Rajasthan · Southern Rajasthan (Mewar)
Chittorgarh
The largest fort in India by area, and the old capital of Mewar
- Best time
- October to March
- Ideal stay
- Day trip (3 to 4 hours at the fort)
- Nearest airport
- Udaipur (UDR), about 90 km
- Railway
- Chittorgarh Junction, a major junction with direct trains to Udaipur, Jaipur, Ajmer, Delhi and Ahmedabad
- From Udaipur
- About 115 km. 2 to 2.5 hours by road
- Known for
- Chittorgarh Fort, Vijay Stambh, Padmini's Palace, Meera temple
Chittorgarh at a glance
Chittorgarh Fort covers about 280 hectares on a rocky hill and is one of the largest forts in India. It was the capital of the Mewar kingdom until Udaipur was founded in the 16th century. The fort is part of the UNESCO 'Hill Forts of Rajasthan' group and is tied to the stories of Rani Padmini, the poet-saint Meera Bai and three great sieges, in 1303, 1535 and 1568, that ended in jauhar, a mass self-immolation by the women of the fort.
The fort is a living site: roads run through it, families live inside, and temples and ruins are spread over a wide area. It is best explored by car or tuk-tuk, with walking between clusters of monuments. Most visitors spend three to four hours here, often as a day trip from Udaipur or a stop between Udaipur and Bundi, Jaipur or Ajmer.
The modern town of Chittorgarh at the foot of the hill has little to offer, so most travellers do not stay overnight.
Best time to visit Chittorgarh
October to March is best. Summer days are extremely hot and the fort has little shade, and the monsoon can make the ramparts slippery.
| Months | Weather | What it means for a trip |
|---|---|---|
| Oct – Feb | Pleasant days of 22 to 30°C, cooler mornings | Best for walking the fort. Jauhar Mela, a festival remembering the fort's history, is usually held in February or March. |
| Mar | Warm, 30 to 35°C | Still workable in the morning. |
| Apr – Jun | Very hot, around 40 to 44°C | Avoid unless you go early. |
| Jul – Sep | Humid with monsoon rain | The fort is green and quiet, but paths can be slippery. |
How to reach Chittorgarh
- By air
- The nearest airport is Udaipur (UDR), about 90 km from Chittorgarh, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by road.
- By train
- Chittorgarh Junction is a major junction with direct trains to Udaipur (about 2 hours), Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Delhi and Ahmedabad.
- By road
- Udaipur is about 115 km, Ajmer about 180 km, Bundi about 140 to 150 km and Jaipur about 320 km. The fort lies on a hill just above the town; road access is by a single winding road that leads to Ram Pol, the main gate.
Things to do in Chittorgarh
1.Vijay Stambh (Victory Tower)
A nine-storey tower about 37 metres high, built by Rana Kumbha in the mid-15th century, with 157 steps and carved sculptures on every level. The view from the top covers the fort and the plains.
Time needed: 45 minutes
2.Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame)
A 22-metre tower from the 12th century, dedicated to the first Jain tirthankara and decorated with Jain figures. It is smaller and older than Vijay Stambh.
Time needed: 20 minutes
3.Rana Kumbha Palace
The oldest palace in the fort, with ruined courtyards and balconies. Maharana Udai Singh, founder of Udaipur, was born here, and Meera Bai is said to have lived here as a young queen.
Time needed: 45 minutes
4.Padmini's Palace
A small three-storey palace beside a lily pond, tied to the story of Rani Padmini. It is one of the more photogenic corners of the fort.
Time needed: 20 to 30 minutes
5.Meera Temple and Kumbha Shyam Temple
Two adjoining temples built in the 15th century. The Meera Temple is linked to the poet-saint Meera Bai, a devotee of Krishna.
Time needed: 30 minutes
6.Gaumukh Reservoir
A spring-fed tank with carved cow-mouth spouts, near the southern end of the fort. Visitors feed the fish. A peaceful stop.
Time needed: 20 minutes
7.Kalika Mata Temple
An 8th-century sun temple later dedicated to the goddess Kali. It is an active shrine, with devotees visiting throughout the day.
