Chittorgarh Fort in Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh Fort, located in Rajasthan in Chittorgarh city, is a major heritage site of India and is also the largest fort in Asia. It covers an area of 700 acres and offers visitors a glimpse of the grandeur of the Rajputs. It was built by Chitrangada Mori. The intricately carved inner sanctums are a reminder of an era gone by. It was declared to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the year 2013. The construction of the fort was undertaken in the 7th century AD, under the guidance of Chitrangad Mori of the Maurya dynasty.

Stories of Many Invasions

The very first invasion of Chittorgarh Fort was in the era of 730 AD. As per local legend, Bappa Rawal seized the fort from the Moris. An important part of the royal dynasty, this fort has endured several attempts to break in but has thwarted all of them except for 3, which includes Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1303, Bahadur Shah in 1535 and Akbar in 1567. Of all the invasions that happened, the invasion by Ala-ud-din Khilji is most talked about. Rani Padmini was the then queen of the Mewar kingdom. Most legends suggest that the invasion by Ala-ud-din Khilji was due to an attempt to marry Rani Padmini which then led to mass Jauhar. The views from the fort are gorgeous, with the Gambhiri River near the fort and lush green hills beyond it, visible from the intricate balconies of the fort. Watching the sunset here is a beautiful experience.

What Constitutes Chittorgarh Fort?

The fort is home to a total of seven gates that are named as Ganesh Gate, Jodla Gate, Lakshman Gate, Padan Gate, Hanuman Gate, Ram Gate, and Bhairon Gate. The fort depicts Rajput’s architectural style. Several palaces are also situated inside the fort. The prominent palaces include the Rana Kumbha Palace, the Tower of Victory, the Fateh Prakash Palace, Kirti Stambh, and Rani Padmini's Palace. Along with palaces and gates, one can also find many temples inside the fort.   

Chittorgarh Fort: Majestic Fort With a Hint of Eerie

The history of Chittorgarh Fort cannot be told without the mention of eerie incidents. Many people have narrated tales of haunting incidents, erie sounds, and unexplained events that took place in the fort. However, the truth behind the stories can only be unfolded once you visit the place. Some locals also link the occurrences of such events to the killings that happened during several invasions.  

Sound and Light Show

One of the highlights of visiting Chittorgarh Fort is the sound and light show that takes place during the evening. The show narrates the tales of the past events and important personas. It is a great way to learn more about the history of this magnificent monument.