Rajasthan's capital, Chittorgarh, is a significant city. On the banks of the Berach and Gambhiri rivers, it is located. Its palaces have made it a popular tourist destination. Chittorgarh is also well-known for its cement industry. Because marble and granite are mined here, it is a construction center. The fort of Chittor is Asia's largest. There were numerous battles here between Hindus and Muslim invaders. After the Mughals destroyed...
Rajasthan's capital, Chittorgarh, is a significant city. On the banks of the Berach and Gambhiri rivers, it is located. Its palaces have made it a popular tourist destination. Chittorgarh is also well-known for its cement industry. Because marble and granite are mined here, it is a construction center. The fort of Chittor is Asia's largest. There were numerous battles here between Hindus and Muslim invaders. After the Mughals destroyed Chittorgarh, Rani Padmavati of Chittorgarh led a mass suicide with other women in the palace. The stories of the palace pique the interest of visitors. In Chittorgarh, sandstone was used to construct many temples and monuments dating back to the 15th century. The hilltop of Vijay Stambh is a must-see attraction, and it is brightly illuminated at night. The Fateh Prakash Palace is also a museum. On show are regional sculptures and terracotta figurines. Your visit will be worthwhile thanks to ancient coins and other wooden craft antiques. GaumukhKund is also a "kund," which means a sacred water reservoir, and is a unique destination to visit. Here, spring water runs from a rock formed like a cow's mouth. Animal lovers will enjoy the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary. Many animals live there, including panthers and antelope. This refuge is home to a large number of migrating birds.
Ancient History of Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh was previously known as Chitrakut, after a Rajput chieftain named Chitrangada Mori. According to mythology, in 734 AD, Bappa Rawal, the founder of the Mewar empire, captured Chittorgarh from its original rulers, the Mori dynasty, and made it his capital. Bappa Rawal was given Chittorgarh as a dowry for marrying the last Solanki princess, according to some. Chittorgarh is a fort steeped in history, conflicts, and tragedies. It's a sign of the Rajputs' fortitude, as they chose death rather than surrendering to anyone. Three successive Mughal kings invaded it: Alauddin Khilji in 1303 AD, Bahadur Shah in 1534 AD, and Akbar in 1567 AD. Instead of surrendering, the Rajput clan's members fought the enemy army valiantly each time. Instead of submitting to the Mughal emperors when they lost, the women in the fort performed Jauhar, which is self-immolation by leaping into a big fire. In addition, Chittorgarh is mentioned in the Mahabharata. Bhim is said to have come to this area to acquire the mysteries of immortality. However, his rage and impatience robbed him of his objectives. As a result, he stomped his foot on the earth and constructed Bhimtal, a water reservoir.
What to eat in Chittorgarh?
- Maas Lal - Rajasthan's signature dish is Lal Maas. This dish is available in practically all of Rajasthan's cities. When it comes to Chittorgarh, it's all about the spices, and it's all served on millet bread. The meal is produced using red beef that has been cooked until it is exceedingly soft and juicy in a gravy.
- Churma Dal Bati - Dal Bati is a wheat flour-based baked ball. After that, it's cooked for a long time in a slow cooker. After that, it's slathered with fresh ghee and served with veggie curry or churma. It's a delectable meal from the area.
- Maas Mohan - This is a royal delicacy created with milk, mild spices, and cream from the region. This dish is similar to llamas, except the gravy contains lemon, khus khus, and cardamom. The sauce is rich and creamy, and the spices are lighter. If the spice of lal maas is too much for you, try Mohan maas.
- Gatte ki Khichdi - Small dumplings cooked from Bengal gramme are used in this meal. This is the villagers' favourite dish. The rice dumplings are cooked and served as a soft, porridge-like dish. It's a tasty snack or breakfast alternative.
- Halwa Badam - Badam, often known as almond, is a popular nut in this region. Almonds are used to make a sweet treat. Rawa, almond, sugar, ghee, and a substantial quantity of dry fruits are used to make this delicacy. The dessert is served hot and is best enjoyed on cold winter days.
