|
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.
Location: 150-km From Jaipur, Rajasthan
Tourist Attractions: Sariska Sanctuary,
Govt. Museum
Formerly Known As: Mewat
Best Time To Visit: September-February
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.
PLACES
TO STAY
RTDC's Hotel Khartal and Circuit house as well as numorous
Daharamshalas solve the purpose of accommodation in Alwar
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
|
