The pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the tales of romance and valour 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 Chittaur in 1303 A.D. overpowered by a passionate desire to possess the regal beauty, queen Padmini. Legend has it, that he saw her face in the reflection of a mirror and was struck by her mesmerizing beauty. But the noble queen preferred death to dishonour and committed ‘Jauhar’. In 1533 A.D. during the rule of Bikramjeet, came the second attack from Bahadur Shah, the Sultan of Gujarat. Once again Jauhar was led by Rani Karnavati, a Bundi princess. Her infant son, Udai Singh was smuggled out of Chittaur to Bundi who survived to inherit the throne of the citadel. He learnt from his traumatic childhood that discretion is preferred to valour. So in 1567 A.D., when the Mughal Emperor invaded Chittaur, Udai Singh fled to establish a new Capital, Udaipur- a beautiful lake city, leaving behind chittaur 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. Chittaur was never inhabited again but it always asserted the heroic spirit of Rajput warriors.

The Fort: The indomitable pride of Chittaur, the fort is a massive structure with many gateways built by the later Maurya rulers in 7^th century A.D. Perched on a height of 180 m high 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 Stambh ( Victory Tower): The imposing 37 metre high structure with nine storeys, covered with exquisite sculptures of Hindu deities and depicting episodes from the two great epics-Ramayana and Mahabharatha.

Kirti Stambh ( Tower of Fame): The 22 metres 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 figure 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 chittaur . The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar .

Padmini’s Palace: Built beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one. It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji. Rani Padmini stood in a ‘ Zanana Mahal’ – a pavilion in the center and her reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in mirror placed in the main hall. After having a glimpse of the legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of ravaging Chittaur in order to possess her.

Kumbha Shyam Temple: Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan 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 Goddess Kali-the symbol of power and valour.

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 Khwaja rose garden at Sawa is just 13 km from Chittaur.

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.

Nagari ( 20 km): One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan of great importance during the Mauryan period, is situated on the banks of River Bairach.

Bassi Village ( 25 km ): Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village with historical forts, temples and kunds.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary: 50 sq. km sanctuary near Bassi, supports a population of panthers, wild boars. Antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds.

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

Matri Kundia Temple ( 50 km): A popular sacred place dedicated to Lord Shiva. Popularly called ‘Haridwar of Mewar’.

Bijaipur ( 40 km ): A marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, 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.

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

Menal ( 90 km ): On the Bundi-Chittaur road amid the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.

By Air: 90 km is the nearest airport, Dabok airport, Udaipur.

By Rail: Chetak Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Chittauragarh – Udaipur ) pass ( Kota-Chittaurgarh – Nimach ), (Khandawa – Chittaurgarh – Ajmer).

By Road: Delhi ( 583 km), Mount Abu ( 297 km), Jaipur ( 325 km ), Indore ( 325 km ) and Ajmer ( 185 km ) away from Chittauragarh.

Palace Bassi, Bassi
The fort of Bassi was built in the 16^th century by Thakur Jaimal. It is strategically located on the Mughal route of invasion of Mewar. Being in the front line, it faced a number of invasions by the Mughals and the Marathas. The massive Bassi Fort overlooks the township and has several impressive domes and battlements. Set picturesquely amid the hills, the quiet luxury of the palace offers a retreat into an aesthetically beautiful environment. Its towering gates, arches, corridors and mahals take one back to the royal magnificence of the past and the age of chivalry.

Special Features: The main places of interest in and around Bassi are stepwells, temples, cenotaphs, the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary, Audhi and lakes. Several festivals are celebrated with great pomp and show.

Facilities available: 8 double rooms. Simple Indian meals.

By Road: Udaipur 120 kms.
By Train: Bassi 2 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 100 kms.

Castle Bijaipur, Bijaipur
Set amidst the serene Vindhyachal ranges, Castle Bijaipur was built in the 16^th century by Rao Shakti Singhji the younger brother of the great patriot-Maharana Pratap. The rulers of this fort were involved in many fierce battles of historical importance against the Moghuls and the Marathas.

Special Features: Local tribal folk songs in the evenings. Visits to the nearby Pangarh Fort and its lotus lake for boating and fishing. A wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the castle has leopard, chinkara, spotted and four-horned deer, crocodile and wild boar as well as a variety of birds, Jeep and Camel safaris, trekking and camping can be arranged.

Facilities Available: 16 rooms. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian meals available.

By Road: Chittaurgarh 40 kms.
By Train: Chittaurgarh 40 kms.
By Air: Udaipur 130 kms.