Chittorgarh Fort
Chittorgarh Qila
One of India's largest forts and the former capital of Mewar. Victory Tower and Padmini's Palace bear witness to three tragic rounds of Rajput jauhar, mass self-immolation to avoid capture.
Chittorgarh Fort was the capital of the Mewar kingdom until it moved to Udaipur in 1568. It stands on a plateau about 180 meters above the plains, with walls about 13 km in circumference, making it one of India's largest fortresses. In 2013 it was inscribed as a World Heritage Site as part of the “Hill Forts of Rajasthan.” The fort was besieged and fell three times (1303, 1535 and 1568). The stories of the women who threw themselves into fire rather than be captured (jauhar) are still told across generations. Main sights include the nine-story Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower, 15th century, about 37 m tall, which can be climbed from inside), the 12th-century Jain Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame), the palace in the lake said to belong to Queen Padmini, the ruins of Rana Kumbha's Palace and the Meera Bai Temple. Entry follows Archaeological Survey of India rates (check on site). It is about 110 km from Udaipur, roughly a two-hour drive, and is best done as a day trip by hired car.
Opening hours
Sunrise to sunset
Nearby sights
- Statue of Belief (Vishwas Swaroopam)
- Shrinathji Temple, Nathdwara
- Jaisamand Lake
- Eklingji Temple
- Sas-Bahu Temples, Nagda
- Haldighati
- Ahar Cenotaphs
- Bharatiya Lok Kala Mandal