Chittorgarh Fort, Rajasthan

Chittorgarh Fort is a fitting symbol of the Rajput spirit. Set atop a high hill, this majestic fort is a staple in tales of courage, pride, and romance that the bards of Rajasthan have been singing of for centuries. Legend has it that the construction of this Fort was begun by Bhim, one of the heroic Pandava brothers from the Mahabharata. The fort houses several magnificent monuments, some unfortunately ravaged over centuries. The imposing structure takes one back to the days of conquests, victories, and tragedies, and its walls continue to ring with incredible tales of extraordinary men and women. A road weaves its way from the foothills to the summit, taking visitors through seven gates before arriving at Rampol (Gate of Ram). On the road between the second and the third gate, visitors get to see two chattris (cenotaphs) built in honour of Jaimal and Kalla, heroes, who laid down their lives in the 1568 siege by Emperor Akbar. The main gate of the fort is Surajpol (Sun Gate).