The Fort On The Hill: #Chittorgarh #Rajasthan

Situated at the southeastern corners of Rajasthan. Known to be one of the largest hill fort in india, Chittorgarh Fort. Chittorgarh Fort is built on top of a single hill, it is a depository of ancient building, rich heritage and an evergreen folklore boasting of it’s royal glory. So one should definitely consider planning a trip to Chittorgarh Fort. The fort is visible from every corner of he city.

Chittorgarh Fort also known as ‘Water Fort’ as it comprises 22 water bodies (once boasted of 84 water bodies) and the water supply could last for four years, palaces, towers and temples spread over 700 acres. Whenever we talk about the places to visit in Chittorgarh, this fort tops the list because of its fascinating history and the Jauhar performed by the queens during war time. The main attractions of the fort are the two memorial towers, Kirti Stambh and Vijay Stambh.

On entering the main gate of the fort one witness the grand Rana Kumbha Palace. This palace is the oldest palace within the fort and tales claim that it is one of the most haunted places in Rajasthan (but I didn't find anything there). The series of fascinating canopied balconies, stables of horses and elephants of the palace are a must on your Chittorgarh sightseeing list. They say that after the valiant defeat of the kingdom, their queens committed Jauhar and their spirit still haunts the palace. One will also find a gate which is named as the jauhar gate. one entering one will gate you see stairs that leads to a ground which is the place where Rani Karnawati performed jauhar. Locals says there was a step well at that place in which the jauhar was performed but now government has covered it with sand.

The legend also says that the first jauhar of this fort was performed by Rani Padmavati. Though the actual site of this jauhar is said to be in the courtyard area of current Kumbha palace. But this site is still inconclusive. When I went to this site I saw a temple and a tunnel inside it. Unfortunately that tunnel is now closed. Locals says that same tunnel used to go to the main Lord Shiva temple (The Shivalya) which is next to the very famous Gaumukh Kunda (Pond) of the fort and this tunnel was used by Rani Padmavati to visit Shivalya.

I was personally quite fascinated by both the temple (Shivalya) and the kunda. So many stairs that leads directly to the Gaumukh Kunda.

After this I started walking towards the Padmavti Palace. This palace is located at the midst of the Chittorgarh Fort, Rani Padmavti Palace is named after Queen Padmini. She was known for her impeccable beauty and intelligence. Tales say that she herself inspected the defenses of the palace when the fort was under the siege by Sultan of Delhi. Most of the places to visit in Chittorgarh are famous for their regal history. The story of Padmini stands as the symbol of valor and bravery in its chronicles.

The main Padmavti Palace is a big palace complex which also possess a small lake and a small palace for the Rani Padmavti. It is believed that she was born in a kingdom which was surrounded by sea. So this small lake palace complex was built for her as the desert heat was unbearable for her. The legend also says that this is the same place where the Khiljji saw her reflection in mirror (some local say silver plates and some says in water).

Apart from this the fort have two beautifully carved stone columns one is Kirti Stambh and other is Vijay Stambh (one can climb up on the top, that's about 9 floors), the Mirabai Temple and a museum (Unfortunately i wasn't lucky enough to witness the museum as it was under maintenance). There is also a king palace (Maharaja Rawal's private palace) on the other side of the fort.

I would suggest you to hire a two wheeler as the fort is really big you'll easily get tired.