Best Places To Visit In Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Located amidst the rugged terrain of Rajasthan, Chittorgarh captivates visitors with its timeless charm and rich past. With its stunning architecture and rich heritage, this city transports visitors back to the time of the Maharajas. From the breathtaking Chittorgarh Fort, a symbol of resilience, to the tranquil beauty of Padmini Palace, this Rajasthani city's tourist destinations tell tales of bravery and cultural diversity. Here are some of the best places to add to your next trip to Chittorgarh.

Places To Visit In Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort, also known as Water Fort or Chittorgarh ka kila, is a 700-acre complex of palaces, towers, temples, and 22 bodies of water. Its architectural grandeur showcases the expertise of the Rajputana style. 

This fort is the first on everyone's list of must-visit places in Chittorgarh due to its interesting history made popular by Bollywood. The fort is steeped in history and was the site for heroic tales of resistance against invasions, including Jauhar sacrifices made by queens during times of war. 

The fort's primary attractions are the two memorial towers, Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh. These are 22 and 37 m high Jain towers, replete with intricate carvings. Twenty-two water bodies in the fort add to the charming aesthetic of this place.

Kirti Stambh

This 12th-century tower, built to honour Adinath, the first Jain Tirthankara, is located inside the enormous Chittorgarh Fort. The tower consists of seven stories with a narrow and steep stairway ascending to the top from where views of the area around Chittorgarh can be enjoyed. 

The Kirti Stambh is a stunning tourist attraction in Chittorgarh. The intricate carvings on the tower depict the principles of Jainism and the teachings of the Tirthankaras. The Digambars' naked figurines that decorate the temple serve as an ideal representation of their cultural beliefs.

The Kriti Stambh stands as a timeless tribute to Jain beliefs. Offering visitors a glimpse into Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage, Kriti Stambh is a must-visit monument in Chittorgarh.

Padmini Palace

The Padmini Palace inside Chittorgarh Fort is a testament to Rajasthani history and folklore. The Palace belonged to the legendary Rani Padmini, known for her beauty and valour.

The Padmini Pavillion should be your first stop while here. Take in the beauty of the large Jharokha overlooking a serene water body, where Rani Padmini’s beauty was often reflected. The scenic views from Padmini Palace add to the tranquil surroundings. A beautiful lotus pond and several palace gardens are worth a visit while you are here. This monument steeped in legend offers a glimpse into Rajputana heritage.

Kalika Mata Temple

This historic temple, built in the 8th century AD, served as a place of worship for the sun god. Rana Hameer Singh restored the temple in the 14th century, after which the temple was dedicated to Hindu deity Kali, a symbol of strength and bravery. Even though it is now mostly in ruins, you will still be captivated by the temple's intricate details. After admiring the beauty of its exterior facade, venture inside to discover the shrine of Kalika, a form of Hindu deity Durga.

The temple showcases the typical Rajasthani style of architecture with intricate carvings and ornate pillars and will lend a spiritual experience to your visit. 

Vijay Stambh

The imposing Vijay Stambh, also known as the victory tower in Chittorgarh, was built by Mewar King Rana Khumba to commemorate the army's victory over the joint forces of the armies of Malwa and Gujarat. With its many intricate carvings and patterns of mythology, battles and legends, the tower’s structure makes it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Chittorgarh. 

Rising to a height of 37 m and nine storeys, the tower is dedicated to Hindu deity Vishnu. Inscriptions honouring several Hindu deities are carved into it. The fact that you can view the entire town from here further proves why it is one of the best places to visit in Chittorgarh.

Rana Kumbha Palace

Built by Rana Khumbha in the 15th century, this palace served as the royal residence of the rulers of Mewar. Even though the palace is now mostly in ruins, it is still regarded as one of the most well-known places in Chittorgarh. With its sprawling courtyards and remnants of beautiful frescoes and murals, the palace exhibits classic Rajputana architecture.

The enormous construction and intricate architecture will compel you to learn more about the palace. If you ask a guide, they will happily share many fascinating historical stories connected to the palace.

Meera Temple

Dedicated to the mystical poet and saint Meerabai, this temple holds profound historical and religious significance. Known for her Bhakti poetry, the Rajput princess Meerabai was one of Hindu deity Krishna’s most ardent devotees. 

The temple walls often resonate with bhajans dedicated to Meerabai and Krishna, making this an extremely spiritual experience. The Indo-Aryan-styled sanctum sanctorum of the temple is embellished with several intricately carved figures. 

The Meera Temple is housed inside the fortress of Chittorgarh and has a small Krishna temple within, giving an insight into the Bhakti tradition in India.

Getting To Chittorgarh

Maharana Pratap Airport, located in Udaipur, is the nearest airport to Chittorgarh. The distance between Chittorgarh and Maharana Pratap Airport is around 90 km, and it takes about two hours to reach. The city of Chittorgarh does not have an airport.

The Chittorgarh Railway Station is a major junction of Western Indian Railways. From here, direct trains run to all major cities in north India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, and Kota. Notably, the distance between Chittorgarh and Jaipur is roughly 300 kms, which can be covered in approximately five hours by road.