The Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. The fort of Chittor is believed to have been the capital of the Gahlot and Sisodia kings who ruled Mewar from the eighth to the sixteenth century AD. The fort is named after Chittrangad Mauraya. The Sisodia ruler Ajay Pal (AD 1174-1177) improved the fort wall built by the Gahlot king in the ninth century AD The fort has witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought valiantly against the enemies. The magnificent fort rises 150 m above the surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km.

Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput rulers who laid down their life fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission. The fort is located on a hill that dominates the modern township of Chittor. It is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. Standing tall in one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, the Chittaurgarh Fort perched on a 152-m-high rocky hill. The Chittaurgarh Fort epitomises the doomed romantic ideal of Rajput chivalry. Chittaurgarh Fort is a living testimony to the bravery of the great Rajput warriors who sacrificed their lives fighting a superior enemy instead of leading a life of submission.

The fort with its impressive location and colourful history is the main source of attraction in Chittor town. Named after Chittrangad Mauraya, the fort is a fine example of the Rajput style of architecture. The Sisodia ruler Ajay Pal (1174-1177 AD) improvised the fort wall built by the Gahlot king in the ninth century AD. The immense stretch of the walls and the ruined palaces relate the saga of innumerable sieges and heroism. The Chittaurgarh Fort witnessed three ferocious sieges and each time her defenders, demonstrating true Rajputana pride, fought valiantly against the enemies. With the modern town of Chittor at the foot of the hill, imposing Chittaurgarh Fort rises 150 m above the `surrounding region and runs to an approximate length of 3 km covering an area of 60 acres and peripheral length of 13 km. Not to be missed during your travel to Rajasthan, the legend of Chittaurgarh Fort still lingers with the story of Queen Padmini and Ala-ud-din Khilji, the ruler of Delhi, who was besotted with her beauty. According to legend, it was because of the beautiful Padmini that Chittaurgarh was sacked the first time. Ala-ud-din Khilji is said to have been so carried away by Padmini's beauty that he attacked Chittor in order to possess her. This led to the first bitter and bloody siege of the Chittaurgarh Fort and the subsequent mass suicide. The main places of interest within the precincts of the fort are the two towers known as the ‘ Kirti Stambh’ (Tower of Fame) and the ‘Vijay Stambh’ (Tower of Victory). Besides these, there are several temples, reservoirs, and palaces originating between the 9th and 17th centuries AD. There is also a big complex of Jain temples within the fort.

» Other Attractions Near Chittaurgarh

Kirti Stambh : The Kirti Stambh is a seven-storied structure with a cramped stairway of 54 steps. It is 30 feet at the base and narrows down to 15 feet at the top and is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outside. It is dated approximately around the 12th century AD. It is dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara or spiritual teacher, Adinath, and has an impressive five-feet-high statue of the saint.

Vijay Stambh: However, the most imposing structure within the Chittaurgarh Fort is the Vijay Stambh. This tower can even be seen from the town, which is located below the fort. This exemplary piece of architecture stands on a pedestal of 47 square feet and 10 feet high, while the tower alone stands at a height of 122 feet and is 30 feet wide at the base. There are 157 steps and the stairs are circular. It is believed that the tower took 10 years to be completed. The tower was built around the 15th century AD, by Rana Kumbha, one of the most powerful Mewar kings. The tower was built to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa. The entire structure is covered with sculptures of Hindu deities and episodes from the two great Hindu epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, with names given below each piece of sculpture.

Sammidheshwara Temple : At a short distance of 11 kms . from Jaipur, the Amer Fort complex stands amidst wooded hills overlooking the Delhi-Jaipur highway, with its forbidding ramparts reflected in the still waters of the Maota Lake below. One of the finest examples of Rajput architecture, it was the ancient capital of the Kachhawah rulers.

» Places to Stay in Chittaurgarh

There are several budget hotels and paying guest accommodations available in Chittauragarh.

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» Best Time to visit Chittaurgarh

Summer ranges from 24°C to a maximum of 44°C, while winter lies between 28°C to a low of12°C. The rainy seasons are very humid starting from July to mid September. The best time to visit Chittaurgarh is between October to March.

» How to Get there

Air : Indian airlines operates flight to Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Mumbai.

Rail : Chittaurgarh has travel links with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Udaipur, Kota and Delhi.

Road : Chittaurgarh is on the main bus and train route. By road its well connected with Ajmer and Udaipur. There are frequent connections to these places.

» Climate of Chittaurgarh

The summer season extends from April to June and is quite hot. The average temperature in summers falls between 43.8° C to 23.8° C. The winter season lasts from October to February.Chittaurgarh weather in the winters is pretty cool. The temperature averages around 28.37° C to 11.6° C. The monsoon season falls during the months of June to August. Max 44 ºC, Min 24 ºC (summer); Max 28 ºC, Min 12 ºC (winter).