Rani Padmini Palace stands at the southern end of the fort, surrounded by a lotus pool that was used for the queen's pleasure pavilion. The palace itself is a modest structure compared to the grander royal buildings nearby, but its setting — reflected in the water, with the fort walls rising behind — is one of the most atmospheric spots on the plateau.
The story of Padmini is inseparable from the history of the fort. A mirror near the entrance commemorates the legend that Alauddin Khalji was allowed to see the queen only as a reflection. Whether the story is historical or literary, it has shaped how Chittorgarh has been understood for centuries — and the palace draws visitors who know the tale from the Bollywood film Padmaavat (2018).