Chittaurgarh |
Chittaurgarh is more than a ruined citadel; it is a symbol. It stands for all that was brave, true and noble in the Rajput tradition. Chittaur was sacked three times, and on each occasion the rite of Jauhar was performed. |
Synonymous with the tradition of valour and chivalry, Chittaurgarh or Chittaur, the capital of Mewar, was under Rajput rule from the 7th to the mid 17th century. Allauddin khilji was the first to attack it in 1303; he wanted to abduct Queen Padmini, who, preferring death to dishonour, committed self-immolation along with other royal ladies. It was plundered again in 1535 by Sultan Bahadur Shah of Gujarat and Akbar in 1567. ACCESS Udaipur, 112 km away is the nearest airport and by train, Chittaurgarh is connected to Ajmer, Jaipur, Alwar, Delhi, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur & Ahmedabad among other cities. Bus services operate to several destinations from here. PLACES OF INTEREST The fort, Vijay Stambh or Victory Tower, Kirti Stambh or Tower of fame, Rana Kumbha's Palace, Meera and Kumbha Shyam Temple, Kalika Mata Temple, Government Museum, Jaimal and Patta Palaces, Meerabai's Temple and Gardens and Parks. EXCURSIONS Nagari (important town during the Mauryan empire, 20 km), Bassi Village (famous for historical fort, temples and kunds. Also famed for its sculpture and wood craft, 25 km), Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary (25 km), Sanwariyaji temple (modern temple dedicate to Lord Krishna,40 km), Matriya Kundiya Temple (temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, 50 km), Bijaipur (famous for fort, 60 km), Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dhariyavad, Deogarh (16th century fort, palaces and temples, waterfalls and dense forests, 90 km). SHOPPING Wooden toys from Bessi village near Chittaurgarh are very popular. The main areas include Sadar Bazar, Rana Sanga Market, New Cloth Market, Fort Road Market, Gandhi Chok, and Station Circle. ACCOMMODATION Padmini; RTDC Hotel Panna; Jog; Shalimar; Keshav; Satkar; Janta Avas Grih; Alka ; Government Dak Bungalow; Circuit House; Bijaipur; Bassi Fort Palace; Railway Retiring Rooms and Dharamshalas. |