Time needed: 20 minutes
8.Fateh Prakash Palace Museum
A small museum inside the fort with a collection of sculptures, weapons and local artefacts. It is a short, interesting stop if it is open.
Time needed: 30 minutes
Sample itineraries for Chittorgarh
Half-day visit (3 to 4 hours)
- Start early at Ram Pol, the main gate.
- Vijay Stambh and Kirti Stambh.
- Rana Kumbha Palace and Padmini's Palace.
- Meera and Kumbha Shyam Temples, then Gaumukh.
- Leave by early afternoon before the heat peaks.
Chittorgarh on the way from Udaipur to Bundi or Jaipur
- Leave Udaipur at 8 am, reach the fort by 10 am.
- Spend 3 to 4 hours at the fort with lunch in town.
- Continue to Bundi (about 140 km) or Ajmer/Jaipur, arriving in the evening.
Where to stay in Chittorgarh
- Chittorgarh town
- Basic hotels near the station and bus stand. Fine for a night if you must, but limited.
- Heritage properties nearby
- Bassi Fort Palace and Castle Bijaipur, both roughly 25 to 40 km away, are heritage hotels popular with travellers who want a more atmospheric stay.
- Udaipur
- Most travellers stay in Udaipur (about 115 km) and visit Chittorgarh as a day trip.
What to eat and buy in Chittorgarh
- Simple thalis and dal baati
- Restaurants around the fort and in town serve vegetarian thalis and Rajasthani basics.
- Local handicrafts
- Small shops near the fort sell miniature paintings and wooden toys. Prices are modest, but quality varies.
Day trips and stops near Chittorgarh
| Place | Distance | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Udaipur | About 115 km | Lakes and palaces; see the separate guide. |
| Bundi | About 140 to 150 km | Stepwells and painted palaces; see the separate guide. |
| Kumbhalgarh | About 100 km | The fort with the long wall; see the separate guide. |
| Bijaipur | About 35 to 40 km | A small heritage town with a castle hotel. |
| Ajmer | About 180 km | The dargah and gateway to Pushkar. |
What Chittorgarh costs
| Fort entry | A small fee for Indian visitors, higher for foreign visitors; some monuments inside have separate tickets |
|---|---|
| Auto or tuk-tuk inside the fort | About ₹500 to ₹800 for a round trip including waiting |
| Private cab from Udaipur (round trip, with waiting) | About ₹3,000 to ₹4,500 |
| Budget hotel in town | About ₹800 to ₹2,000 |
| A sit-down meal | About ₹150 to ₹500 per person |
Fees, timings and prices last checked in September 2026. They change from season to season, so treat them as a guide and confirm at the ticket counter or with us when we plan your trip.
Practical tips
- Start early. The fort has little shade and the stone gets hot.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip; some paths are uneven.
- Hire a licensed guide at the gate if you want the history; the fort is spread out and signage is limited.
- Carry water and a hat. Snack stalls are available but limited.
- Monkeys are common. Keep food out of sight.
Chittorgarh travel FAQs
How long does it take to see Chittorgarh Fort?
Plan on three to four hours to see the main monuments. A full day is only necessary if you want to walk the entire perimeter.
Is Chittorgarh a day trip from Udaipur?
Yes. It is about 115 km, or roughly two hours each way. Most people combine it with a stop at Kumbhalgarh or Bundi on the same route.
What is Chittorgarh famous for?
The fort, which is one of the biggest in India, and the stories of Rani Padmini, Meera Bai and the three sieges.
When is the best time to visit Chittorgarh?
October to March. Summers are extremely hot and the monsoon makes paths slippery.
Is there a light and sound show at Chittorgarh?
Timings and availability change from season to season, so ask your hotel or the tourist office when you arrive.
Trips that include Chittorgarh
Ready-made routes you can change — swap hotels, add nights or combine with another city.
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Rajasthan Heritage — Jaipur, Jodhpur, Udaipur
The three great cities of Rajasthan by private car, staying in heritage havelis and palace hotels, with a desert night if you want it.
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Grand Rajasthan — The Complete Circuit
The unhurried version — Jaipur, the holy lake at Pushkar, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and its dunes, Udaipur, and the cool hill retreat of Mount Abu, staying in palace and heritage hotels throughout.
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