Kumbha Mahal, Chittorghar

Kumbha Mahal ruins stand still welcoming you near the entrance of the Chittorghar Fort, Rajasthan. Palace is named after Maharana Kumbha who made serveral alterations and additions to the existing Palace. The Palace is approached by two Gateways to the East - Badi Pol and Triploia. These gates leads into open space to the south of the palace and to darikhana. A small doorway to the back of the darikhana gives access to main appartments, the Surya Gokhra, Zanana Mahal, Kanwar Pade ka Mahal, other residential structures and open courts. Build of dressed stone, the exterior walls have decoration. It includes sculptured bands serving as string course and large flower head bosses.
From the windows and doors of the Kumbha Mahal, one can get glimpse of the Chittorghar Fortress Walls.

Rani Padmini Mahal, Chittorghar

Rani Padmini Mahal is the residence of Rani Padmini the Queen of Chittorghar. She was wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. The Mahal which is mentioned in the famous historic epic, still exists in the Chittorghar Fort and is major attraction for tourist.

It is belived that Rani Padmini was epitome of beauty. One of the main intentions of Alauddin Khilji, Ruler from Turkey, to attack Chittorghar was pechant for Rani Padminis beauty.

His attempts to capture the Fort of Chittorghar were futile. Then he sent word to Rani Padminis husband Ratan Singh to meet her and he regards her as his sister. On being persuaded by her husband, Rani Padmini agreed Alauddin to see her in mirror. On seeing her, Allaudin decided to secure Rani Padmini for himself. He later kidnapped her husband and attacked the Fort.

When there was no way out, Rani Padmini committed divine sucide, called as Jauhar. A huge pyre was lit and the Queen followed in. Later all women jumped into same fire to save themselves from the lustful army waiting outside the fort.

Video Of Rani Padmini Mahal Chittorghar, Fort

Vijay Stambh

Vijay Stambh or the Tower of Victory at Chittorghar, Rajasthan, India is one of the major attractions in the Chittorghar Fort. It was built by Rana Kumbha to celebrate his victory. The tower is build with Red sand stone and White Marble. It has many images of Hindu God and Godesses, Musicians carved on the exterior and interior of the tower. You can gimick in a snap as holding the Vijay Stambh towers top in your hand by an easy Camera trick.


The Tower stands 9 stories tall. The visitors are allowed to reach the top of the tower by climbing the internal steps circumferencing the tower internally. Towards your way to the top of the Tower terrace, one can get magnificient view of the Fort Chittorghar and City of Chittor.


Vijay Stambh Tower:

Interior of Vijay Stambh Tower :

Gaumukh Reservior, Chittorghar Fort

Gaumukh Reservior is one of the water bodies available on the Chittorghar Fort, Rajasthan, India. As the name suggest the water source is a spring which oozes out of the face of Cow. There is a Shiva Temple next to the Gaumukh (Cows Mouth). One has to climb down the steps towards the reservior and walk inside the temple to view the Gaumukh.

The reservior water provides source of water for lots of pigeons around. You can site people throwing peanuts and rice flakes to the fish in the reservior. The Reservior offers magnificient view from top. This view is available from the backyard of Meera Temple. The fortess walls surround one side of the reservior. Walking along the fortress walls near the reservior is prohibitted to avoid accidents amongst the visitors.
Gaumukh Reservior Video 1:

Gaumukh Reservior Video 2:

Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is main attraction in the city of Chittor, Rajasthan, India. The major attractions are:

1. Vijay Stambh
2. Kirti Stambh
3. Gaumukh Reservior
4. Rani Padmini Mahal
5. Rana Kumbh Palace
6. Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
7. Several Gates or Pols
8. Temples(Kalikamata temple, Jain Temple, Meera Temple, etc)

The fort is pride of Rajasthan and attracts maximum number of tourists after the City Palace Fort in Udaipur. The Fort hosts loads of Rajput history and is classic example of Rajasthani architechture.

How to reach Chittorghar Fort:

Chittor city is about 2 hrs drive from Udaipur City. We were based in Udaipur and planned day trip to Chittorghar Fort. We booked Cab from Udaipur city which would take us around Chittorghar fort. The Chittorgarh fort lies at the top of Hill. If one reaches Chittor City by local mode of transport like bus or train, then they have to take local vehicle(cab, rickshaw, motor cycle ride) to the top of the hill.

It will take you about day to visit the fort and the major attractions in the fort.

Chittorghar Fort Video

Animal Encounter - 5

Any visit to rural parts of India is incomplete without spotting untamed Piglets and Pigs grazing food in open space. Ususally the pigs which are found in India are of black color and they feed on left over stuff available in open spaces. These pigs and their piglets are black in color and are usually shabby. Its fun watching the small piglets run around their mother in search of food. I managed to take a video of them at Chittorgarh Fort in Rajasthan.
Video of Piglets grazing in India

Animal Encounter - 3

During our visit to fort at Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, I came across a female monkey caring her baby. Usually you do come across a lot of wild monkeys in remote places of India. Specially at tourist places like forts, parks, temples, etc. One needs to be careful about your belongings. Though the animals are wild they have become used to the frequent tourists offering them something to eat. If the monkeys do site someone with food in their hands they will try to chase you and snatch the food from your hands or bags.