Sunday, April 19, 2009

Getting There!!!

Chittorgarh is well connected to all parts of India by roads. The Golden Quardilateral Road Project and North-South-East-West corridor expressways passes through Chittorgarh City. The bus stand (bus depot) of Chittorgarh is located in the mid of old and new city. There are good bus services (Private as well as government) available for Delhi, Mumbai, Ahamadbad, Ajmer, Bundi, Kota, Udaipur and other major cities.

The distance of bus stand from major hotels is around 0.1 Km to 2 Km. Fort of Chittorgarh is around 2 Km and train station is around 2 Km.

Rajasthan roadways (RSRTC) provide a very good service for visiting areas around Chittorgarh. Rajasthan Roadways also has a premier service called Pink Line, Silver line and Sleeper Coaches (Gray Line).
For more detail about Rajasthan Roadways service please call on following numbers:
General Enquiry: 01472 - 241177
Station Master: 01472 - 241038

Private Bus Services: Numbers of private bus services are available in Chittorgarh, connecting all major cities in India.

Shrinath Travel is one of the most popular private bus service providers connecting Chittorgarh to all major cities in Rajasthan and surrounding states. Jaipur, Delhi and Bombay among the popular destinations from there bus services.

Chittorgarh railway station is a junction of western indian railways. It has rail links with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Udaipur, Jaipur, Kota and Delhi.

Visit Indian Railways website for train schedule and reservation:
www.IndianRail.gov.in

The nearest airport is Udaipur(Dabok Airport). The airport is around 90 kms from Chittorgarh City and linked by daily Air Service from New Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

Hotels In Brief

Hotel Padmini


Hotel Padmini is a fully functional modern hotel in the heart of the city, with convenient approach to main tourist attractions of Chittorgarh(Chittor). It has 20 Air conditioned Double rooms, 30 Non AC rooms with all modern amenities.

Hotel services include Money Exchange, Safe Deposit, Swimming Pool, Travel Desk, Laundry, Car Rental, Doctor on Call, Postal Service, Indoor & Outdoor Games, Large Gardens & Lawns, Huge Parking space, Children Park, Cyber Cafe, Horse Riding, Tours and Travel assistance, Approved guide services, Car/Bus rental, Folk dance, Arrangement Jeep safaris, Bon fire and cultural programmes on request.

Facilities:
1. It includes attached baths, running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility, satellite TV and 24 Hours Room Service
2. It also has a Conference Hall which is fully equipped with audio visual facilities.
3. Padmini has a beautiful Restaurant providing Indian, Chinese and Continental and the “Traditional Rajasthani Meals” at breakfast, lunch and dinner with high level lighting and music.

Address & Contact Information:
Chanderia Road,
Near Sainik School,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India


Hotel Pratap Palace

Hotel Pratap Palace is one of the modest hotels in Chittorgarh, situated in the middle of the city. All the rooms are well equipped with attached bath.
Hotel services include Travel Desk, Laundry, Car Rental, Doctor on Call, Postal Service, Horse Safari, Car Safari, Car Parking, Swimming Pool, Money Exchange, Indoor games. Village safaris can be arranged, as well as visits to their castle in Bijapur.



Facilities:
1. It includes attached baths, running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility, cable TV and 24 hours room service
2. It has a beautiful Garden Bar & Restaurant providing Indian, and the traditional Rajasthani food in lunch and dinner.

Address & Contact Information:
Near Head Post Office,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India


RTDC Hotel Panna
Hotel Panna is a unit of Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC). RTDC offers a vast network of accommodation throughout Rajasthan. These complexes are strategically located and come in low budget, economy and deluxe ranges

Hotel services include travel desk, laundry, car rental, attach bath with hot & cold water, 24 hours room service etc.





Facilities:
1. Hotel Panna has a Restaurant serving Continental, Indian & Rajasthani Cuisine.
2. It also has a Conference Hall and meeting room. 3. Hotel provides lawn for marriage parties at very reasonable rate.

Address & Contact Information:
Pratap Nagar Road,
Near Railway Station,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India



Bassi Fort Palace


Bassi Fort Palace is situated at a distance of 24 kilometers from Chittorgarh on the Udaipur-Chittorgarh-Bundi-Kota highway. Thakur Jaimal of the Sisodia clan built this mansion sometime in the 16th century. It is one of the most beautiful heritage hotel in Rajasthan.

It has 16 well appointed rooms. All the suits/rooms are spacious with Jharokhas, attached with running hot and cold water, dressing rooms and attractively appointed sitting rooms/ areas the period furniture.The decor in each room reflects the brilliant lifestyle of the Chittorgarh royalty.

Besides the above, there are well laid out Lobby/Drawing room, Dining hall, Bar and public areas like Gardens, Terrace, Battlements etc. There is a vast area for parking vehicles. Wake up to the sounds of humming birds, calling peacocks and enjoy clean and fresh air descending from the Fort on the hill over looking your rooms. If lucky, you may spot peacocks dancing to the rhythm of morning breeze in the palace gardens.


