A day in Chittorgarh – 2025

Must-Visit Places near Udaipur in 2025 – Spot #1

Hello! I’m kicking off a series on amazing places around Udaipur that you can add to your itinerary for a unique and well-rounded trip. First up – Chittorgarh, a mesmerizing blend of history and culture. Let’s dive into the details to craft a beautiful experience for you all!

A day in Chittorgarh

As a fan of Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (a famous Bollywood movie), I was eager to visit this place and recreate the famous sunset scene. But my interest wasn’t just about the film; Chittorgarh is steeped in historical legends, including the poignant story of King Rawal and Queen Padmavati. It is said that Alauddin Khilji, captivated by Queen Padmavati’s beauty, tried every possible means to possess her. However, the Rajput King and his army, known for their honor and ethics, defended the queen until their final breath, ultimately being betrayed in battle. Faced with the threat of torture by the ruthless Sultan, Queen Padmavati and hundreds of women chose to commit Jauhar (immolation) by stepping into a blazing fire. Despite the devastation wrought by Khilji and his army, parts of the fort remain and have been preserved.

Anyway, coming back to the present, my first visit here was during my very first trip to Udaipur. However, during my travels, I made a few friends from Chittorgarh, and somehow, I ended up visiting this place a few more times, all unplanned.

Things to do in Chittorgarh Fort

The fort is vast—remarkably huge. But if you’re short on time, you can focus on the main sections for a quicker tour. Personally, I prefer to create meaningful experiences at the places I visit to capture their true essence, rather than just checking off every corner on a list. So, I’m sharing my personal experiences with you all to help you better connect with the place. These insights are gathered from my various visits to the fort. Take what best suits your time.

An Amazing Sunrise at Surajpole

I am not a morning person, not at all. So, I decided to stay awake the whole night to see the sunrise at Chittorgarh Fort (this is a ninja technique I use for all early morning experiences in my travels). The single sight of the rising sun took all the tiredness away. Those calming sun rays recharged my mind like a solar lamp💡

Exploring the Sacred Shivlinga at Gomukhkund

Being a die-hard devotee of Shivji (a Hindu god), this temple holds a special place in my heart. I was awestruck by the sight of this small yet incredibly beautiful temple located right beside Gomukh Kund (a water reservoir). This kund receives a continuous flow of water from an unknown spring. Additionally, water continuously flows over the Shivlinga (the deity’s idol) from Gomukh (meaning “cow’s mouth”), giving the impression of a constant Abhishekam (ritualistic bathing of the idol). The base of the Shivlinga is submerged in water, with small fishes swimming around it. Oh, what a sight it is!

Naina and Bunny Moment at the Sunset Spot

(Naina and Bunny are characters from the famous Bollywood movie Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani)

I went there with someone very special to me, of course, and I’ve always wanted to sit at that exact spot and say those magical words: Kitna bhi try karlo Bunny, kuch na kuch to chutega hi, toh jahan hai wahi ka maza lete hai (No matter how much you try, Bunny, something or the other will always be left out, so let’s just enjoy where we are right now). How true these lines really are. I spent some quality time there and had that Naina moment. This sunset spot is at Rana Kumbha Mahal within Chittorgarh Fort. Posting a picture of me with my “Bunny”—let me know what you think of him 😉.

Honor the Courage at the Jauhar Site

I am someone who is very interested in history because the lives we live now are the result of major events that happened in the past. I wanted to pay a visit to this ultimate site of sacrifice. When I arrived, I sat for a few minutes, unable to stop visualizing the sacrifice of Queen Padmavati and those hundreds of women. How terrible that event must have been. The entire lives and glory of the kingdom reduced to ashes. How dreadful the women must have felt, choosing to burn themselves alive rather than stay alive and face the cruelty of the Sultan. I felt miserable just thinking about it, and with a heavy heart, I left the place.

