General
Information
Population:
Around four lakhs
Area:
44.76 sq. km.
Climate: Summer: Max. - 37 c Min. - 24C
Winter: Max. - 31C Min. - 11C
Rainfall: 62 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
Location: 150-km From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions:
Sariska Sanctuary, Govt. Museum
Formerly Known As: Mewat
Best Time To Visit:
September-February |
|
Hotels
in Alwar
Hotel
Neemrana Fort
Hotel Alwar
Lake Palace Silserh
and more hotels >>
|
THE
TIGER GATE OF RAJASTHAN
150-km from Jaipur and 170-km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled
between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range.
Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive
ancient fort that whispers tales of the rich history of
the city
Alwar
is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the
Aravalli range. Perched on the most prominent of these
hills is a massive ancient fort that whispers tales of the
rich history of the city.
Once an ancient Rajput state, formerly known as Mewat,
Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi. The people of the
state did not accept any external interferences and
daringly resisted all foreign invasions. In the 12th and
13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But
finally, Sultan Balban (1267 AD - 1287 AD) suppressed
them, bringing the area under the Muslim rule.
In 1771 AD, Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput
belonging to the clan of Jaipur▓s rulers, won back
Alwar and founded a principality of his own.
Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural
heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys
thickly wooded in parts.
Some of the finest varieties of birds and animals are
spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife
sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska, which is an excellent
tiger country.
PRIME
ATTRACTIONS
FORTS
AND PALACES
The Fort: This huge fort with its ramparts
stretching 5-km from north to south and 1.6 kms from east
to west, stands 304m above the city and 595m above the sea
level, constructed before the rise of the Mughal Empire.
Babar had spent a night at this fort and took away the
hidden treasures to gift to his son, Humayun. Akbar▓s
son, Jehangir had also stayed here for some time during
his exile. The place where he stayed is called Salim
Mahal. The fort was finally annexed by Maharana Pratap
Singh in 1775 AD
It is a forbidding structure with 156 large and 51 small
towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge
towers encompassing it.
The fort has several gates - Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman
Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal,
Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.
City
Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal: An 18th century palace,
harmoniously blending the Rajput and Mughal styles of
architecture. While the ground floors have been converted
into government offices and district courts, the upper
apartment is presently a museum.
MUSEUMS
Government Museum: The museum has the finest
collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings dating back to
the 18th and 19th centuries and some rare ancient
manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit.
Gulistan (The garden of roses), Waqiat-I-Babri
(autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babar) and Bostan
(the garden of spring) are some of the notable ones
amongst the collection.
It also has copy of the great epic Mahabharata
painted by the artists of the Alwar school.
A rich collection of the Indian armoury are among other
exhibits of the museum.
Timings 10:00 am. to 5.00 pm. (Closed on Friday and
gazetted holidays. Free entry on Monday).
Behind the City Palace is an artificial lake built in 1815
AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh with few temples along its
banks.
A marvellous 'chhatri' with unusual Bengali roof and
arches, also known as the 'Moosi Maharani's Chhatri', is
situated in this area.
GARDENS
Purjan Vihar (Company Garden) : A picturesque
garden, laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan
Singh in 1868 AD. The garden has an enchanting setting
called Shimla which was built by Maharaja Mangal Singh in
1885 AD. The lush surroundings and the cool shades make it
the idyllic visiting spot during summers.
EXCURSIONS
PALACES
Vijai Mandir Palace: Situated 10-km away from the
city this palace is a splendid palace, built by Maharaja
Jai Singh in 1918 AD. A picturesque lake overlooking the
palace makes it a fascinating sight.
A fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number
of devotees, especially during Ramnavami. One needs prior
permission form the Secretary to visit the palace.
Siliserh Lake & Palace Hotel: 13-km away from
Alwar, this place is an idyllic picnic spot with
enchanting landscape of wooded hills and beautiful 'chhatris'
on the embankment of the 10.5-sq-kms placid lake. A
magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by
Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 AD for his queen Sheela
stands overlooking the lake. Now converted as a hotel with
lake facilities, it is a delight for the trigger happy
photographers and film makers.
Sariska Palace: A marvellous palace was built here
by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honour of the Duke of
Edinburgh during his visit to the sanctuary. Presently, it
has been converted into a heritage hotel called as Sariska
Palace. RTDC Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent
accommodation at Sariska. The best time to drive in the
sanctuary is from sunrise till sunset.
LAKES
Jaisamand Lake: 6-km from the city, Jaisamand Lake
makes a beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja
Jai Singh in 1910 AD; a popular spot for outings and
picnics. During monsoons, sprawling greenery all around
makes it a visual treat. This place is easily accessible
by road from Alwar.
WILDLIFE
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: The 765.80-sq-kms
thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley
of the Aravallis. Established in 1955, it is an excellent
tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger. The dry deciduous
forests of the Reserve are noted for their population of
Tiger, Nilgai, Sambhar, Cheetal, Four-horned Antelope and
Wild Boar.
HOW
TO GET THERE
Air: Delhi at a distance of 163-km and Jaipur and
150-km are the two nearest airports from Alwar.
Rail: Alwars has got good rail connections from
prominent locations in and around the state. Some
important train connections are: Shatabdi Express(New
Delhi-Alwar_Ajmer); Superfast Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer);
Intercity Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur);
Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Alwar-Jodhpur); Mandore Express
(Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jodhpur).
Road: Regular services link Alwar with key
destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi.
Local Transport: Auto-rickshaws, cycle-rickshaws
and tongas are the best way to commute within the city.
