6 Tourist Spots To Visit In Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Located in the Western Indian state of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is a royal town that will beckon you towards itself with massive forts, majestic hills, and calming greens. Chittorgarh is an integral part of the rich political history of both ancient and medieval India. Through centuries, it has seen rulers of different origins and dynasties fighting over it to hold a strong political and commercial footing in the entire country. Being the center of origin of many Rajasthani cultural practices, it is favored by tourists who want to delve deep into Rajasthani cultural nuances. Some of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh hold a significant political background and have stood the test of time.

Located where the Gambheri and the Berach rivers combine, the beautiful city of Chittorgarh was once the capital of Mewar which was then ruled by the Sisodia Dynasty. The rich cultural history of the town includes practices like Jauhar that were followed by medieval Indian women. A great devotee of the Hindu Lord Krishna, the princess Meerabai was said to be associated with this kingdom in her days. The garh – the raised hill atop which the Chittor fort rests – was captured numerous times by Mughal and Sultanate leaders. Many local rulers took possession of the Garh once in a while, but Rajasthani Royal families and Mughals ruled over the city for the longest periods. Rulers like Alauddin Khilji, Humanyun and Akbar demonstrated special interest over Chittorgarh as a political capital, seizing the fort more than once in their time.You might just be attracted to the rich history of the city, or might want to take a detour to a city far away from the metropolitan bustle – Chittor will welcome you with open arms for a fun-filled vacation.

# Chittorgarh Fort

At a distance of 7 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Chittorgarh Fort is an ancient hill fort situated in the Chittorgarh town of Rajasthan. It one of the forts in India, and among the top heritage places in Rajasthan.

Chittorgarh Fort is a World Heritage Site included in hill forts of Rajasthan. The original Chittorgarh Fort was built by the Maurya dynasty in the 7th century AD. It was then known as Chitrakut after Chitrangada Mori, a Rajput chieftain as written on historical Mewari silver coins. According to history, the Mori dynasty was in possession of the fort when Bappa Rawal, the founder of the kingdom of Mewar, seized Chittorgarh and made it his capital in 734 AD. After that, his descendants ruled Mewar, which stretched from Gujarat to Ajmer, until the 16th century AD.

# Rana Kumbha Palace

At a distance of 6 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Rana Kumbha is a heritage palace situated near Vijay Stambh inside the Chittorgarh Fort Complex. It is one of the top places to visit in Chittorgarh Fort.

The palace was rebuilt by Maharana Kumbha on a ruined palace which was built in the 734 AD by Bappa Rawal. He was known for his art and cultural patronages in Rajasthan's Mewar dynasty. It is in this palace the Rajput King Maharana Kumbha lived his royal life. The ruined Kumbha Palace is the most massive monument in the fort of Chittor.

# Kirti Stambh / Tower Of Fame

At a distance of 800 m from Kumbha Palace and 7.5 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Kirti Stambh or the Tower of Fame is an ancient Jain monument situated inside Chittorgarh Fort Complex.

Kirti Stambh is a 12th century tower built by a Jain merchant Jijaji Bhagerwala during the reign of Rawal Kumar Singh. The main purpose behind its commission was to glorify Jainism. This six storied tower having a height of 22 m is dedicated to Adinath, the first Jaina Thirthankara.

Built in Solanki style architecture, it has many columned balconies, latticed arches and intricately carved niches. The tower is embellished with numerous figures of naked Thirthankars indicating that it belonged to the Digambara sect. In the lower storey, images of standing Adinatha are depicted on all the four cardinal directions whereas upper storeys contain hundreds of miniature images of Jain divinities. A number of Jain inscriptions can be found within and outside the tower, dating it to 896 AD.

# Fateh Prakash Palace Museum

At a distance of 8 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Fateh Prakash Palace is situated near Rana Kumbha Palace and close to the Badi Pol inside Chittorgarh Fort Complex. It is one of the must include places in Chittorgarh tour.

Fateh Prakash Palace was built by Rana Fateh Singh and has been named after him. This magnificent double-storeyed palace is a grand specimen of modern Indian architecture. This is an edifice with a tower on each of its four corners crowned by domed chhatris. The palace illustrates the maharaja's inclination towards art and is famous for the pillars and corridors. During the year 1968, a big portion of the palace was converted into a public museum.

# Vijay Stambh / Victory Tower

At a distance of 600 m from Kumbha Palace and 8 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower is an imposing historical monument located in Chittorgarh Fort of Rajasthan, India. This is one of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh.

The magnificent Vijaya Stambh was built by Mewar king Maharana Kumbha in 1448 AD to commemorate his victory over the combined armies of Malwa and Gujarat led by Mahmud Khilji. Dedicated to Lord Vishnu, Vijay Stambh is a 9 story tower with a height of 37.19 m. Made with red sand stone and white marble, this tower has a balcony in each stories. An inscription in the uppermost storey giving detailed chronological account of life and achievements of rulers of Chittaur was taken up by Rana Kumbha's court scholar Atri and was later completed by his son Mahesh.

# Kumbha Shyam Temple & Meerabai Temple

At a distance of 350 m from Kumbha Palace and 6 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Kumbha Shyam Temple is a Hindu temple situated inside Chittorgarh Fort. It is among the popular temples in Chittorgarh Fort Complex and also one of the Chittorgarh sightseeing places.

Kumbha Shyam Temple was built by Rana Kumbha in 1448 AD. The temple is dedicated to Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Though there is also a Kali Mata temple and Meerabai Temple in the same premise but the Kumbha Shyam temple is dominating in size. This temple is the place where Meera used to worship Lord Krishna, and the Bhakti movement originated at this place.