Places to visit around Chittorgarh, Rajasthan

Published on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 by Chittorgarh.com Team | Modified on Monday, October 7, 2019

Sanwariyaji Temple (Lord Krishna Temple)

It is a famous temple of Lord Krishna and an important pilgrimage spot. The Temple is located on the Chittorgarh - Udaipur road. The Sanwariya ji temple is recently renovated and beautifully builds with glasses. The temple is especially famous among Opium Farmers. The temple is also famous due to the huge donation it recieves from hundreds of visitors every day. Opium is legally grown in India and exported to the Pharmaceutical industry worldwide to manufacture Morphine-based pain-killers. Rajasthan is the main region for legal opium cultivation in the world and India is the largest legal exporter, with about 58% of the market. Daily buses are available from various surrounding cities like Chittorgarh, Nimbahera, Mandsor etc.

Bassi Wildlife Sanctuary

A sanctuary near Bassi, covering an area of 50 Sq km with panthers, wild boars, antelopes, mongoose and migratory birds. It was established in 1988 and covers an area of 15,290 hectares. The Sanctuary is situated 5 kms from the Fort on the western fringes of Vindhyachal Ranges with series of tableland, gentle slopes and vast streches of large lakes, water channels of which penetrate into the forest. Prior permission has to be obtained from the District Forest Officer, Chittorgarh before visiting the sanctuary.

Deogarh

Deogarh 16th century fort, near Pratapgarh is famous for the palaces with their ornate murals and the Jain temples. This fort was used as a personal residence by the King.The rulers must have been serious players in the Mewar aristocracy, their magnificent fort a fitting stronghold for one of its sixteen 'umraos' - the most senior feudal barons attending on the Maharana of Udaipur. The Rawats of Deogarh once ruled over the fourth largest jagir in the whole of Rajasthan.

Bijaipur

Located in the Vindhyanchal Hills at 600 meters above sea level, surrounded by graceful forests of Flame of the Forest & Jaracanda overlooking the farmlands in the valley, a marvellous castle built by Rao Shakti Singh, the younger brother of Maharana Pratap, situated in the village was built in the 16th century. Run by the royal family, direct descendents of the Maharana Pratap and have 16 Rooms with heritage character and attached bathroom. It is now converted into a heritage hotel.

Sita Mata Sanctuary, Dharlyavad

This thickly wooded jungle sprawls over the Aravalli ranges and the Malwa plateau with three rivers flowing through the forest. According to the legend, Sita, wife of Lord Rama stayed in this jungle in Rishi Valmiki's ashram after Lord Rama exiled her. The fauna here includes leopard, hyena, jungle fox, porcupine, sambhar, wild boar, four horned antelope, nilgai and flying squirrel. It is a dense forest, with an area of 422.95 square kilometers, which is about 40% of the total land area of the district.

Menal

Menal is about 90 Kms from Chittaurgarh in Rajasthan. It is also known as the 'mini khajauraho', blessed with nature's beauty. This picnic spot is situated on the Chittaur - Bundi road and is famous for the ancient temples, waterfalls and beautiful forests. Amidst the natural beauty lies Menal, the coldest town famous for its ancient Shiva temples, picturesque waterfalls and dense forests. You can also have a look at the picturesque waterfall, if you happen to visit the place after a good monsoon.

Bijolia

On the Bundi-Chittaurgarh road, in Bhilwara district, is the old fort and city of Bijolia. In ancient times it was known as Vindhyavali. During Chauhan period, it became a famous centre for art and architecture. Several beautiful Shiva temples were constructed by the Chauhan rulers on this place. Most of the temples have either disappeared or are in ruins today. On the eastern side of the town near the city wall, there are three beautiful temples. Prominent amongst them is Hajaresvara Mahadeva temple. It has a high linga surrounded by hundreds of small lingas and hence called Hajaresvara or Sahastralinga. The temples of Mahakala and Baijanath are also well known. The temple of Undeshwar Mahadeva is also well known. Near by Mandakini Kund is a holy water tank.

Mandalgarh

The Fort of Mandalgarh, situated at a distance of 54 Kms from Chittorgarh city, is of historical importance because it was the scene of many a fierce battle during the mediaeval times.The Fort of Mandalgarh is considered as the oldest fort in rajasthan. To the North-West is a fort about half a mile in length with a low rampart wall and bastions encircling the crest of the hill on which it stands .The fort is said to have been constructed by a chief of the Balnote Clan of Rajputs ( a branch of solankis). The fort houses a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and other hindu gods. There is also a large pond in the Fort which was the source of water in old times.

Nagri

It is one of the oldest towns in Rajasthan north of Chottor. Hindu and Buddhist remains of the Mauryan to the Gupta period have been found here. It is 7 kms from Bassi on Bundi - Chittorgarh road. Nagri is one of the most important townships of the Mauryan era in Rajasthan, situated on banks river Bairach. It was formerly known as Madhyamika, which flourished from the Maurya to Gupta era. The excavation over there unearthed many interesting facts and have shown signs of strong Hindu and Buddhist influence.