Rani Padmini Palace / Padmini Mahal, Chittorgarh - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit
#8 of 9 Places to Visit in Chittorgarh
Distance (From Chittorgarh Railway Station): 7.5 Kms
Trip Duration (Including Travel): 30 Mins
Place Location: At The Southern Part Of Chittorgarh Fort
Transportation Options: Cab / Auto / Rental Bike
Travel Tips: None
At a distance of 1.5 km from Kumbha Palace and 7.5 km from Chittorgarh Railway Station, Padmini Palace is situated at the southern part of Chittorgarh Fort. It is one of the most famous hitorical places to visit in Rajasthan and also one of the top places to visit in Chittorgarh.
Padmini Palace was once the palatial abode of the exquisitely beautiful Rajput queen, Rani Padmini, the wife of King Rawal Ratan Singh. Revered as an epitome of beauty, Rani Padmini was the daughter of a Sinhala ruler Gandharvasen and plays a crucial role in the history of the gallant Rajput warriors. This queen was mentioned in the epic poem of 'Padmavati', which had been composed during 1540 CE, by Malik Muhammad Jayasi.
Rani Padmini Palace leaves behind the tincture of beauty, valour, sacrifice, honour, and tragedy of the past. Padmini Palace was the very legendary palace from where Ala-ud-din Khilji was permitted to obtain a glimpse of Padmini in a mirror placed in the main hall. Allured by her beauty, Ala-ud-din Khilji fought a fierce battle with Rana Ratan Singh, husband of Rani Padmini. Rani Padmini was augmented by her preference of death to abduction and dishonour during the historic siege of Chittor in 1303 AD, by Ala-ud-din Khilji. As an aftermath, Ala-ud-din Khilji killed thirty thousand Hindus in revenge and entrusted the fort to his son Khizr Khan.
It is a 3 storied white building that overlooks a pleasant lotus pool. The palace is adorned by the pavilions at the top and surrounded water moats. The architecture of this palace becomes the example for many other notable structures which were surrounded by the water. The bronze gates to this palace were carried off by Akbar and can now be seen in Agra Fort. Near Padmini's Palace is a small prison where captured invaders were kept; former prisoners include sultans of Malwa and of Gujarat.
Timings: 9.30 AM to 5 PM
Entry Fee: situated inside the fort complex
Fort Entry Fee: Rs. 15 for Indian and Rs. 200 for Foreigner
