In this guide
This guide covers two fort destinations at opposite ends of Rajasthan, tied together by history and drama. Chittorgarh — deep in the south near Udaipur — is the largest fort in India and the emotional heart of Rajput legend. Alwar — in the north, an easy hop from Delhi — offers forts, a tiger reserve and India's most famous "haunted" ruin.
Chittorgarh Fort
Sprawling over roughly 700 acres on a 180 m hill, Chittorgarh (Chittor) Fort is the largest fort in India and part of the UNESCO-listed Hill Forts of Rajasthan. It's a city in itself — 65-odd structures of palaces, temples, gateways and water tanks. The highlights:
- Vijay Stambh (Tower of Victory) — a nine-storey, ~37 m sandstone-and-marble tower built by Rana Kumbha in 1448, climbable via a narrow internal stair.
- Kirti Stambh (Tower of Fame) — an older Jain tower.
- Rani Padmini's Palace and the sites tied to the fort's famous acts of jauhar — the mass self-immolations that make Chittor central to Rajput history and identity.
Alwar — the Delhi weekend
Only around 150 km from Delhi, Alwar makes an easy fort-country weekend:
- Bala Qila (Alwar Fort) on the ridge above town, and the ornate City Palace complex below.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve — a Project Tiger reserve in the Aravallis (famous as the reserve where tigers were reintroduced after local extinction). Safaris run in season.
- Bhangarh Fort — the ruined town billed as "India's most haunted", complete with an ASI board about not entering after dark. Fascinating by day whatever you believe.
- Siliserh Lake — a scenic palace-on-a-lake for a calm afternoon.
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Plan My Trip →How to plan them
These are two separate trips, not one route (they're several hundred kilometres apart). Pair Chittorgarh with Udaipur/Bundi in a southern Rajasthan itinerary, and do Alwar/Sariska/Bhangarh as a 2-day escape from Delhi or Jaipur.
Best time to visit
October to March for both; Sariska safaris are most rewarding in the cooler months (the reserve typically closes during the monsoon — check current dates).
How to reach
Chittorgarh has good rail links and is a couple of hours from Udaipur by road. Alwar is on the Delhi–Jaipur rail and road corridor, making it one of the easiest Rajasthan forts to reach from the capital.
Costs (indicative)
Fort entry fees are modest; Sariska safaris (jeep/permit) are the main variable cost. A hired car helps for the scattered Alwar sights.
Responsible travel
Don't enter Bhangarh after permitted hours (it's both against the rules and unsafe), follow park rules and quiet-viewing etiquette on Sariska safaris, and keep the forts litter-free.
FAQ
Is Chittorgarh the largest fort in India?
Yes — it spreads over roughly 700 acres, making it the largest fort in the country by area, and it's a UNESCO-listed Hill Fort of Rajasthan.
Can you visit Bhangarh, the haunted fort?
Yes, by day — it's open during daylight hours. Entry after dark is officially prohibited.
Written by PlanMyOffbeat Team
Independent, verification-first travel guides for offbeat trips.
