Travel To Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh's fort a massive magnificent russet-coloured construction sprawling across the hills epitomises the whole romantic doomed idea of Rajput chivalry.Chittor was sacked by a stronger enemy and on each occasion death came before dishonour as jauhar was declared in the face of impossible odds. The men donned the saffron robes of martyrdom and rode out from the fort to the certain death while the children and women immolated themselves on a huge funeral pyre. According to legend Bhim one of the Pandava heroes of the Mahabharata is credited with the fort's original construction. All the Chittor's attractions are in the fort. A zigzag ascent of more than 1 km leads through seven gateways to the main gate on the western side, the Rampol
Rana Kumbha Palace: After entering the fort and turning right you come almost immediately to the ruins of this palace which include elephant and horse stables and a Shiva temple.Padmini's jauhar is said to have taken place in a now -blocked cellar. Across from the palace are the museum and archaeological office and the treasury building or Nau Lakha Bhandar.The Singa Chowri Temple is nearby. Fateh Prakash Palace: Just beyond Rana Kumbha palace this palace is more modern. It houses a small museum and a school for local children. Tower of Victory: Heading south you come to the glorious Jaya Stambha erected by Rana Kumbha between 1458 and 1468 ,it rises 37m in nine exquisitely carved storeys and you can climb the narrow stairs to the 8th floor from there you can enjoy good view. The dome was damaged by lightening and repaired during the 19th century. Close to the tower is the Mahasati an area where the Ranas were cremated during Chittorgarh's period as the Mewar capital. There are many sati stones here -13000 women committed jauhar close by in 1535.The impressive Sammidheshwar Temple built in the 6th century and restored in 1427 with incredibly detailed carving is in the same area. Tower of Fame: The 22m Kirti Stambha or tower of fame is older 12th century and smaller than the tower of victory. Built by a Jain Merchant it is dedicated to Adinath the first Jain tirthankar and is decorated by various tirthankars indicating that it is a digambara monument. A narrow stairway leads through the seven storeys to the top. Hotels in Chittor: Shalimar Hotel Hotel Chetak Hotel Meera Bhagwati Hotel Hotel Pratap Palace
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