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.
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