A massive structure with a 1-kilometer zigzag accent to it, the Chittorgarh Fort is perched on a 180-metre-high hill spread over an area of 280-hectare. The fort contains many palaces such as Rana Kumbha Palace, Fateh Prakash Palace, Tower of Victory and Padmini's Palace. This hilltop fortress of Chittorgarh is the symbol of the romantic and doomed ideal of Rajput chivalry.

Tower of Victory-Vijay Stambh

Vijay Stambh - this 9-storyed 'tower of Victory' was built by Maharana Kumbha in 1440.AD to commemorate his victory over Mohammed Khilji of Malwa. The walls of this magnificent soaring sand-colored tower are embellished with sculptures and mythological scenes from Hindu religions including Arabic inscriptions in praise of Allah. You can climb around 157 dark narrow stairs to the very summit to have a beautiful top angle view of the whole town. The tower gets illuminated in the evening, which cast an irresistible spell. It is indeed the focal point of the fort.

Kirti Stambh

Built in the 12th century A.D by a wealthy Jain merchant, this 22 meters high "tower of fame" is dedicated to Adinath, the 1st of the 24 Jain Tirthankars (ford makers). The whole structure is adorned by the unclad figures of the Digambars (Adherents to the Digambar sect of Jainism do not covering their natural body). A narrow stairway goes through seven stories of the tower to the top.

Rana Kumbha Palace

The ruined edifice of fifteenth-century Palace of Rana Kumbha is a classic specimen of Rajput architecture. It was built by Rana Kumbha during whose reign Mewar rose to great heights in power and prosperity.

Kumbha Shyam Temple

Kumbha Shyam Temple, Chittorgarh

Built during the region of Rana Kumbha the temple is a classic example in the Indo-Aryan style. Characterized by a pyramidal roof and lofty tower, the temple has an image of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Vishnu.

Kalika Mata Temple

Originally dedicated to the Sun God Surya, in the eighth century, the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple after renovations in 1568 A.D. Now dedicated to the mother Goddess Kali the temple has beautiful carvings on the outer walls including images of Surya, corresponding to the Greek Helios. In Hindu mythology this god has been described as the guardian of the southwest quadrant of the universe. The carvings also include scenes of the churning of the ocean by the gods and demons, a popular creation myth. An image of Surya guards the main entrance to the temple.

Meerabai Temple

This temple is built in north Indian style with a delicate curved tower. Built on a raised plinth with a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum. The temple is dedicated to Meerabai, a Jodhpur princess and poet immortalized by her devotion to Krishna.

Gaumukh Kund

Situated at the edge of a cliff, the Gaumukh Kund is a deep tank fed by an underground stream that trickles through carved mouths (mukh) of cows (gau). Considered to be a holy place, this quiet spot commands excellent views across the plains.

Padmini's Palace

Padmini's Palace, now rather dilapidated, is built beside the lotus pool with a historical pavilion that changed the course of history of Chittor. It is said that Ala-ud-din saw the reflection of Queen Padmini on the waters of the pool and so fascinated was he that the quest of possessing her led to a bloody battle which witnessed the end of Maharana Ratan Singh (husband of Maharani Padmini). Padmini committed jauhar to disgrace.

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