Bassi Fort Palace



Facilities:
1. It includes attached baths, running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility, color TV and 24 hours room service.
2. The Restaurant at Bassi Fort offers Indian and authentic Rajasthani cuisines.
3. The bar houses a large variety of Indian and Foreign liquor.

Address & Contact Information:
Bassi Fort Palace,
P.O. Bassi,
Dist. Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India
E Mail- bassifortpalace@yahoo.com
Website: www.bassifortpalace.com

Castle Bijaipur


Caslte Bijaipur was built in early 16th century AD by Rao Vijay Singh ji, descendent of great rajput warrior Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap.

The present Rao Saheb Narendra Singh ji has renovated and converted the castle into one of the first heritage hotel in this region for tourist to come and experience the warm rajput hospitality.

An enchanting heritage castle standing high ona plateau of the great Vindhyachal ranges. The Castle offers breathtaking views of the valley, Lake and the Village encircling it.

The castle reflects the life style of Mewar with matching cuisine, having priviledge of playing host to several tourist over the decade.

A wildlife sanctuary adjacent to the castle has leopard, chinkara, spotted and four-horned deer, crocodile and wild boar as well as a variety of birds. Jeep and camel safaris, trekking and camping, visits to nearby pangarh fort and boating and fishing in its lotus lake, and local tribal folk songs in the evenings are other amusement activities arranged here.


Castle Bijaipur



Facilities:
1. Castle Bijaipur provides accommodation in 23 simple traditional rooms and suites. All the rooms at Bijaipur Castle are lavishly furnished and house a range of amenities in order to make your stay comfortable. 2. It includes attached baths, running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility, color TV and 24 Hours Room Service
3. The Castle Bijaipur has a multicuisine Restaurant and Bar. It serves vegetarian and non-vegetarian food.


Address & Contact Information:
Castle Bijaipur,
P.O. Bijaipur, Via-Bassi, Dist. Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India


How to Reach:
Udaipur Airport : 100 km.
Chittorgarh Railway Station : 24 km.
Chittorgarh Bus Stand : 20 km.


Hotel Chetak


Chetak is near the railway station. It is the best of the cheaper places near the station.

Facilities:
1. Hotel Chetak has rooms attached baths running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility, some rooms with color TV .
2. Hotel chetak has a Restaurant and Bar. It serves Indian, Rajasthani food.

Address & Contact Information:
Hotel Chetak,
Opp Chittorgarh Railway Station,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India


Hotel Gaurav Palace


Hotel Gaurav Palace, off Fort Rd, is a new modern place with rooms with bath.

Facilities:
Hotel has rooms attached baths running hot and cold water, telephones with STD and ISD facility.

Address & Contact Information:
Hotel Gaurav Palace,
Fort Road,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India



Shalimar Hotel

Shalimar Hotel, near the railway station, has rooms with attach bath. 24 hours check in and check out. Double and Single rooms avaible.

Address & Contact Information:
Shalimar Hotel,
Near Chittorgarh Railway Station,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India



Natraj Tourist Hotel
Natraj Tourist Hotel, near the Roadway bus stand, has really basic rooms.

Address & Contact Information:
Natraj Hotel,
Near Bus Station,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India



Bhagwati Hotel
Bhagwati hotel is loacated near to Chittorgarh bus station.

Address & Contact Information:
Bhagwati Hotel,
Chittorgarh - 312001 (Rajasthan) - India

Other Hotel & Restaurants

1. Melody Restaurant, Near Railway Station
2. Rituraj Vatika & Restaurant, Near Collectorate
3. Meera Hotel, Hotel Meera, Nr. Rly Stn.

Numerous restaurants are located around the Railway station, Meera nagar, Roadways and old Bus Stand. There are restaurants attatched with hotels and government accommodation units.

Chittorgarh In brief

Chittorgarh, also called Chittaur, from the 7th century to the 16th, was the capital of Mewar under the Rajputs. Chittaur evokes memories of great heroism and sacrifice by Rajput men and women in the intermittent battles that they had to fight against invaders from Northwest or Delhi. Chittaur witnessed both the ravages of war and the triumphs of the spirit. Allaudin Khilji who coveted Queen Padmini of Chittaur, invaded the city in 1303 A.D. Queen Padmini and the women of the court sacrificed themselves in a pyre of fire rather than submit to anybody. This supreme sacrifice has been called 'Jauhar' and epitomises the fiery spirit of the Rajputs of the day. The city stands strewn with monuments and battlements as evidence of the blood and gore that it went through in medieval times.

