Chittorgarh Tourism And Travel Guide

Chittorgarh, one of Mewad’s most significant cities, has been the seat of this dynasty for centuries before they shifted base to Udaipur. Home to Queen Padmavati as well as Meera bai, the stronghold of Rawal Ratan Singh and later Sangram Singh, Chittorgarh shines with its rich history, Rajput valour and heroism. These traits make it a hub for tourism. 

Here is a travel guide for you, if you are planning a trip into the maze of history and heroic stories that is Chittorgarh.

Chittorgarh is one of the most significant historic cities of Rajasthan, inhabited by Mewadi rulers since more than 1100 years. Today the place is quite easily reached by rail, road and even air. 

By Air:

Chittorgarh is quite close to the Maharan Pratap Airport of Udaipur, also called Dabok Airport. You can take a flight to Udaipur from cities like Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai and Jodhpur; and then hire a car which will drive you all the way. Chittorgarh is only 98 km far from Udaipur. 

By Road:

You can drive to Chittorgarh, which also falls on the Golden Quadrilateral project of India. The city is 98 km from Udaipur and around 250 km Ahmedabad. Buses also ply from Jaipur, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer, Ratlam etc. 

By Rail:

Chittorgarh is one very significant stop on the Western Railways and boasts of an extensive railway junction. In fact, trains are the best means to reach Chittorgarh directly. Trains running from Delhi, Jaipur, Mumbai, Udaipur etc all stop here. 

Getting Around:

The best modes of local transport in the city include the three-seater rickshaws and the van-like chakkdas. You can also hire a car but the former prove much cheaper. The Chittorgarh Fort is easily explored on foot but you can also hire bicycles.

The best season for a trip to Chittorgarh is in winter, while summer are scorching and a big no-no. 

Summer (April to June):

Patent Rajasthani summers also take Chittorgarh by storm; literally. With the temperature climbing to the highs of 43 and sometimes 45°C, locals also try and remain indoors for most part of the day. Hence there is really no point in visiting during these months. You will only be cooped up inside all day.

Monsoon (June to September):

The words Rains and Rajasthan usually aren’t spoken in the same sentence but the Mewad region does receive some respite. Chittrogarh is a part of Mewad and hence sees mild rains in the months from June to September. This might be an okay time to visit but the heat is still quite high on non-rainy days.

Winter (October to March):

Chittorgarh winters make for a great time to visit. With the temperature down to 5 and 7°C at nights, the days are mild and pleasant. You can go hiking up forts, check out the wildlife sanctuaries and enjoy Rajasthani cuisine with its heavy spices and ghee without guilt.

Explore the Grand Chittorgarh Fort:

The Chittorgarh Fort is the major highlight of Chittorgarh, and the best place to go for most sightseeing. Tourists come here for a day-long tour of the fort complex’s temples, palaces, towers and tanks, followed by the evening light and sound show that lights up its ramparts by night, detailing its history and chronicling the heroes that lived inside its walls.

Safari at Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary:

The Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is a great place for nature lovers to enjoy some time away from all the history and forts. With its collection of wild animals and birds like panthers, deer, antelopes, pecans, peacocks and eagles, the place is alive with mother nature’s delight, especially during winter.

Pray at the Sanwariyaji Temple:

A few miles away from Chittorgarh, in a small village of its district is the Sanwariyaji Temple, a shrine that is dedicated to the dark lord Shri Krishna. It ranks just after the Shrinathji Temple of Nathdwara and attracts devotees from all over the world. You can go on for darshan, preferably in the wee hours of the day, so that you can enjoy the rest of the time touring Chittorgarh.

See History at Rani Padmini’s Palace:

Rani Padmini, also known as Padmavati, has achieved a goddess-like status today in Rajasthan for her sacrifice and self-immolation when her husband fell in battle. Why was the battle fought? Over her beauty. It is believed that Allauddin Khilji saw her reflection for the first time here, in her palace, and launched his men to fight her husband, the king Rawal Ratan Singh. You must visit Padmini Palace and see the fabled mirror for yourself.

When in Chittorgarh, one must prowl for street food and the local Rajasthani delicacies like Dal-Bati-Churma, Gatte ka saag, Lal maas and Mohan maas. The street food famous here includes samosa, kachori, jalebi, badam ka halwa, mawa kachori, Puri-bhaji and poha. Poha is sold at every stall and tea house, made in their patent style and garnished with sev/gathiya and pomegranate seeds.

If you are looking for a slightly uber cool experience then head to the Bassi Fort Palace Hotel where the restaurant is as fine dining as it gets in the area and they serve amazing rich meat dishes.

Shopping in the tiny lanes and alleys of Chittorgarh is an experience in itself. Here you can buy handicrafts, camel leather products, articles made of lac, bangles, marble figurines, miniatures jewellery and saris (brought from Bhilwada). The most famous markets of Chittorgarh include the Fort Road Market and Sadar Bazar. One of their specialities is the Thewa jewellery - gold designs embellished in glass.