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The Fort
Set on a high plateau, the fort sprawls
supremely over the countryside. It was here
that the Sisodias went to war against the
Mughals at the famous battle of Haldighati.
All of the Chittaurh's attractions are
located within the fort. A zigzag ascent of
over1 km leads through seven gateways to the
main gate on the western side, the Rampol (pol
means 'gate'). On the climb, you pass two
chhatries (cenotaphs) between the second and
third gates. They mark the spots where
Jaimal and Kalla, heroes of the 1568 siege,
fell during the struggle against Akbar. The
main gate on the eastern side of the fort is
the Surajpol. Within the actual fort itself,
a circular road runs around the ruins and
there is also a deer park situated in the
southern end.
There are good views over the town,
countryside and huge cement factory from the
western end of the fort; there is even a
small village located here. Today, the fort
of Chittaurh is virtually a deserted ruin,
but impressive remainders of its grandeurs
still stand. The main sites in the fort can
all be seen in half a day but, if one likes
the atmosphere of ancient sites, then it is
definitely worth spending longer as this is
a very mellow place.
Vijay Stambh
The tower was erected between 1458 and 1468
and 37m in nine storeys. It is possible to
climb to the top of the tower through the
narrow 157 steps. Hindu sculptures adorn
outside the tower. The dome was damaged by
lightning and repaired during the 19th
century.
Meerabai Temple
This temple was built during the reign of
Maharana Kumbha and later given to Mira Bai
when she needed a place to worship Lord
Krishna, the main subject of her poems. It
is a good example of Rajput architecture,
designed in North Indian style on a raised
plinth, with a conical roof over the inner
sanctum. The dome is carved in a circle of
five human bodies with one head that
symbolises belief that the people of the
four castes (Varnas), as well as the fifth
caste Harijans, can all realise God. Within
the sanctum are paintings of Lord Krishna
and of Mira Bai in devotion (bhakti) to the
god. The open colonnade around the sanctum
has four small pavilions. A small chhatri
stands in the temple's forecourt, said to
have been built in memory of Mira's saintly
guru, Rai Das (Swami Ravidas) of Varanasi, a
Harijan. The saint's footprints are marked
on the floor of this small shrine.
Padmini Palace
Padmini's palace, built beside the lotus
pool with its pavilion in which Padmini sat
reflected in Ala-ud-din's mirror. The bronze
gates in this pavilion were carried off by
Akbar and can now be seen in the fort of
Agra.
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary
Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary covers 50 sq. km.
and has the rich fauna consisting of
panthers, antelope, wild boar and many
birds.
Sita Mata Sanctuary
Sitamata Sanctuary covers 423 sq. km. of
mainly deciduous forest, known for its
ancient Teak trees. Wildlife includes deers,
sambhars, leopards, caracals, flying
squirrel and wild boars. If one is looking
for a picturesque countryside, peace and
plenty of fresh air, this place is ideal and
there are two very different accommodation
options available.
Deogarh
Deogarh is close to the Mewar/Marwar border
about 38 km. northeast of Udaipur; an estate
of the Sangawat branch of the Coondawat
clan, descendants of Choonda's son, Kandhal
who had four sons. His first son was Siha,
and his second was Sanga. Sanga's progeny
came to be known as Sangawats, first class
nobles of the State (of the 1st 16 Umraos)
whose jagir was Deogarh. Built in 1670 on
the architectural plans of the Sompura
architects, Deogarh palace has over two
hundred rooms at five different levels. The
overall symmetry remains undisturbed despite
a plethora of balconies, windows pillars and
staircases. One can enjoy the beautiful
murals and mirrors work in the castle. Only
few rooms are open to guests, regional
cuisine is served in the opulent dining
hall.
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