Chittorgarh pronunciation (help_Einfo) (also Chittor, Chittaur, or Chittaurgarh) is a city and a municipality in Rajasthan state of western India. It lies on the Berach River, a tributary of the Banas, and is the administrative headquarters of Chittorgharh District and a former capital of the Sisodia clans of Rajput and of Mewar.
[edit] Kalika Mata Temple This temple was originally built in the 8th century for Sun God and was later converted to a temple for mother Goddess, Kali in the 14th century.
[edit] Vijay Stambh It is a huge nine storey tower which was built by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over the Muslim rulers of Malwa and Gujarat in 1440. The tower is 122 ft high and stands on a 10 ft high base. There are sculptures and carvings on the exterior walls of the tower. The tower is visible from any section of the town below. And from the tower top after climbing 157 steps, there is a great view of the surroundings. The inside walls of the tower are carved with images of Gods, weapons, etc[8].
[edit] Kirti Stambh This tower is dedicated to Adinathji, the first of the Jain Thirthakaras. It was built by a merchant and is decorated with figures form the Jain pantheon.
[edit] Rana Kumbha's Palace is near the Vijay Stambh. This is the birthplace of Maharana Udai Singh the founder of Udaipur. His life was saved by the heroic act of the maid Panna Dhay, who replaced her son in place of the prince & consequently her son was killed by Banbir. She carried the prince away to safety in a fruit basket. Rani Meera Bai also lived in this palace. This is the place where Rani Padmini committed jauhar with the other ladies in one of the underground cellars[9].
[edit] Rani Padmini's Palace This is the palace from which Alauddin was allowed to watch a reflection of the Rani
One of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, situated on the banks of river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which flourished from the Maurya to Gupta era. The excavations overhere have unearthed many interesting facts and have showed signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence. BAROLO (140 Km-Tehsil-Rawatbhata)
The ruins of the famous temples of babaroli, near Rawatbhata. This town is worth visiting, because of the group of ancient temples situated here.
BASSI WILDLIFE SANCTUARY(25Km-Tehsil-Chittorgarh)
The wildlife sanctuary covers an area of 50 Sq.Km. near Bassi village. The key fauna of the sanctuary are panther, wild boar, antelopes and mongoose. Migratory birds also visit the sanctuary. For entry into the sanctuary, prior permision is to be obtained from the District Forst Officer, Chittaurgarh. SANWARIYA JI TEMPLE (40 Km-Tehsil-Bhadesar)
The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishn, situated on the Chittaurgarh - Udaipur highway. This is not a very old structure and is an important Hindu pilgrimage centre. MATRI KUNDIYA TEMPLE (45 Km-Tehsil-Rashmi)
Also famous as the "Haridwar of Mewar", the shrine is dedicated to Lord Shiva. BHAINSORGARH WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
The sanctuary lies in the lush green environs of Bhainsrogarh, invaluable archaeological remains can also be seen here. BIJAIPUR
The 350 year old castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the youngest brother of Maharaja Pratap, is the major attraction. it has now been covered into a hotel. SITAMATA SANCTUARY
The sanctuary is dpread over the Aravali and Vindhyachal ranges and is the only forest where teak trees of building value are found. The thickly vegetated sanctuary has about 50% teak trees besided salar, tendu, amla, bamboo and bel etc. three rivers flow through the forest Jakham and Karmoi are the major ones. A huge dam has been constructed over the Jakham river for irrigation, and wild animals in the sanctuary.
The key fauna of the sanctuary are leopard, hyena, jackal, fox, jungle cat, porcupine, spotted dear, wild bear, four horned antelope and nilgai etc.
The most important and conspicuous animal of the sanctuary is the flying squirrel, which can be observed gliding between the trees during night, this nocturnal creatures hides in the daylight, the best time to watch the squirrel is in the months of February and March at Arampura Guest House, when most trees shed their leaves making it easier to spot the squirrel.
The sanctuary is also associated with mythological events it is believed that sita wife of Lord Ram stayed here during the period of her exile in the ashram of Saint Valmiki.
DEOGARH (125 Km) The 16th century fort near Pratapgarh, is famous for the palaces, their murals and Jain temple.
MENAL (90 Km) This is also known as the "mini khajauraho", blessed with natures beauty, this picnic spot is situated on the Chittaur - Bundi raod, and is famous for the ancient temples, waterfalls and beautiful forests.
GOTMESHWAR (130 Km) The place is famous for the ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva.
JOGNIYA MATA JI This temple of Goddess Yogini is said to be 300 years old
NATHDAWARA (SHRI NATH JI TEMPLE)