ALWAR
Tourist Attractions: Sariska Sanctuary, Govt. Museum
Formerly Known As: Mewat
Best Time To Visit: September-February
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
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.
Know more about this Package !!!
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