Chittaurgarh
Chittaurgarh is the name that evokes countless images of the courageous Rajput rulers. The Rajput rulers laid down their lives in the battlefield and the queens entered the sacred fires to save themselves and their children from atrocities of the invading army. The history of Chittaurgarh leaves an impression that is wondrous, awe inspiring, confusing and heart rending. The sacrifice by the women folk to preserve their honor and of the city inspires a patriot heart. Your heart will fill with sorrow for the innocent lives lost due to the greed of some people.
Chittaurgarh city is the administrative headquarters of the Chittaurgarh district in the state of Rajasthan. It was the former capital of the Sisodia clans of Chattari Rajputs of Mewar. The fort area of the Chittaurgarh fort is good for exploration. Chittaurgarh fort is a living testimony of the brave Rajput rulers. The architecture of the fort is simply superb. The main places of interest within the fort are the two towers known as 'Kirti Stambh' or the tower of fame and the 'Vijay Stambh' also called as the tower of victory. You can ride a bicycle or take an auto -rickshaw to look around the place.
There is a beautiful Sammidheshwar temple near the tower of victory. There is a Gaumukh reservoir and according to the legend, Ala-ud-din-Khilji, the sultan of Delhi was allowed to see the reflection of Queen Padmini in these palaces. Water in this reservoir gushes out of a rock that looks like a cow's mouth, hence the name Gaumukh. The queen Padmini and other women are believed to have performed Jauhar here.
Other spots like Bhimtal tank, neelkanth Mahadeva Temple, Meera Temple, Kumbha Shyam Temple and the kalika Mata temple are worth visiting.