What Makes Chittorgarh One of the Most Prominent Historical Sites in Rajasthan?
A trip to Rajasthan makes for a fascinating destination for a short vacation for any travel enthusiast. One such city in Rajasthan is Chittorgarh, which is rich with ruins of great forts and palaces, temples and lakes. Chittorgarh, historically known as Chitrakuta, is located in the southeastern part of Rajasthan on the confluence of rivers Gambhir and Berach. The city's history dates back to the 13th century, when the emperor of the Khilji dynasty, Ala-ud-din Khilji, attacked Chittorgarh and the ruthless act of Jauhar was practised by the Rajput women for the first time. The city is synonymous with the legendary Chittorgarh Fort, after which Chittorgarh got its name. Chittorgarh is one of the most popular prominent historical sites in Rajasthan, which is also famous for the epic battle of Ala-ud-din Khilji. Fenced in by the Archeological Department of India, the Sati Sthal in the Chittorgarh palace is called the ‘ground of death’ and is well protected to prevent any trespassers. The endless list of places that you can explore on your Chittorgarh tourism package will abduct your mind as you wander around its beautiful and marvellous vicinity, exploring its famous sightseeing places.
Did You Know These Interesting Facts About Chittorgarh?
Largest fort complex in India | Chittorgarh Fort is known to be the largest fort of India. It extends an area of 3km in length and a peripheral length of 13km, summing up to 700 acres of land. A visit to this fort is integral to any Chittorgarh city tour. |
Three historic jauhars took place here | Chittorgarh was besieged three times, and each time, the ritual of 'Jauhar' was performed by women and girls of the region. |
Once the capital of Mewar | Chittorgarh served as the capital of the Mewar Kingdom before Udaipur was established. |
Chittorgarh Fort had 80+ water bodies | Despite being on a hill, the Chittorgarh Fort once had 84 water reservoirs; around 22 still exist today. |
Fort shaped like a fish | Chittorgarh Fort complex looks roughly like a fish from a bird's eye view. |
Gaumukh Reservoir never dries | A Chittorgarh trip would give you the chance to check out the Gaumukh Reservoir. This perennial water body is named after its unique cow-mouth shape It is said that the reservoir never dries up. |
Beyond Forts and Palaces — What Makes Chittorgarh So Special?
The city of Chittorgarh remains replete with historical battles and other such associations and holds a very special place in the heart of the Rajputs. Chittorgarh is often known as ‘Bhakti Aur Shakti ki Nagri’, which means the land of devotion and strength. If a trip to Rajasthan is on your mind, then Chittorgarh is an incredible travel destination that will take you back in time and narrate tales of courage and bravery through each lane you discover in the city. Wait no more and read about some of the most famous places to add to your travel itinerary once you decide to book the Chittorgarh tour package with Veena World.
What are the Best Places to Visit in Chittorgarh
From ancient monuments to places of cultural and religious importance, there is no dearth of places to visit in Chittorgarh. To have the best sightseeing tour, here are some of the best places to visit to add to your Chittorgarh tour package that might top every other list in Rajasthan tour guide.
Chittorgarh Fort
The magnificent UNESCO World Heritage Site, Chittorgarh Fort, is one of the most popular sights that tops every Chittorgarh holiday package. The fort is one of the largest forts in Rajasthan and India. The fort has seen many battles, the most famous being the battle of Ala-ud-din Khilji, which speaks of its glory and still stands tall and proud even today, attracting thousands of history buffs each year. The walls of the Chittorgarh Fort shout of great valour and sacrifices of the Rajput clan, including brave Rajput women. The fort is spread across 700 acres on a hilltop, which is rich with many gateways and exquisite architecture. Legend has it that the Chittorgarh Fort was built by one of the Pandavas. According to the history books, the fort was discovered in the 7th century AD, under the Mauryan Empire's rule.
Fort Fateh Prakash Palace
Built by Maharana Pratap Singh, Fort Fateh Prakash Palace is an enchanting palace in Chittorgarh that represents modern architectural design and style. During the empirical rule, the palace used to be the residence of Maharana Pratap, which has now been converted into a museum. Fort Fateh Prakash is one of the popular sightseeing places in the Chittorgarh tourism package that lures thousands of visitors due to its splendid architecture, jewels, and artefacts that date back to Maharana Pratap Singh’s dynasty. Speaking of artefacts, the palace is home to a huge collection of paintings from the 17th and 19th centuries. The other galleries inside the palace consist of perfumes, weaponry, jewellery and much more.
Kalika Mata Temple
Kalika Mata Temple is another captivating place to add to your Chittorgarh package that dates back to the 14th century. The temple is known as a place to worship Goddess Kali, which was once a temple of the Sun God. Kalika Mata Temple has also seen a cruel history, as it was destroyed after the attack by Ala-ud-din Khilji. The temple is not just a peaceful place to seek blessings from Goddess Kali but also a popular place among art lovers who visit Chittorgarh. Speaking of architecture, the temple is built on an elevated podium with intricate carvings with mandaps, entry gates, pillars and ceilings that add to the beauty of Kalika Mata Temple. If you plan to visit the temple during the Navratri festival, you can capture the sightseeing place filled with festivity and thousands of worshippers.
