Saturday, June 27, 2009

Chittaurgarh Travel Guide

Area : 15 Sq.Km
Best Season : August to March.
Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.
Major attraction: The fort, Vijai Sthamb, Kalika Mata Temple

Chittaurgarh, the history laden tourist destination, located in Southern Rajasthan, is a must visit haunt on a tour of marvelous Rajasthan. Replete with relics of the glorious yester years, it boasts of an enviable historical legacy. The site of numerous combats, Chittaurgarh lives through the evergreen folktales, that does the rounds.

The eventful history of Chittaurgarh dates back to the Mahabharata. The legend has it that the brave Bhim, stomped the ground with such force that a water body was born. Chittaurgarh is famous for the tale of 'Bhim Lat'. Besides, 'jauhar' and illustrious reigns mark the history of Chittaurgarh.

Traveling to Chittaurgarh is hasslefree. Bus regularly ply between Delhi and a host of places in Rajasthan. You can also avail the trains like the Ahmedabad Express and the Chetak Express.

The towering fortress of Chittaurgarh, circa eighth century, erected by Bappa Rawal of Sisodia, the witness to many a heroic feats, is one of the coveted tourist destinations of the region. You can also hotfoot it to the lovely palace of the brave Rana Kumbha. The majestic Vijaya Stambh, an insignia of valor and glory, the olympian Kirti Stambh, the palace of the famed Rani Padmini, the shrine dedicated to Meera Bai, the ardent worshipper of the Blue God Krishna. Besides these, you could visit the temple of Kalika Mata, the Government Museum, Mohar Magri, Tulja Bhawani shrine, Singar Chauri, Nagri, Bassi, Mati Kundiya shrine among a host of others. The vibrant Chittorgarh, emanating an old-world charm, also houses several wildlife parks. You can troop to the verdant Bhainsroragrh Wildlife park and the sanctuary of Sitamata, located in Dhariyavad.

If you are a compulsive shopper, you will be spoilt for choice. Stack your bags with handcrafted collectors' items from Bassi, like lovely playthings etched out of wood. The bustling Station Circle, Fort Road Market, Sadar Bazaar are some of the popular shopping hubs of Chittaurgarh.

Though Chittaurgarh is an oft visited destination, lack of premier hotels may act as a dampener in your tour of this history etched realm. There are, however, a lot of budget hotels, that dish out a host of services.

Tourist Attractions in Chittorgarh :
Chittorgarh, the legendary city of Rajasthan, is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. Known as the city of bravery and sacrifice, Chittorgarh was one of the most fiercely contested seats of power in India. Many legends and tales associated with heroism and sacrifices of the passionate men and women of Chittorgarh make it a wonderful place to visit.

The prime tourist attractions in Chittorgarh include the magnificent Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory), Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), Rana Kumbha's Palace, Padmini's Palace, Kalika Mata Temple, and Government Museum among many others.

Chittorgarh Fort: One of the most formidable forts in India, Chittorgarh Fort is the symbol of the Rajput valiancy and supreme sacrifice. Standing majestically on a steep180 m high hill, the massive Chittorgarh Fort is approachable through a 1 km long zigzag road. The road leads through seven gates to the main gate Rampol. On the climb between the second and third gate you see two chattris (cenotaphs) built to honor Jaimal and Kula- heroes of 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar. Surajpol is the main gate of the fort.

Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory): Built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440 AD to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, this 37 m high 9-storied tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities. There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace from where one can enjoy a beautiful view of the enchanting Chittorgarh town.

Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame): Dedicated to Adinath, the 1st Jain Teerthankar, Kirti Stambh is a must visit tourist attraction in Chittorgarh. A narrow stairway takes you through seven stories of the tower to the top. The 22 meters high 7- storied tower was build by a wealthy Jain merchant in12th century AD.

Rana Kumbha Palace: The most massive monument inside the Chittorgarh Fort, the Rana Kumbha Palace is a ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest. It was the palace where queen Padmini and other women committed Jauhar (self immolation) to protect their honor and pride.

Padmini Palace: Built beside a beautiful lotus pool with a historical pavilion, it is the place where Alauddin Khilji saw the reflection of Queen Padmini and got so mesmerized with her beauty that he decided to possess her at any cost leading to jauhar, mass suicide of women in the fort.

Kalika Mata Temple: Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century A.D., the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple in the 14th century, dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali- the symbol of power and valor.

How to Reach Chittorgarh :
Chittorgarh is located in south Rajasthan. The Cittorgarh city is a story of Rajput bravery, tenacity and sacrifice. The Chittorgarh fort is a museum of great past and offers an insight into the life of the Great Rajput rulers, who laid down their lives fighting to save the honor and pride of the Rajputana (Rajasthan).

Air: Chittorgarh is connected by air through Dabok Airport, also known as Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, and is 90 km away from the city centre. Taxi charges about Rs 1500 from Dabok airport to Chittorgarh. This airport connects to Jaipur and Delhi. Nearest International airport is New Delhi, which is well connected to most of the major foreign cities. New Delhi airport is nearly 583 km away from Chittorgarh.

Rail: On the banks of the River Gambheri, the swiftly flowing river that flanks the city of Chittorgarh, there is a Railway Station. You can come directly via rail link to Chittorgarh Railway Station. Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota, Ahmedabad, Ajmer and Delhi are some of the Rail links that connects Chittorgarh. Palace on Wheels is really a regal experience and so, there can be no better option than train to Chittorgarh.

Road: Good networks of roads connect Chittorgarh to some of the major cities in India like Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad and Jodhpur. Bus and taxi services are easily available in Chittorgarh.

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