Chittorgarh brought an end to my travel through the magnificent state of Rajasthan. Last but definitely not the least, for the memories of Chittorgarh are mesmerizing me till date.
It all started with dark black clouds covering the Chittorgarh sky. I sat inside the train and watched it in total awe. But, thankfully it was dry by the time I stepped out of the Chittorgarh station and made my way to Padmini Haveli.
Before I go ahead and share my experience dwelling through the majestic Chittor Fort, let me take you through my humble stay. Situated inside the Chittorgarh Fort, hosted by the most humble couple Mr and Mrs Sukhwal (Sudhir and Parvati Sukhwal), Padmini Haveli is the most genuine stay experience that you would come across. They are extremely helpful and cordial with their behaviour and make arrangements that are the best of its kinds.
I especially loved the company of their son the most. It was such a joy talking to the little boy and hearing all his stories.
Mr Sudhir has brilliant knowledge about the history of Chittorgarh. So as I sat having dinner with the other tourists and their family, he shared them one after the other. Special mention calls for the delicious food that I was served with.
The day after was all about exploring the fort. Mr Sudhir guided me and made me an ordered list of places to visit. I started walking towards the ticket-counter; it was a kilometre of walk or so. But, then how can a guest in the state of Rajasthan just walk all alone without the localities pouring in to help and guide her. Off came an uncle in his scooter and most courteously asking me to hop in and oblige his lift.
The fort is spread across 12 km. So the total idea of moving around on foot seemed little tiring to me. Hence, after collecting the ticket at the main gate I boarded an auto. I cracked a deal of two hours to go through the entire fort for Rs 400. In addition to this superb deal, the auto even came in as a disguised guide. Well! Almost everyone in Chittorgarh knows stories that can sum up to a huge novel. So, I trusted him and the stories that he was about to share.
Following are the places that I visited thereafter:
Rana Kumbha Palace
Meera Temple
The Meera Temple located inside the Chittorgarh Fort, is the only temple dedicated to Meera Bai, a Rajput princess who gave up her royal life and devoted her life to Lord Krishna......
Vijay Stambh
Kali Temple and Adbhut Nath Shiva Temple
Padmini Bari
Padmini Bari.....this is where Rani Padmini stayed.... And on the other side, from the window....Allauddin Khilji saw her.....Rest is history.....
The other side of the Chittorgarh Fort
The magnificent Fort of Chittorgarh....what you see in the picture is the North entrance......This side had five gates supposedly... Of which three were destroyed during the invasion of Allauddin Khilji.... Only two stand now....
Water Tank
A well inside the Chittorgarh Fort..... A popular bathing area before rituals......
Keerti Stambh
Raja Ratansingh Palace
Calm and quite...hardly visited by tourists...I found the Raja Ratan Singh Palace of Chittorgarh most dauntingly beautiful.....
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