Chittorgarh – place details for visit fort
Chittorgarh – place details
**Chittorgarh**, located in the southern part of Rajasthan, is famous for its **majestic fort**, heroic tales of Rajput bravery, and rich history. It was the capital of the **Mewar kingdom** and is renowned for the stories of legendary figures like **Maharana Pratap, Rani Padmini, and Meera Bai**. The city attracts tourists for its stunning palaces, historic temples, and the grandeur of the **Chittorgarh Fort**, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Here’s why Chittorgarh is famous and why tourists flock to this historic city:
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### 📍 **Top Attractions in Chittorgarh**
1. **Chittorgarh Fort** 🏰
- **Significance:** Largest fort in India, spread over **700 acres** on a hilltop.
- **Built By:** Mauryan rulers in the 7th century.
- **UNESCO Status:** Part of the Hill Forts of Rajasthan.
- **Famous For:**
- **Seven massive gates (Pols)** like Padan Pol, Ganesh Pol, and Ram Pol.
- **Legends:** Heroic battles by Rana Kumbha, Rana Sanga, and Maharana Pratap.
2. **Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory)** 🏯
- **Built By:** Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
- **Significance:** Celebrates victory over Mahmud Khilji.
- **Height:** 37 meters with nine stories, intricately carved with Hindu deities.
3. **Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)** 🕉
- **Built By:** A Jain merchant in the 12th century.
- **Dedicated To:** Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara.
- **Architecture:** Carvings of Jain saints and mythological figures.
4. **Rani Padmini’s Palace** 🏞
- **Known For:** Legend of **Queen Padmini** and the tale of Alauddin Khilji’s siege.
- **Special:** Reflections in the lotus pool where Alauddin glimpsed Padmini.
5. **Meera Temple** 🛕
- **Dedicated To:** **Meera Bai**, the poet-saint and devotee of Lord Krishna.
- **Architecture:** Indo-Aryan style with beautiful carvings.
6. **Kumbha Shyam Temple** 🛕
- **Built By:** Rana Kumbha in the 15th century.
- **Dedicated To:** Varaha (an avatar of Lord Vishnu).
- **Highlights:** Stunning sculptures and mythological carvings.
7. **Gaumukh Reservoir** 💧
- **Feature:** A spring emerging from a cow-shaped rock.
- **Belief:** Sacred site for offering prayers and feeding fish.
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### 🎉 **Famous Festivals in Chittorgarh**
1. **Jauhar Mela** 🔥
- **When:** February/March.
- **Significance:** Honors the sacrifice of Rajput women and soldiers.
- **Events:** Processions, songs, and reenactments of historic battles.
2. **Teej Festival** 🌸
- **When:** Monsoon season.
- **Significance:** Celebrates marital bliss and goddess Parvati.
- **Highlights:** Swing rides, folk dances, and colorful attire.
3. **Meera Mahotsav** 🕉
- **When:** Sharad Purnima (October).
- **Celebrates:** Devotion of Meera Bai with bhajans and recitals.
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### 🍛 **Famous Foods of Chittorgarh**
1. **Dal Baati Churma** 🍛
- **What:** Roasted wheat balls, spicy lentils, and sweet churma.
- **Must-Try:** At local dhabas and restaurants.
2. **Ghewar** 🍯
- **What:** Sweet dish made of flour, sugar, and ghee, soaked in sugar syrup.
3. **Laal Maas** 🍖
- **For Non-Vegetarians:** Spicy mutton curry cooked with red chillies.
4. **Mirchi Vada** 🌶
- **Snack:** Spicy green chilies stuffed and deep-fried.
5. **Rabri and Malpua** 🍮
- **Dessert:** Creamy condensed milk with syrup-soaked pancakes.
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### 🛍 **Shopping in Chittorgarh**
1. **Rana Sanga Market** 🛍
- **Buy:** Handicrafts, leather products, and Rajasthani fabrics.
- **Tip:** Bargaining is common, so don’t hesitate!
2. **Fort Market** 🎨
- **Famous For:** Miniature paintings, wooden toys, and metal crafts.
3. **Chanderiyaan Market** 🧶
- **Specialty:** Bandhani sarees, tie-dye fabrics, and silver jewelry.
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### 🏜 **Things to Do in Chittorgarh**
1. **Light and Sound Show at Chittorgarh Fort** 🌟
- **When:** Evening, narrates tales of bravery and sacrifice.
2. **Explore Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary** 🐆
- **Location:** 5 km from Chittorgarh.
- **Attractions:** Leopards, deer, and migratory birds.
3. **Boating at Gaumukh Kund** 🚣♂️
- **Experience:** Peaceful time amidst historical surroundings.
4. **Trekking and Photography** 📸
- **Where:** Aravalli hills and fort ramparts.
- **Highlights:** Sunset views and ancient architecture.
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### 🚗 **How to Reach Chittorgarh**
1. **By Air:**
- **Nearest Airport:** **Maharana Pratap Airport, Udaipur** (90 km).
2. **By Train:**
- **Chittorgarh Railway Station:** Well-connected to Jaipur, Delhi, and Mumbai.
3. **By Road:**
- **Highways:** NH 76 and NH 79 for bus and car travel from Jaipur, Udaipur, and Ajmer.
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### 🕰 **Best Time to Visit**
- **Ideal Months:** **October to March** (pleasant weather for sightseeing).
- **Avoid:** **April to June** (hot summers in Rajasthan).