Chittaurgarh: Fort, Temples and History

Chittaurgarh offers a window into a rich history of forts and buildings with their own historical connections. Within the wider destination of Chittaurgarh, Chittorgarh was the former capital of the Sisodia clan and the site of three historic sieges. The history of the place can be explored through both its architectural remains and individual temples, palace ruins and the museum.

The History of the Fort in Its Regional Context

Chittorgarh Fort has numerous and varied architectural remains dating from the 8th to the 16th century. This long span covers several centuries and makes the fort a historical site with connections to different periods. Its buildings therefore cannot be reduced to a single era. For your trip, this broad perspective can help orient you as you explore the individual sites in their respective historical contexts.

Within the wider destination of Chittaurgarh, Chittorgarh Fort stretches for more than 6 kilometers in length and 1,500 meters in width. Within the wider destination of Chittaurgarh, Chittorgarh Fort stands on a 180-meter-high hill and covers 700 acres. Within the wider destination of Chittaurgarh, Chittorgarh Fort is protected under Indian law as a monument of national importance; it was designated in 1956. For the wider destination of Chittaurgarh: the serial UNESCO World Heritage Site “Hill Forts of Rajasthan” comprises six forts in Chittorgarh, Kumbhalgarh, Sawai Madhopur, Jhalawar, Jaipur and Jaisalmer.

Temples with Different Historical Connections

Within Chittorgarh Fort, the Satbees Deori Jain Temple stands opposite Badi Pol. Its name is associated with the 27 deities in the temple. A different historical period is reflected in Kumbha Shyam Temple: it was built in the 8th century and was originally dedicated to Lord Varaha, the boar. Maharana Kumbha had the temple renovated in the 15th century and a Kumbhashyam idol installed there. The temple’s original dedication and later renovation can therefore be viewed as distinct stages in its history.

Palace Ruins, Museum and Visitor Information

Rana Kumbha Palace, also known as Kumbha Mahal, is a ruin within Chittorgarh Fort. The original palace dates from before Kumbha’s time. When viewing the building, it is therefore important to distinguish between the name Rana Kumbha Palace and the older history of the original palace.

Fateh Prakash Palace has been converted into a museum. Its collection includes woodcraft from the village of Bassi and post-medieval Jain statues of Ambica and Indra from the village of Rashmi. The museum thus offers a different way to explore history than the fort’s architecture: the focus here is on objects from the places named and on a collection of its own.

Please note when planning your trip: Tripolia Darwaza, the main entrance to Rana Kumbha Palace, is currently closed. Check its status before your trip.

Gaumukh Reservoir

Gaumukh Reservoir offers a different focus from the temples and palace ruins. It is a deep, spring-fed tank. The spring emerges from a rock formation resembling a cow’s mouth. Here, the water source and the distinctive shape of the rock formation are found side by side.

If you are looking for a hotel in Chittaurgarh, you can start by deciding which focus will shape your trip: the history of the fort, temples and palace ruins, the museum or the reservoir.

Discover more destinations: Bhainsrorgarh, Begun, Bijaipur, Chikarda

For the wider travel overview: Chittaurgarh.