- Poha - It's a savoury rice dish that's been flattened. Poha with rich spices and crunchy samosas is served in Chittorgarh, despite its popularity in Gujarat. Poha is prepared differently in each restaurant. Poha is served with a cup of hot tea.
Places to visit in Chittorgarh
- Padmini Palace - Padmini Palace was the residence of Rani Padmini after her marriage to Rawal Ratan Singh, the king of the Mewar Kingdom from 1302 to 1303 CE. The magnificent palace is a historical monument commemorating Rani Padmini's self-sacrifice after the Sultan of Delhi, Alauddin Khilji, conquered Chittorgarh. The two-story monument stands tall and proud in the heart of the Chittorgarh Fort, which is built on rocky terrain.
- Chittorgarh Fort - The Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan, built by local Maurya monarchs (sometimes mistaken with imperial Maurya rulers) in the 7th century A.D. It is one of the largest forts in India. The Chittorgarh Fort, also known as Chittor, is a beautiful example of popular Rajput architecture that is draped majestically over a hill of 590 feet in height and extended across 692 acres of land. The fort's magnificent structure has numerous gateways added by the Maurya clan's later emperors.
- GauMukh Kund - The Gaumukh Kund, which is located within Chittorgarh fort, is also known as the "Tirth Raj" of Chittorgarh because whenever pilgrims and devotees travel on a tour of different Hindu spiritual destinations, they return to Gaumukh kund to complete their holy journey. Gau Mukh literally translates to "cow's mouth," and it gets its name from the fact that water pours from a point shaped like a cow's mouth.
- Maha Sati - This hallowed site, some 110 kilometres from Chittorgarh, is where Udaipur rulers were cremated. Tourists go to this lovely building, which gleams in the sun, since it has a water reservoir from which the Ganges waters are said to emerge. The 19 chhatris on the Ahar Cenotaphs honour the 19 Kings who were cremated here.
- Rana Kumbha's Palace - Rana Kumbha resided and reigned in the Rana Kumbha palace. It is a must-see for travellers visiting Chittorgarh due to its attractive and creative architecture. It is an amazing experience because of the surrounding Lord Shiva temple and its light and sound extravaganza.
- Vijay Stambh - The triumph tower, also known as Vijay Stambha, is a symbol of Chittorgarh's resistance. In 1448, it was built by Rana Kumbha, the monarch of Mewar, to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji's united Malwa and Gujarat forces. The huge tower, which was built between 1458 and 1488, can be seen from anywhere in the city. As a result, from this vantage point, the entire town is visible.
- Sathis Deori Temple - In the city of Chittorgarh, the Sathis Deori Temple is a collection of twenty-seven temples devoted to the Jain Tirthankaras. The magnificent temples were constructed in the 11th century and contain a number of other Jain statues. Tourists come to the temple complex for calm and to observe the stunning architecture from the 11th century.
- Meera Temple - Meera Temple, also known as Meera Bai Temple, is dedicated to Meera Bai, a Rajput princess who lived at Chittorgarh Fort. Maharana Kumbha, the Rajput king, built the stunning temple during his reign, making it both historical and religiously significant. One is sure to sense enormous tranquility and happiness as soon as they reach the place of worship. The temple's divine aura is indescribable, but it penetrates every soul who comes to pray here.
How to reach?
- By Air - The Dabok Airport is the closest airport to Chittorgarh. The Maharana Pratap Airport is another name for it. This airport, which is 90 kilometres from Chittorgarh, serves the critical goal of connecting Chittorgarh with other destinations via air.
- By Rail - Chittorgarh is very well connected by train to other cities. On the banks of the River Gamberi, the Chittorgarh Railway Station is located. Tourists would appreciate the station's proximity to cities such as Kota, Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, and Delhi.
- By Road - Chittorgarh is also accessible by road. The area is connected to other cities by a large network of highways. Jaipur is 325 kilometres away, Delhi is 583 kilometres away, Indore is 325 kilometres away, and Ajmer is 185 kilometres away.