Rani Padmini Palace
Rani Padmini Palace is another stunning example of contemporary architecture situated amidst the Chittorgarh Fort. The palace is surrounded by water on all sides, with outer walls painted in cream colour that overlooks a beautiful lotus pool. At first, the palace might resemble the Jal Mahal of Jaipur, which is also surrounded by water on all sides. History has it that Ala-ud-din Khilji used to catch a glimpse of Rani Padmavati from the surrounding water. His countless efforts to possess Rani Padmavati resulted in the death of her husband, which led her to commit Jauhar. Today, Rani Padmini Palace stands the epitome of beauty, honour and courage of the past of Chittorgarh.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Apart from forts, fortresses and palaces, adding Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary to your Chittorgarh itinerary would not disappoint if you are a nature lover. Situated approximately 30 km from the city, the wildlife sanctuary is spread across 15,000 hectares of land and carpeted with lush greenery. Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is also said to be home to panthers and other wild animals, which are otherwise rare in most wildlife sanctuaries. Apart from rich wildlife, the place has a rich variety of flora, which will leave you mesmerised.
Rana Sangha Market
The Rana Sangha Market is one of the common itineraries for all shopping enthusiasts who frequent Chittorgarh. The market is dotted with numerous shops selling authentic Rajasthani jewellery, artefacts and clothing items. Whether it is metalware, wooden toys, fabrics, handmade jewellery or colourful juttis, you will find everything in the bustling lanes of Rana Sangha Market. The authentic handicrafts that are sold in the market reflect the true craftsmanship of the people of Rajasthan. If you plan to tour Chittorgarh, the Rana Sangha Market is a must to catch the liveliness and vibrancy of the market at its best.
Best Time to Visit Chittorgarh
As the state of Rajasthan is mostly composed of deserts, it can be very hot most of the time, especially during the day hours. The ideal time to visit Chittorgarh is during the winter months, between November and February, as the weather remains pleasant during the season. However, monsoon season is also a good time to plan a trip to Chittorgarh when the temperature in the region drops a bit to let you enjoy the endless sightseeing places in the city.
How To Make The Most Of Your Chittorgarh Getaway?
After booking a Chittorgarh holiday package, you must:
- Witness The Light And Sound Show: Held every evening within the Chittorgarh Fort complex, this retelling of the fort's history is sure to impress you. The show recounts the sacrifices of Rani Padmini, Rani Karnavati, and the brave Rajput warriors through lights, music, and storytelling. This show has been narrated by Bollywood actor Shatrughan Sinha, and is engaging for all age groups.
- Visit The Sanwariyaji Temple: Located about 40 kilometres from Chittorgarh, this temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna. Many Hindu devotees visit the Sanwariyaji Temple on their Chittorgarh trip to seek blessings.
- Enjoy Safari and Photography at Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary: About 60 kilometres from Chittorgarh, the Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary is known for its diverse flora and fauna. It is home to leopards, hyenas, spotted deer and flying squirrels.
- Shop in the Alleys: Chittorgarh’s labyrinth of alleys is lined with stalls selling a variety of souvenirs, like miniature paintings, bangles, jewellery, handicraft items and more. Shopping is an integral part of Chittorgarh holiday packages. Many local artisans preserve centuries-old crafts passed down through generations. Thewa art originated in nearby Pratapgarh and today is practised by only a few master artisans.
- Indulge in Regional Cuisine: You must give local culinary delights, like Gatte ki Sabzi, Lal Maas, Ker Sangri, Bajra Roti, and Mawa Kachori, a try.
Chittorgarh Travel Tips
- Apply sunscreen lotion before stepping out.
- Carry sufficient cash, as small vendors near the fort may not accept digital payments.
- Stay hydrated and try to carry bottled water with you at all times.
- Practise responsible tourism by respecting heritage sites and avoiding littering.
- Try to embark on a Chittorgarh city tour early in the morning to avoid the harsh afternoon sun.
- Wear comfortable shoes when visiting the Chittorgarh Fort, in order to explore the fort complex without any discomfort or inconvenience.
- Dress modestly and follow local customs when visiting religious sites.
- Book Chittorgarh sightseeing packages through Veena World.
Book The Best Chittorgarh Tourism Packages Through Veena World
The entire city of Chittorgarh stands as a definition of Rajput pride and its glorious history. Did the history and the places to visit in Chittorgarh give you an itch to pack your backpacks and book a sightseeing package already? We hope it did!
Veena World offers a plethora of Chittorgarh tourism packages. We pay meticulous attention to detail in every aspect of your Chittorgarh trip, offer exceptional customer service and ensure that your holiday is nothing short of magical. Visit the Veena World website to check Chittorgarh tour package price and other details. Through us, you can enjoy a comfortable and memorable Chittorgarh trip at a cost-effective price point. We aim to provide every guest with the best possible value for their money.
