North
India Travel Guide
Alwar Tourism
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 interference’s and daringly resisted
against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group
and raded Delhi. But finally Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D - 1287 A.D) suppressed them,
bringing the area under the Muslims rule
In 1771 A.D. 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 variety of birds and animals are spotted
here. Alwar has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sariska,
which is an excellent tiger country.
150 Km from Jaipur and 170 Km. From
Delhi. Alwar is nested 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.
Places
to See in Alwar
An 18th century palaces harmoniously blending the
Rajput and the Mughals styles of architecture while the ground floors have been
converted into government offices and district courts the upper apartment is presently
a museum.
The Fort: This huge fort with its ramparts stretching
5 km from east to west, stands 304 meters above the city and 595 meters 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, Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his exile.
The
place where he stayed is called Salim Mahal. Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D
finally annexed the fort. It is a forbidding structure with 15 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 and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim
Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.
Government Museums: The
museum has finest collection of Mughal and Rajput painting dating back to the
18th and 19th centuries and some rare ancient manuscripts in Persian., Arabic,
urdu and Sanskrit gulistan (the garden of rose) Waqiat-I-Babri (autobiography
of the Mughal emperor Babar) and Bostan the garden of spring) are some of the
notable once amongst the collection.
It also has a copy of the great epic
'Mahabarat' painted by the artist of the Alwar school. A rich collection of the
Indian armory is among other exhibits of the museum. Behind the city palace is
an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D. by Maharaj Vinay Singh with few temples
along its banks. A marvelous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also
known as the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is situated in this area.
Purjan
Vihar (Compay Garden): A picturesque garden laid out during the reign
of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868 A,D. The garden has an enchanting setting called
Shimla which was built by Maharaja Mangal Singh and the cool shades make it the
idyllic visiting spot during summers .
Excursions
of Alwar
Sariska Palace : A Marvelous palace was built here
by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honor of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to
the sanctuary. Presently, it has been converted into a hotel-Sariska palace, RTDC
Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent accommodation at Sariska. The best time
to drive in the sanctuary is form sunrise till sunset.
Vijai Mandir
Palace (10km) : A splendid palace built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1981
A.D. 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.
Silliserh Lake and Palace Hotel (13km): An ideal picnic spot
with enhancing landscape of wooded hills and beautiful chhatris on the embankment
of the 10.5sq.km placid lake. A magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge,
built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 A.D. for his queen Shila stands overlooking
the lake. Now converted as the Hotel Lake palace. It offers boating and sailing
facilities and is a delight for the trigger-happy photographs and film makers.
Sariska (37km) :The 765.80 sq km thickly wooded reserve cradled
in the picturesque valley of Aravalis. Established in 1955, it is an excellent
tiger sanctuary under the project Tiger. The dry deciduous forest of the Reserve
are noted for their population of tiger, nilgai sambhar, cheetal, four horned
antelope and wild boar.
Jai Samand Lake (6km) : A beautiful
artificial lake constructed by maharaja jai singh in 1910A.D. Popular spot for
outings and picnics. During monsoons sprawling greenery all round makes it a visual
treat. Easily accessible by road from Alwar.
How
To Reach AlwarAir :Delhi 163kms is the nearest airport
Rail :Good connection from prominent locations in and around
the state. Some of important train connections are : Shatabdi Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer)
Superfast Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer); intercity Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur);
Mandore Express (DelhiSarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jodhpur)
Road :Regular
services link Alwar with key destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi.
