A majestic, historical and beautiful city, in Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is popular for its princes and princesses, the tales of their love and valor, and of landmarks that honour these iconic figures, one such being the Palace of Queen Padmini, where she performed the act of Jauhar ( self immolation by women on their husbands’ death).
Situated on a serene location, along Berach river, Chittorgarh used to be the capital of the Rajputs of Rajasthan, in centuries gone by, and hence being a capital city, a major number of princely structures, palaces, forts and buildings can be found in the city.
Some of the places to visit in Chittorgarh are:
Chittorgarh Fort:
Beginning from the main gate, Ram Pol, the huge palace complex has various structures and entry gates, which are linked through a winding circular road inside. The palace has been ruled by many rulers, from the 7th century AD Mauryans to 16th century Sisodias, and even Mughals. The palace has a huge complex with many water bodies, temples and garden areas. Various structures inside the complex are popular as an individual entity, these are:
Victory Tower-
A tower built by Rana Kumbh in 15th century to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Shah I Khilji, and hence is also called Vijay Stambha. It is 122 feet high, has 157 circular steps inside and is carved throughout.
Kirti Stambha-
Another tower, built by a Jain merchant Jijaji Rathod, as a dedication to the first Tirthankar of Jains, Adinath, it is a 12th century structure. 72 feet high, the tower has 54 steps, and has naked images of the 14 Jain Tirthankaras on the lowest floor. It is also called Tower of Fame.
Padmini’s Palace-
This is the most popular place of the entire complex. A white building in the middle of a pool of water, was the Queens’ Palace, and got its recognition after Padmini, the queen of Maharana Ratan Singh, performed a Jauhar act in the palace, after her empire’s fall, so that she and her fellow queens will not have to be the harem ladies of Alaudin Khilji.
Kalika Mata Temple-
Originally built as a temple for the Sun-God in 8th century AD, it was destroyed and rebuilt as a Kali temple, and is located just opposite to the Padmini’s Palace.
Jain Temples-
Six Jain temples are there in the complex, which were originally believed to be twenty seven, and the biggest one is dedicated to Adinath, the first Tirthankar.
Gaumukh Reservoir-
It is quite a unique tank, which is filled by the water coming out of a cow’s mouth(Gaumukh), and is a place which is considered sacred. You can also see fishes in here.
All these places and attractions are some priced possessions of Chittorgarh, which you mustn’t miss out on a Chittorgarh holiday.




