Padmini's
Palace:
Built beside a pool, the palace is a magnificent one.
It was here that Rana Ratan Singh showed a glimpse of
queen Padmini to Alauddin Khilji. Rani Padmini stood
in 'Zanana Mahal' - a pavilion in the centre and her
reflection was visible to Alauddin Khilji in a mirror
placed in the main hall. After having glimpse of the
legendary beauty, Alauddin went to the extent of ravaging
Chittaur in order to possess her.
TEMPLES
Kumbha Shyam Temple:
Built during the reign of Rana Kumbha in the Indo-Aryan
style, the temple is associated with the mystic poetess
Meera bai - an ardent Krishna devotee. She was the wife
of Prince Bhojraj.
Kalika Mata Temple:
Originally built as a Sun Temple in the 8th century,
the temple was later converted into Kalika Mata Temple
in the 14th century AD, dedicated to the Mother Goddess
Kali --the symbol of power and valour.
Meera Bai Temple:
The temple where Meera Bai worshipped Lord Krishna is
built in north Indian style on a raised plinth with
a conical roof and beautiful inner sanctum. An open
colonnade around the sanctum has four small pavilions
in each corner.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum:
The magnificent Prakash Mahal, presently a fine museum
with an exquisite example of sculptures from temples
and buildings in the fort is worth a visit. Closed on
Fridays.
Fateh Prakash Museum:
Inside the historical Chittaurgarh Fort, one big portion
of Fateh Prakash Palace was converted into a museum
in the year 1968.
GARDENS
Gardens and Parks:
Pratap Park, Meera Park and Nehru Park are beautifully
laid out parks in lush surroundings. Beautiful Khwaja
Rose Garden at Sawa is just 13-km from Chittaur.
EXCURSIONS
CITIES
Nagari (20-km):
One of the oldest towns of Rajasthan, of great importance
during the Mauryan period, is situated on the banks
of River Banish. The Hindu and Buddhist remains from
the Mauryan and Gupta period are found here.
Bassi Village
(25-km):
Enroute Bundi is a marvellous village
with historical forts, temples and 'kunds'. Especially
famous are its sculptures and woodcraft. A place of
great tourist interest.
WILDLIFE
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary:
50-sq-kms sanctuary near Bassi, supports
a population of panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose
and migratory birds.
Prior permission has to
be obtained from the District Forest Office, Chittaurgarh
before visiting the sanctuary.
Sita Mata Sanctuary,
Dhariyavad:
This thickly wooded jungle sprawls
over the Aravalli ranges and the Malawi plateau with
three rivers flowing through the forest. According to
legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama stayed in this jungle
in Rishi Valmiki's Ashram after she was exiled by Lord
Rama.
The common fauna that
can be sighted here includes Leopard, Hyena, Jungle
Fox, Porcupine, Sambhar, Wild Bear, four-horned Antelope,
Nilgai and Flying Squirrel.
TEMPLES
Sanwariyaji Temple (40-km):
On the Chittaur-Udaipur road is a
contemporary temple of Lord Krishna, an important pilgrimage
spot.
Matri Kundia Temple
(50-km):
A popular sacred place dedicated
to Lord Shiva. Popularly called 'Haridwar of Mewar'.
FORTS
Deogarh (125-km):
A 16th century magnificent fort,
near Pratapgarh with some beautiful palaces ornate with
murals and splendid Jain temples.
OTHERS
Bijalpur (40-km):
A marvellous castle built by Rao
Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap,
stands in the village. Presently, it has been converted
into a heritage hotel.
Menal (90-km):
On the Bundi-Chittaur Road, amid
the natural beauty is Menal, famous for its ancient
Shiv temples, picturesque water falls and dense forests.
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