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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.
CLIMATE:
Summer: Max. - 37°C Min. - 24°C
Winter: Max. - 31°C Min. - 11°C
GETTING 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.
SIGHTSEEING:
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.
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:
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. |
