Benteng Chittorgarh, INDIA
The magnificent Chittorgarh fort located near Chittorgarh town, Rajasthan, India. It is the largest fort in India and the oldest in the state of Rajasthan. The fort is dedicated to Chitrangad Maurya Bappa Rawal who was the founder of the Sisodia dynasty. The fort is spread over 700 acres and houses regal palaces, temples and towers. This fort is rated as the foremost in embattlement tactics and is among the most impregnable forts ever built by the Rajputs.
The eventful history of Chittorgarh dates back to the Mahabharata. The legend has it that the brave Bhim, stomped the ground with such force that a water body was born. Chittorgarh is famous for the tale of 'Bhim Lat'. Besides, 'jauhar' and illustrious reigns mark the history of Chittorgarh.
The Chittorgarh fort rises like a mirage from the adjoining plains underneath and stands like a sentinel at a height of 180 meters. One has to cross several gates to reach Rampal which is the entry point to this impregnable fort. Legend has it that when Mughal emperor Akbar laid seize to the fort, two great Rajput warriors – Jaimull and Kulla fought till the last breath of their lives and in memory of the brave sons of the soil, two exquisite cenotaphs have been built within the ramparts.
Though Chittorgarh is an oft visited destination, lack of premier hotels may act as a dampener in your tour of this history etched realm. There are, however, a lot of budget hotels, that dish out a host of services.
Traveling to Chittorgarh is hasslefree. Bus regularly ply between Delhi and a host of places in Rajasthan . You can also avail the trains like the Ahmedabad Express and the Chetak Express.
The towering fortress of Chittorgarh, circa eighth century, erected by Bappa Rawal of Sisodia, the witness to many a heroic feats, is one of the coveted tourist destinations of the region. You can also hotfoot it to the lovely palace of the brave Rana Kumbha. The majestic Vijaya Stambh, an insignia of valor and glory, the olympian Kirti Stambh, the palace of the famed Rani Padmini, the shrine dedicated to Meera Bai, the ardent worshipper of the Blue God Krishna. Besides these, you could visit the temple of Kalika Mata, the Government Museum, Mohar Magri, Tulja Bhawani shrine, Singar Chauri, Nagri, Bassi, Mati Kundiya shrine among a host of others. The vibrant Chittorgarh, emanating an old-world charm, also houses several wildlife parks. You can troop to the verdant Bhainsroragrh Wildlife park and the sanctuary of Sitamata, located in Dhariyavad.
If you are a compulsive shopper, you will be spoilt for choice. Stack your bags with handcrafted collectors' items from Bassi, like lovely playthings etched out of wood. The bustling Station Circle, Fort Road Market, Sadar Bazaar are some of the popular shopping hubs of Chittorgarh.
The fort has several majestic palaces, each one more beautiful than the other. For instance the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Fateh Prakash Palace, Rani Padmini’s Palace to name just a few of the palaces that are housed inside the fort all exemplify with the saga of gallantry, courage and heroism of the redoubtable Rajputs.
Thus, the fort represents the quintessence of tribute to the nationalism, courage, medieval chivalry and sacrifice exhibited by the Mewar rulers of Sisodia and their kinsmen and women and children, between the 7th and 16th centuries. The rulers, their soldiers, the women folk of royalty and the commoners considered death as a better option than dishonor in the face of surrender to the foreign invading armies
Originally found from:
http://www.mapsofindia.com/maps/rajasthan/chittaurgarh.htm
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