The Chittaur Fort is the best known fort in Rajasthan. Its origins are traced to the Pandavas of Mahabharata. It is said that Bhima, one of the Pandava brothers, built the fort. Standing on 180 meters high hill, the fort covers an area of 700 Acres. Inside it is the Meera and Khumba Shyam Temple. It is associated with Meera, a mystic poetess devoted to Lord Krishna whose life and bhajans have become part of the folklore and literary traditions of the region and several parts of India.
Fort Of Chittorgarh
Fort Of Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh (Chittaurgarh) is the epitome of Rajput pride, romance and spirit. It reverberates with history of heroism and sacrifice, which is evident as it echoes with the tales sung by the Bards of Rajasthan. The main reason for visiting Chittorgarh is its massive hilltop fort, which is a depiction of Rajput culture and values.

The fort of Chittor is regarded as one of the most outstanding forts of the country and is indeed the "Pride of Rajasthan State". The formidable fort is perched atop a 180 meter high hillock covering a massive area of 700 acres and is a standing sentinel to the courage and valour of Chittorgarh. It is belived that the fort was build by the Mauryans in 7th century and further strucres were added to it by the successive Mewar rulers.

The one mile long serpentine road to the fort is quite steep and exhastive. The fort is approached through seven huge gateways or ´pols´, which are guarded by watch tower and massive iron spiked doors.

Water Fort :
Chittorgarh fort is also called as Water Fort. The fort had 84 water bodies, out of which only about 22 exist today. These Include talabs (ponds), kunds (wells), and baories (stepwells). All the talabs have a natural catchment. The kunds and baories are located below the talabs, so that even the seepage from the latter is not lost.

The fort spreads over 700 hectares, 40 per cent of which are given over to water bodies. The average reservoir depth is about 2 m. Taken together, this means these reservoirs can store about 4 billion litres of water.

In a year of more than normal rainfall (average annual rainfall: 700 mm), enough water would be stored to last the next 12 months. Even after water loss due to seepage and evaporation and other causes, an army of 50,000 could live in the fort for four years without fear of thirst.
Tower of Victory - (Vijay Stambh)
Tower Of Victory
Built in 1440 AD by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mohamed Khilji this 9-storyed tower is adorned by sculptures of Hindu deities around.
There are around 157 narrow steps leading to the terrace where the balconies give a beautiful top angle view of the whole town. When illuminated in the evening, the tower reflects a mesmerizing effect and the view is worth capturing in the camera.
Tower of Fame - (Kirti Stambh)
Tower Of Fame
Dedicated to Adinathji the 1st Jain Teerthankar adorned by the naked figures of the Digambars [Adherents of the Digambar sect who does not believe in covering the natural body] A narrow stairway goes through seven stories of the tower to the top. The 22 metres high tower was build by a wealthy jain merchant in the 12th century A.D.
Gaumukh Reservoir

Gaumukh Reservoir
A deep tank filled by a spring coming from a 'cow mouth', situated at the edge of the cliff. It is considered to be sacred where you can feed the fishes.
Rana Kumbha Palace
Rana Kumbha Palace
The ruined edifice of great historical and architectural interest, being the most massive monument in the fort of Chittaur. The palace is believed to have underground cellars where Rani Padmini and other women committed Jauhar.
Padmini Palace
Padmini Palace
The palace, once the scene of an incident directly responsible for the bettle between Allauddin Khiliji and Rana Ratan Singh, is a distinctly feminine structure that overlooks a pleasant pool.
Meera Temple (Meera Mandir)
Meera Temple
Build by Maharana Kumbha in 1449, this lord Vishnu Temple has beautiful idols in its sanctum, mendap and pillars. In the same premises, there is a small temple of Lord Krishhna.
Kalika Mata Temple (Kalikamata Mandir)
Kalika Mata Temple
This mother goddess temple was build originally in the 8th century as the Surya or Sun temple and converted to its present form in the 14th century.
Fateh Prakash Palace - (Government Museum)
Fateh Prakash Palace
Build by Maharana Fateh Singh this huge palace is of morden style. This place has been named Fateh Prakesh after Maharana Fateh Singh. There is a big Ganesh idol, a fountain, and different frescoes which are to be seen to be believed.
This palace, now a museum, has a rich collection of sculptures from temples and buildings in the Fort.
Jain Temples (Jain Mandir - Sattavish devri)
Jain Temple
At present six jain temples on the fort of Chittor. The largest and chief among them is the temple of Bhagawan Adinatha with fifty-two devkulikas. The place of this temple is known as ‘Sattavish devri’. It means that at some time in the past, there were twenty-seven temples here.
The Digamabar Jain Kirtistambh and seven-storied Kirtistambh are two among them. The seven-storied Kirtistambh was built in the fourteenth century in memories of Bhagawan Adinatha.
Seven Gates of the Fort
Seven Gates of the Fort
To enter in to the Fort Of Chittorgarh, the person has to go through seven huge gates(Pol). Each gate is different in its name, design and its size. Below is the list of these gates:
1. Padan Pol
2. Bhairon Pol
3. Hanuman Pol
4. Jorla Pol
5. Ganesh Pol
6. Laxman Pol
7. Ram Pol