Getting Around Chittorgarh
Chittorgarh is a city in southern Rajasthan, set on the banks of the Gambhiri and Berach rivers, and its single biggest draw is the Chittor Fort, one of the largest forts in India and Asia. Because the fort sits on a hill above the city, getting around here is really about two things: moving through the city itself, and getting up onto the fort. The good news for visitors is that the local options are simple and inexpensive, and the fort lends itself well to a leisurely day of exploring and trekking.
Rail
Chittorgarh is well connected by rail to other cities and towns across Rajasthan and India. The Chittorgarh railway station links the city with places such as Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Ajmer, Kota, Udaipur, and Delhi, so arriving by train is a practical option for most visitors. If you are looking for something more indulgent, the Palace on Wheels luxury train is also an option for reaching the area. There is no metro or tram network in Chittorgarh, so rail here means the mainline railway rather than an urban transit system.
Buses and Other Public Transport
Rajasthan roadways (RSRTC) runs a very good bus service for visiting areas around Chittorgarh, which makes it useful both for reaching the city and for day trips into the surrounding region. In addition, a number of private bus services operate in Chittorgarh and connect it to all major cities in India. Regular buses run from Chittorgarh to other cities in Rajasthan and beyond, with services operating for Delhi, Mount Abu, Jaipur, Indore, and Ajmer. For a visitor without a car, buses are the most straightforward way to cover ground outside the city.
Taxis and Auto-Rickshaws
Auto-rickshaws are the handiest way to tour the fort. A fort tour by auto-rickshaw costs around ₹125–150, and that price includes waiting time, so it is worth agreeing the waiting time in advance before you set off. If you would rather arrange things formally, auto-rickshaws for a tour of the fort can be arranged at the tourist office. Ride-hailing apps are not described in the available information, so plan on auto-rickshaws and arranged taxis rather than app-based services.
Walkability and Bikes
Much of the district, and particularly the Chittor Fort, lends itself well to exploring on foot and trekking. One popular approach is to rent a bicycle to explore the magnificent fort. Be prepared for a fairly tough climb up to the fort, but once you are at the top the terrain is mainly flat, which makes cycling or walking around the monuments comfortable. You can also climb to the top of a tower on the fort, where the view is outstanding.
Getting In from the Airport
Chittorgarh does not have its own airport. The nearest airport is Maharana Pratap Airport (UDR) at Udaipur, about 90 km from Chittorgarh. From there, the onward journey to Chittorgarh is by road or rail: you can take a bus or a taxi for the road trip, or connect via the railway, since Chittorgarh station is linked to Udaipur by train. Given the distance, it is worth arranging your onward transport in advance rather than assuming you can simply pick something up on arrival.
Practical Tips
- Agree auto-rickshaw waiting time before you start a fort tour, since the quoted fare includes waiting.
- Arrange fort auto-rickshaw tours through the tourist office if you prefer a formal arrangement.
- Use RSRTC and private buses for trips to nearby towns and other cities in Rajasthan.
- Rent a bicycle if you want to explore the fort independently, but expect a tough climb to the top.
- Plan your airport transfer from Udaipur in advance, as it is a substantial road journey.