Chittorgarh is a city and a municipality in Rajasthan state of western India. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District and a former capital of the Sisodia clans of Rajputs of Mewar.

Fiercely independent, the fort of Chittor was under siege thrice and each time they fought bravely and thrice Jauhar was committed by the ladies and children, first lead by Rani Padmini, and later by Rani Karnavati. Chittorgarh is home to the Chittorgarh Fort the largest fort in India.

Places of Interest

Chittorgarh Fort: The Chittorgarh Fort seated on a 180 metre hill, covers an expanse of 700 acres. It was constructed by the Mauryans in the 7th century AD. There is also a belief that it was constructed by Bhima of the Pancha Pandavas. This fort was the citadel of many great Rajput warriors such as Rana Kumbha, Maharana Pratap, Jaimal, Patta, etc.

Kalika Mata Temple: Kalika Mata Temple was originally built in the 8th century for Sun God and was later converted to a temple for mother Goddess, Kali in the 14th century.

Vijay Stambh: Vijay Stambha, is a huge nine storey tower which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. The tower is 122 ft high and stands on a 10 ft high base. There are sculptures and carvings on the exterior walls of the tower. The tower is visible from any section of the town below. And for reaching tower top one have to climb 157 steps, one can take great view of the surroundings. The inside walls of the tower are carved with images of Gods, weapons, etc.

Kirti Stambh: Kirti Stambh is tower is dedicated to Adinatha, the first of the Jain Tirthankar. It was built by a merchant and is decorated with figures form the Jain pantheon.

Rana Kumbha's Palace: Rana Kumbha's Palace is near the Vijay Stambh. This is the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh 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 & consequently her son was killed by Banbir. She carried the prince away to safety in a fruit basket. Rani Meera Bai also lived in this palace. This is the place where Rani Padmini committed jauhar with the other ladies in one of the underground cellars.

Rani Padmini's Palace: Rani Padmini's Palace is from which Alauddin Khalji(one of the ruler of khalji dynasty during sultanate rule over India) was allowed to watch a reflection of the Rani by replacing the mirror in such an angle that even if Khalji turned back he could not see the room. Khilji had been warned by the rani's husband that if he turned back they would cut his neck.

Excursions

* Nagari (Chittorgarh)
* Baroli temples
* Bassi Village
* Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
* Begun Fort
* Sanwariaji Temple
* Mati Kundiya temple
* Bhainsrorgarh Wildlife Sanctuary
* Bijaipur
* Sitamata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad
* Menal
* Gotmeshwar
* Joganiya Mata
* Kailger Mahadave
* Bari Sadri
* Radha Kirshan Temple
* Bharat in Chittorgarh