Chittorgarh Fort

Chittorgarh Fort is a medieval fortress in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan, India, standing atop a hill that rises above the surrounding plains. The complex includes palaces, towers, temples, and reservoirs spread across a walled area that can take several hours to explore on foot.

The fortress began as a stronghold for local rulers in the early medieval period and later became the capital of the kingdom of Mewar. It witnessed several prolonged battles that ended with mass evacuations of its defenders before passing into British control in the nineteenth century.

The Vijaya Stambha, constructed between 1458 and 1468, rises 37 meters high with nine stories decorated with intricate Hindu sculptures and architectural details.

Access follows a winding road through seven gates that climb to the top, with each section offering a different view of the surrounding landscape. Comfortable shoes are helpful since the site is large and partly uneven, and bringing water is wise on hot days.

Families still live within the walls today, occupying houses among old temples and ruins and farming fields inside the boundaries. These permanent residents give the site a living dimension that many other historic places lack.