Chittorgarh

Quick Facts
Area 10,856 square km.
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, Urdu, English, Sindhi
Best Time To Visit: July-March

Legends of medieval concepts of Rajput honor, romance and valor haunts the ruins of the citadel of Chittaur where one can see glimpses of the imperial glory of the bygone era in its daunting forts, stylish palaces and fabulous 'chhatris'. The three great attacks on this unfortunate fort led to 'Jauhar' (a Hindu custom where royal ladies and maidens committed self-immolation to save their honor from the cruel hands of the enemy.) Their men would cover themselves up in the sacred ashes of these funeral pyres and walk to their deaths with a heavy heart and a will to kill-or-die. The land has given birth to the likes of Maharana Pratap who continued to defy Mughals till his death, despite of all the hardships that he had to bear. Even his enemies thus respected him.

Today, Chittorgarh attracts tremendous interest from tourists all over the world, who come here to behold the wonders of some of the finest examples of Rajput architecture and the influence of Mughal style on them.

What to See:

» Fort of Chittogarh » Archeological Museum

» Chhatris or memorials » Singa Chowri Temple

Rana Kumbha Palace Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh

Where to Stay:

» Hotel Padmini

Shopping:
The splash of colours coating the entire market area makes it sure that you are actually in Rajasthan surrounded by exclusive handloom articles and crafted items. You can buy everything ranging from exquisitely colored fabrics, ethnic jewelry and wooden toys. You can also go for some Thewa jewellery, the specialty of Chittorgarh, made of gold designs embedded in glass. Leather jooties adorned with thick embroidery are the other specialty of Chittor, which you must give a look to.

While in Chittorgarh, go for some Akola printed fabrics that are sure to make your best buy in Chittorgarh. The tourists also love to shop for some wooden painted toys and your shopping in Chittorgarh is going to be an unforgettable experience.

Accessibility:
By Air - Udaipur (113 km from Chittorgarh) is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Regular train services link Chittorgarh with all major cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Ahmedabad.
by surface - There is a well-connected network of buses that ply to and fro from Chittorgarh connecting it to major towns and cities in north India.

Suggested Itineraries : Rajasthan Forts & Palaces Tour | Splendid North India