THE TOWN OF VALOR AND
SACRIFICE
This was one city that holds a special place in my heart.
The serenity that Chittaurgarh through its various magnificent
forts and monuments was something that touched my heart.
It is a ruined citadel where the royal past lives in the
imposing forts, graceful palaces and spectacular chhatris.
The entire city echoes with the tales of love and gallantry
unique to the Rajput tradition. I didn't had any problem
in commuting to the city as is well connected through
air, rail and road. The nearest airport is at Daibok airport,
Udaipur, 90km.
Exploring Chittaurgarh!
Ranvir took me to the fort that was constructed by later
Mauryan rulers in 7th century A.D., it is located on
a 180 m high hill. With a distinct Rajput character,
the fort has many architectural attractions. And then
I visited the Vijay Sthamb or the Victory Tower. It
is built by Maharana Kumbha, in commemoration of victory
over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat, in 1440
A.D., this 37 m high tower is a structure of nine towers.
I also visited the Kalika Mata Temple.This temple is
originally dedicated to Surya, the sun god. It dates
back to the 8th century ,which makes it the oldest structure
in the fort.
TOURIST SPOTS
The main tourist attraction of the town
of Chittorgarh is its fort, which is located on a steep
hill beside the modern township. A zigzag ascent of
about 1 km through seven gates leads the tourist to
its main western gate or Rampol. On the way, one can
see two chhatris or memorials of Jaimal and Kalla marking
the spots where they fell while defending the fort during
the siege of 1568. The main gate on the eastern side
of the fort is known as the Surajpol. Though most of
the monuments in the fort are in ruins, yet they reflect
the glory of its great rulers.
Rana Kumbha Palace is an important spot and it is believed
that Queen Padmini had performed jauhar in one of its
cellars.
The Archeological Museum, the Singa Chowri Temple,
and the Fateh Prakash Palace and Museum are some places
to visit, adjacent to Rana Kumbha Palace.
The Victory Tower or Vijay Stambh is one of the main
tourist attractions of the fort. It was built by Rana
Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji,
the ruler of Malwa in 1440. This 37-m, 9-storied tower
has a number of balconies at each story, from where
the tourist can look at the monuments within the fort.
The Sammidheshwara Temple is near this tower. Gaumukh
reservoir and the Palace of Queen Padmini are important
spots to the south of the Rana Kumbha Palace. According
to legend, Ala-ud-din Khilji, the Sultan of Delhi, was
allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in a
mirror while she stood behind a pavilion in this palace.
Ala-ud-din was so smitten by her beauty that he invaded
and sacked Chittorgarh to possess her. The Tower of
Fame or Kirti Stambh is another important monument.
This 22-m-high tower, with carvings of Jain deities,
was built in 12th century and is dedicated to Adinath,
the first Jain Tirthankara (spiritual leader).
Other spots worth visiting are the Bhimtal Tank, Neelkanth
Mahadev Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple, and
the 8th-century Kalika Mata Temple.
SITES NEARBY
Bijaipur, 40 km from Chittorgarh, is
an important tourist spot, with its fort converted into
a hotel. One can see ancient temples at Menhal, on Bundi–Chittorgarh
road, which is 48 km from Bundi. One can also see ancient
Hindu and Buddhist monuments at Nagri, which is 17 km
north of Chittorgarh.
HOW TO REACH
Chittorgarh does not have an airport
of its own. Chittorgarh railway station is located on
the western banks of Gambheri River. It has rail links
with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota and Delhi.
The main bus stand is also on the western banks of Gambheri
River. There is good bus service for Ajmer, Bundi, Kota
and Udaipur from Chittorgarh.
PLACES TO STAY
Accommodation in Chittorgarh is scant
and restricted to low- and middle-level budget. Most
of the hotels are near the railway station. |
