Chittorgarh city

Chittorgarh, the history laden tourist destination, located in Southern Rajasthan, is a must visit haunt on a tour of marvelous Rajasthan. Replete with relics of the glorious yester years, it boasts of an enviable historical legacy. The site of numerous combats, Chittorgarh lives through the evergreen folktales, that does the rounds. The eventful history of Chittorgarh dates back to the Mahabharata. The legend has it that the brave Bhim, stomped the ground with such force that a water body was born. Chittorgarh is famous for the tale of 'Bhim Lat'. Besides, 'jauhar' and illustrious reigns mark the history of Chittorgarh.

Traveling to Chittorgarh is hasslefree. Bus regularly ply between Delhi and a host of places in Rajasthan . You can also avail the trains like the Ahmedabad Express and the Chetak Express. The towering fortress of Chittorgarh, circa eighth century, erected by Bappa Rawal of Sisodia, the witness to many a heroic feats, is one of the coveted tourist destinations of the region. You can also hotfoot it to the lovely palace of the brave Rana Kumbha. The majestic Vijaya Stambh, an insignia of valor and glory, the olympian Kirti Stambh, the palace of the famed Rani Padmini, the shrine dedicated to Meera Bai, the ardent worshipper of the Blue God Krishna. Besides these, you could visit the temple of Kalika Mata, the Government Museum, Mohar Magri, Tulja Bhawani shrine, Singar Chauri, Nagri, Bassi, Mati Kundiya shrine among a host of others. The vibrant Chittorgarh, emanating an old-world charm, also houses several wildlife parks. You can troop to the verdant Bhainsroragrh Wildlife park and the sanctuary of Sitamata, located in Dhariyavad.

If you are a compulsive shopper, you will be spoilt for choice. Stack your bags with handcrafted collectors' items from Bassi, like lovely playthings etched out of wood. The bustling Station Circle, Fort Road Market, Sadar Bazaar are some of the popular shopping hubs of Chittorgarh. Though Chittorgarh is an oft visited destination, lack of premier hotels may act as a dampener in your tour of this history etched realm. There are, however, a lot of budget hotels, that dish out a host of services.

Tourist attractions of Chittorgarh
The prominent tourist attraction in Chittorgarh is the Chittorgarh Fort. Chittorgarh Fort is the pride of Chittor. The fort is huge structure with many gateways built in 7th century AD and perched at an altitude of 180 m hill and spreads over 700 acres.

Kirti Stambh
Kirti Stambh is a tower which is dedicated to Rishabha who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism. It was constructed by a merchant and is ornamented with figures from the Jain pantheon. It is a seven storied pillar which was founded by Biherwal Mahajan Sanaya of Digambar Jain sect during 12th century AD. Idols of Shri Adinathji in Digambar style are engraved on its four corners each of which are five feet high and elsewhere are engraved several small idols which are consecrated to Jain lineage of deities.

Rana Kumbha's Palace
Rana Kumbha's Palace is near the Vijay Stambh. Rana Kumbha's Palace is the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh who was the founder of Udaipur. His life was saved by the heroic act of the maid Panna Dhay who replaced her son in place of the prince, with the result that her son was killed by Banbir. She carried the prince away to safety in a fruit basket.

Vijay Stambh
Vijay Stambh is a vast nine storey tower which was founded by Maharana Kumbha to honor his victory over the Muslim rulers of Gujarat and Malwa in 1440. The tower is 122 ft high and stands on a 10 ft high base. There are carvings and sculptures on the exterior walls of the tower. The tower is visible from any section of the town below. The inside walls of the tower are carved with images of weapons and Gods. For reaching at the top of the tower one have to climb 157 steps.

Rani Padmini's Palace
From Rani Padmini's Palace, Alauddin Khilji was allowed to watch a reflection of the Rani by replacing the mirror at such an angle that even if he turned back he could not see the room. Khilji had been warned by the Rani's husband Rawal Ratan Singh that if he turned back they would cut his neck.

Kalika Mata Temple
Initially Kalika Mata Temple was constructed in the 8th century for Sun God, later it was converted to a temple for mother Goddess Kali in the 14th century. During the festival days of Navaratri fairs are organised and pilgrims from different places come here to pay obeisance at the temple.