Witnessing Glory at the Vijay Stambh

Vijay Stambh, also known as the Victory Tower, is a towering structure visible from nearly every part of the fort, symbolizing that Chittorgarh is not just a land of sacrifices but also a home of triumph. Built in the 15th century by Maharana Kumbha to commemorate his victory over Mahmud Khilji, this 37-meter-tall tower boasts nine stories, each with dainty balconies offering panoramic views of the fort and the city. A visit to Chittorgarh is incomplete without witnessing this magnificent tower up close.

Night view of the City from the Chittorgarh View Point

At night, the fort is beautifully illuminated from the outside, creating a stunning, eye-catching structure visible from almost all parts of the city. The Chittorgarh View Point, located within the fort, is one of the few places where tourists are allowed to stay after dark. The city view at night is vibrant, with the lights resembling stars scattered across the earth and sky. We spent a few hours there, discussing the intriguing stories of the fort—some even paranormal—and then called it a day.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours: 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Entrance Fee: Domestic Visitors: ₹40 | Foreign Visitors: ₹600
Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Things to Carry: The climate in Chittorgarh can get quite warm during the day, so don’t forget to bring a cap or hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a water bottle.

Food Recommendations

Although I was hosted by friends during my stay and had the pleasure of enjoying delicious home-cooked Rajasthani food, I made sure to try a few options from well-known local spots so that I could recommend the best to you.

1. Purnima Chaat Centre: This is one of the most famous chaat centers in Chittorgarh, particularly known for its samosas. It’s a small street vendor located on Bundi Road in Meera Nagar, but don’t let appearances deceive you—the samosas (spiced triangular pastry) are incredibly delicious, and I bet you won’t be able to stop at just one.
2. Shiv Sharbat Nashta Centre: The renowned Godu Bhai of Chittorgarh runs this street food stall at Gandhi Chowk. They serve a tasty Indian breakfast of poha (flattened rice dish) and aloo wada (potato dumplings). I’ve tried it, and it’s definitely worth a visit.
3. Super Kachori Centre: Also known as Roopji Kachori, this is another famous street vendor located on Fort Road, Chittorgarh. Their kachoris (fried dough filled with spicy mixture) are a must-try.
4. RR Dhaba: Situated on the Chittorgarh highway, this is my top recommendation for lunch. The Rajasthani specialty, dal bati (lentil curry with bread), is a must-try here.
5. Shivabhojnalaya: A good option for a decent lunch or dinner, located at Madhuban, Chittorgarh.

Tip: If you happen to visit Chittorgarh in winter, don’t miss out on trying garadu chaat (spiced Yam Snack). You can find this street vendor at Shastri Nagar Chowk.

Stay Recommendation

Chittorgarh is not a touristy place yet, so there are no hostels available. However, Hari Leela Palace is a good option if you plan to stay overnight in Chittorgarh. Its owner is a friend of my friend, so you can count on it.

Ways to Reach Chittorgarh

Chittorgarh is a great destination to visit if you’re planning a trip to Udaipur and have a few extra days. It’s just 110 km from Udaipur and takes around 2 hours to reach.

For budget options, there are many state and private buses available from Udaipur throughout the day. You can also check the Redbus app for suitable timings. Alternatively, you can book a private cab for the entire day.

Best Time to Visit Chittorgarh

The best time to visit Chittorgarh is between October and March. The weather during these months is pleasant, with cooler temperatures in the early mornings and evenings. Although it can be a bit warm during the day, it’s still manageable. Additionally, the festive season in India, particularly Diwali, falls during these months. Chittorgarh city and the fort are beautifully lit up and decorated, making it a great time to experience the festive vibe.

My Take on Chittorgarh

I personally love this city. Though small, Chittorgarh holds immense significance in Indian history. The city offers breathtaking sunsets and sunrises, a variety of delicious local food, and a vast, stunning fort that’s a must-see. The fort’s architectural beauty and historical richness add depth to the visit. Whether you’re captivated by history, savoring the local cuisine, or simply soaking in the natural beauty, Chittorgarh has something special to offer. Since the city is quite small, it’s best to plan a trip to Udaipur and set aside a day to explore this beautiful place.