Chittorgarh is a city and municipality in Rajasthan, northwest India. It’s known for the honey-colored, 7th-century Chittorgarh Fort, a vast hilltop complex with the remains of many temples and monuments. The 15th-century, 9-story Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) is built from red sandstone and white marble. It offers city views from the top, and it is lit up at night. Nearby is the Rajput-style Fateh Prakash Palace.
The palace now houses the Government Museum, displaying regional sculptures and art, including terracotta figures and ancient coins, plus a large collection of traditional woodcraft and weaponry. Also inside the fort are 6 Jain temples, the largest of which is Bhagawan Adinatha. Gaumukh Kund is a sacred reservoir where spring water emerges from a rock resembling a cow’s mouth. Northeast of Chittorgarh, the Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary is home to animals such as panthers and antelope, plus migratory birds.
When to visit: Chittorgarh has a hot, dry climate. The hottest months are Apr–Jun, and the light rainfall occurs Jul–Sep. The cooler months of winter (Oct–Jan) are popular times to visit. Maharana Pratap Jayanti (May/Jun) marks the heroism of a 16th-century king with processions and cultural events. The Teej festival celebrates the start of the monsoon season (Jul/Aug), when local women and girls take part in folk dances.
