Full Day Chittorgarh

A 2½ hour journey in an air conditioned car takes you to the breath taking 7th century Chittorgarh fort a vast hilltop complex with the remains of many temples and monuments. This UNESCO world heritage site sits on top of a 180m high hill & spreads over 700 acres. It is one of the largest forts in India & the kingdom of Mewar for almost 8 centuries. We will spend three hours at the fort, time to marvel at its many palaces, temples & towers

Sites not to miss are:

Padminis palace
A beautiful palace in the middle of a lake. Padmini was the beautiful wife of Rana Ratan Singh, a famous legend tells that the emperor of Delhi asked if he would be allowed to glimpse the beautiful queen, he was granted permission indirectly through the reflection of mirrors to see Padmini. However the emperor was not satisfied and attacked the fort killing Rana Ratan Singh. Padmini to protect her honour rather than be taken by a Muslim chose to perfom a Jauhar a practice of mass self-immolation to avoid capture & enslavement , the act of setting oneself on fire along with many other women at the fort

Vijay Stambh (tower of victory)
Built by Maharana Kumbha between 1440AD & 1448AD to immortalise his victory of defeating the Muslim rulers of Malwa & Gujarat. Built partly from red sandstone & white marble. This nine storey tower is decorated with detailed sculptures of Hindu gods & goddesses

Kirti Stambh
This seven storey tower of fame was built by a wealthy Jain merchant in the 12th century

Jain temples
The fort of Chittor has six Jain temples within its walls

Gaumukh reservoir
This is the huge body of water that you see on many photos of Chittor. It is a deep tank fed by a spring. The spring emerges from a rock formation resembling a cows mouth. This tank is considered sacred by locals

Along with many other ancient structures this is an awe inspiring site, not to miss, certainly worth its UNESCO world heritage site title.