Location: 150-km From Jaipur,
Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Sariska
Sanctuary, Govt. Museum
Formerly Known As: Mewat
Best Time To Visit:
September-February |
Tourism in
Alwar
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.
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. more..
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. more...
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.
PLACES TO STAY
RTDC's Hotel Khartal and Circuit house as
well as numorous Daharamshalas solve the
purpose of accommodation in Alwar.
Aravali Hotel
The residential rooms at Aravali Hotel in
Alwar, were designed keeping in mind the
fact that they would be used by the royal
family itself or by the personal guests of
the Maharaja as only guests of equal status
to the Maharaja would be invited to spend
the night in the hotel. Most of the rooms
are decorated lavishly using gold wall
paintings and have painted or carved wood
ceilings.
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
ENTRY FEE
Jeeps are available on hire at the RTDC
Hotel Tiger Den.
Charge : There is a entry fees required to
be paid to enter the palace.
Tourist Information Centre: Toruist Office,
Opp. Company Garden, Nehru Bal Vihar.
NEARBY CITIES
Jaipur: 150-km
Delhi: 170-km
GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 44.76 sq. km.
Climate: Summer: Max. - 37°C Min. - 24°C
Winter: Max. - 31°C Min. - 11°C
Rainfall: 62 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
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India
Travel Guide / States / Rajasthan / Cities / Alwar Travel
