Chittaurgarh Travel
Guide
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Rajasthan Train Tour
General
Information :-
Area
: 6.5 sq Km.
Altitude : 408 meters
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min
Summer : 43.8 C 23.8 C
Winter : 28.37 C 11.6 C
Rainfall : 60 - 85 cms.
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
Winter Woolen
Best Season :September - March
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
The
pride and glory of Rajasthan, Chittaur echoes with the
tales of romance and velour unique to the Rajput tradition.
A ruined citadel, where the royal past lives in its
imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chattris.
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 dishonor 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 Karanavati, 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.
Chittaurgarh is India's largest fort and the ultimate
symbol of Rajput chivalry and pride. Hundred and thousands
of soldiers have laid down their lives for this fort and
as many women have committed Jauhar (mass
self-sacrifice in a sacred fire to escape dishonor from
the enemies).
Excursions :
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. The Hindu and
Buddhist remains from the Mauryan and Gupta period are
found here.
Bassi Village ( 25 km):
Enroute Bundi is a
marvelous village with historical forts temples and kunds.
Especially famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A
place of great tourist interest.
Bassi Wildlife
Sanctuary ( 50 sq. km.):
Sanctuary near Bassi,
supports a population of panthers, wild boars, antelopes
mongoose and migratory birds. Prior permission has to be
obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittaurgarh
before visiting the sanctuary.
Sanwariyaji Temple:(
940 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 buit by
Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap,
stands in the village. Presently, 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 style in this jungle
in Rishi Valmiki’s Ashram after she was exiled by Lord
Rama.
The common fauna that can be sighted here includes leopard
, hyena, jungle fox,porcupine,sambhar,wild boar, four
horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel.
Deogarh (125 km):
A 16th 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.
Prime Sites
Taragarh or The Star Fort:
Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive
forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a
marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir which once
supplied water to the palace.
The Palace:
This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput
architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Chhattar Mahal or Palace or Towers:
A
steep, paved carafe-way is the only way to reach the
monument. Of special interest in the palace is the Hazari
Pol or Gate of the thousand, the Naubat Khana, the Hathi
Pol with its old water clock and the Diwann-e- Aam.
Ratan Daulat:
Built by Rao Raja Ratan Singh,, it is a very interesting
structure forming a stable for nine horses and a Hatia Pol.
(Prior permission required for visit.)
Chitrashala:
A
fascinating pavilion and a gallery of miniature murals
embellish the palace. Elaborate colorful paintings on the
walls depict scenes from the ‘Ragmala’ and ‘Raaslila’-the
Radha-Krishna story.
Nawal Sagar:
Visible from the fort is the square artificial lake of
Nawal Sagar,broken up by islets. A temple dedicated to
Varuna, the Aryan god of water,stands half submerged in
the center of the lake. The reflection of the entire city
and its palaces can be seen in the lake -making it a
unique attraction of Bundi.
Raniji-ki-Baori:
It
is 46 m. deep stepped dwell with some superb carvings on
its pillars and a high arched gate built in 1699 A.D. by
Rani Nathavatji. This well is one of the largest of its
kind.
Sukh Mahal:
A
magnificent summer palace on the Sukh Mahal Lake amid the
lush surroundings of a beautiful garden. An underground
tunnel is believed to run from the Sukh Mahal to the old
palace.
Phool Sagar:
The
20th century palace with an artificial tank and
picturesque gardens. Presently, it is the residence of the
former ruler (Prior permission of Secretary is required
for a visit.)
Shikar Burj:
The
royal hunting lodge set amidst the lush surroundings. It
is a favorite picnic spot.
Eighty Four Pillared Cenotaph:
An
amazingly magnificent memorial with 84 pillars in a single
cenotaph along with a Shiva lingam. It was erected by Rao
Anirudh.
Kesar Bagh:
An
ancient garden near the Shika Burj with beautiful chhatris
of the Bundi rulers and their queens all examples of the
town’s rich architecture. (Prior permission required for
visit.)
