Chittorgarh Fort, or Chittor Fort, is a large fort situated at Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India. It was the capital of the erstwhile princely state of Mewar. This fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with five other forts of Rajasthan, under Hill Forts of Rajasthan.

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittor Fort is spread over 280 hectares or 691.9 acres of land on a hilltop. Berach River flows through the plains. It has roughly the shape of a fish.

The fort has several gates, palaces, temples, etc. There are two prominent commemoration towers also situated inside the fort complex. The fort and its ruins are of great historical value. There are 65 historical structures, including four palace complexes, four memorials, 19 main temples, and 20 functional water bodies.

The fort is divided into two major construction phases. One with the main fort entrance was constructed during the 5th century. This fort was fortified until the 12th century. The second fort structure was constructed during the 15th century, by Sisodia Rajputs. It has seven fortified gates.

This fort was ruled by the Mewar Kings, from the 7th century onwards. May other kings invade this kingdom from the 13th century onwards. Quite a few times, Mewar kings lost the wars. Following the defeats, it is said that the women members of the royal family committed mass Jauhars (self-immolation), as a better means than to surrender to invading foreign armies.

Alauddin Khalji defeated Rana Ratan Singh in 1303. Sultan of Gujarat, Bahadur Shah, defeated Bikramjeet Singh in 1535. 1567 Mughal emperor Akbar defeated Maharana Udai Singh II (founder of Udaipur) in 1567.

Jaya Stambha or The Vijay Stambha (meaning Tower of Victory is a nine-story, 122 feet high tower. It was, erected by Rana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khalji, the Sultan of Malwa in 1440 AD. The tower gives a beautiful view of the town. Kirti Stambha (Tower of Fame) is a six-story, 12th-century tower with a height of 72 feet It is adorned with Jain sculptures on the outer walls. It is dedicated to the first Jain Tirthankar (revered Jain teacher), Adinath. Kirti Stambha was constructed by a Jain merchant from Bagherwal, named Jijaji Rathod.

Rana Kumbha Palace, Padmini’s Palace, and Fateh Prakash Palace are three beautiful palaces inside the fort complex. Meera Temple, or the Meerabai Temple, is beautiful in Indo–Aryan style of architecture. Kalika Mata Temple is a temple that was originally a Sun temple and was rebuilt as a Kali temple in the 14th century after the original temple was destroyed. Goddess Tulja Bhavani Temple is another temple inside the fort complex. Tope Khana (cannon foundry with a few old cannons) is next to this temple. Gaumukh Reservoir inside the fort complex is fed by a spring and falls from a carved cow’s mouth on the cliff.

Jauhar Mela, the biggest Rajput festival, is held at the fort and the city. It is held annually primarily to commemorate the bravery of Rajput ancestors, especially the three jauhars (self-immolation) which happened at Chittor Fort.

How Do I Go to Chittorgarh Fort, alias Chittor Fort?

Chittorgarh Fort is situated at a distance of around four and a half kilometers from Chittorgarh city. Rajsamand city is approximately 100 kilometers away. Udaipur city is approximately 118 kilometers distance. Jodhpur is around 270 kilometers from this magnificent fort at Chittorgarh.

Chittaurgarh Junction railway station, with station code  COR, is the nearest railway station to the fort. It is at a distance of around 8 kilometers from the fort. It costs less than a dollar to reach the fort from the railway station at Chittaurgarh.

Entry Fee

A small entry fee is charged to the tourists.

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