AIR
Indian Airlines flies to Udaipur thrice a week from Delhi and daily from Mumbai. The Dabok Airport is in Udaipur (90 km). Another major airport is Jaipur, which is well connected to Delhi, Mumbai and Calcutta and has regular Indian Airlines, Jet and Sahara flights.

RAIL
Chittorgarh lies on a major rail route and is well connected to Delhi, Jaipur, Ajmer, Ahmedabad, Jodhpur, Udaipur, Kota and Bundi. Additionally, there are local trains from Chittor to Kota and Bundi. The Railway station is centrally located, at a short distance from the Fort.

ROAD
There are regular bus services to Udaipur, Ahmedabad, Kota, Bundi, Ajmer, Jaipur, Jodhpur and Indore. For further information contact the Rajasthan State Road Transport Corporation Bus Stand. The Bus terminus is at a convenient distance from the station and the Fort.

CLIMATE: Typically desert temperatures ranging from 23.8ºC to 43.8ºC in the summers and 11.6ºC to 28.3ºC in the winters.

STD CODE
01472

Language
Rajasthani and Hindi

Chittorgarh Fort
The fort sprawls over 700 acres on top of a rocky plateau that rises 180 m high against the surrounding plains. The upward ascent to the fort is through a series of seven gateways or pols, punctuated by impressive chhatries or cenotaphs of heroic martyrs, the first being the Padam Pol. Presently, the final gate, the Rama Pol, serves as the actual entrance to the fort. Built by the Mauryas in 7th century AD, the fort has many magnificent structures affording spectacular views from its ramparts.
To the right of the Rama Pol is the Shingara Chauri temple, an elaborately carved 15th century Jain temple. Note: Entry to the fort is ticketed at Rs. 2 for Indians and Rs 50 for foreigners. Video cameras are allowed at a charge of Rs 25.

Rana Kumbha Palace
This 15th century structure exhibits the classic lines typical of the Rajasthani style of architecture. Once shimmering with jewels and gold, today, the ruins are shrouded in dust. Being the site of the last jauhar during the siege laid by Akbar, historically the fort is of great significance. Cocooned within are the remnants of a Shiva temple and the royal stables. Note: Guides are also available at the Rana Kumbha Palace for a fee of Rs 200.

Fateh Prakash Palace
Constructed by Maharana Fateh Singh in the 1920s, a part of this magnificent palace has been converted into The Government Museum. The displays include an array of weapons and some interesting sculptures. Note: Open from 10 am to 4:30 pm daily except Fridays. Entry - Rs 3 per person.

Jaya Stambh (Victory Tower)
This imposing 37 m tall, nine-story sandstone tower celebrates the victory of Rana Kumbha over Mahmud Khilji of Malwa in 1440 AD. Intricately carved Hindu figurines adorn the exterior of the tower, unfortunately some of the carvings are now damaged. If one has the stamina, the breathtaking views atop the 8-story climb are quite rewarding.

Maha Sati
Close to the tower, is the site where women immolated themselves on their husbands pyres in the typical Rajput tradition. Thousands of sati handprints mark this tragic site. The nearby Sammideshwar Temple was built to commemorate the sacrifice of these brave women.

Gaumukh Reservoir
Ahead at a distance, at the edge of a cliff, is a deep tank called Gaumukh , (the cow s mouth), deriving its name from the carved opening of the spring that feeds the tank s waters.

This open tank surrounded by steps was the bathing place of the royal women. According to legend, an underground path connects the palace of Queen Padmini to this tank, her unparalleled beauty required her to be shielded from inquisitive eyes at all times.

Padmini s Palace
Once the abode of the Queen of Mewar, this stands beside a large, shallow pool with a pavilion in the centre. It is here that Alauddin Khilji caught a glimpse of Padmini in a mirror placed in the main hall. The exquisite bronze gates of the palace carried away by Akbar in 1568 can now be seen at the Agra Fort.

Kalika Mata Temple
Originally built as a sun temple in the 8th century, it was later dedicated to Kali after being renovated in the 14th century. An image of Surya, guards the regal entrance.

Kirti Stambh (The Tower of Fame)
The 22 m high tower was built in 12th century by a wealthy Jain merchant. This seven-story minaret dedicated to Adinath, the first Jain tirthankara (revered teacher) is decorated with figures of Jain digambaras.

Meera Temple
Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha, this Indo-Aryan temple stands near the Fateh Prakash Palace. It is dedicated to Mira Bai, mystic poet and devotee of Krishna.

Kumbha Shyam Tample
There is a larger temple dedicated to Vishnu in the Varaha avatar.

Nagari
17-km north of Chittorgarh, Nagari is located on the banks of the River Bairach. Being one of the oldest towns in Rajasthan, you can find Hindu and Buddhist ruins dating back to the Mauryan and Gupta periods.

Bassi Village
The small lakeside town of Bassi, 25-km east of Chittorgarh is known for its wooden crafts, exquisite temples and a historical fort. The picturesque surroundings make the destination a popular getaway for travellers.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Spread over an area of 50 sq km, the wildlife reserve has a thriving population of panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds.

Bijaipur
A quaint little village, Bijaipur is home to a 200 year-old palace, has now been converted into a heritage hotel. Hotel Castle Bijaipur offers blissful solitude coupled with a 16th century ambience. The hotel also organises jungle walks, jeep and horse safaris in and around the village.

Menal
Located at the edge of a canyon, 90 km east of Chittor, is the tiny village of Menal, with typical quaint dwellings. Renowned for its 12th century Shiva temples and a cascading waterfall.

Bijolia
A little beyond Menal lies Bijolia, the former 10th century capital, which was renowned for its hundred temples. Sadly today only three remain intact.