several historical Rajput personalities have been born and lived here.

Padmini Palace

The Padmini Palace or the Rani Padmini Palace is a white, 3-storey structure that is referred to in several Mewar texts. The palace is surrounded by a water moat on all sides and is a precursor to this style of building.

Apply For Your Indian e-Visa and To Visit Chittorgarh and More Amazing Places

The Chittorgarh Fort has several other buildings and holds high value historically. Some of the temples are the Kalika Mata Temple, Tulja Bhavani Temple and more, which are best experienced not by words, but rather by a visit to the Chittorgarh Fort.

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