Chittorgarh in the Indian state of Rajasthan stands for the spirit of the Rajputs, for bravery, pride, and romance. The city, also known as Chittor, lies on the banks of the Gambhiri and Berach rivers and is the capital of the former kingdom of Mewar.
The magnificent fort will always be remembered for the brave and self-sacrificing Jauhar that Rani Padmini performed to prevent the capture of the fort by Alauddin Khilji. Chittorgarh stands at the pinnacle of Chattari Rajput pride and is remembered in the pages of history for its glorious battles, especially the siege by Alauddin Khilji. Once known for its splendor and opulence, Chittorgarh today has left its tales of bravery and treachery far behind to be caught up in commercialization. It takes a couple of hours to explore the fort complex on foot. Wear comfortable shoes and keep a water bottle handy. The Rana Kumbha Palace is the largest structure of the Chittorgarh Fort.
While today it is just a dilapidated structure of broken walls and piles of stones, it was once a magnificent three-story palace with gigantic pillars, labyrinthine underground tunnels, and intricately designed architecture. The most famous attraction of the Chittorgarh Fort is the Padmini Palace, named after Queen Padmini herself. With its rooftop pavilions and moats, the story of Queen Padmini’s bravery can be heard in every corner of this dilapidated building.