Home :: Rajasthan India Travel :: Alwar

Area: 44.76 sq km
Languages: Hindi, Rajasthani and English
Best time to visit: September-February
STD Code: 0144

Gate of Rajasthan
The city of Alwar is referred to as the gateway to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan, which is located in the northwestern part of India. However, it is more than a mere gateway to the rich cultural treasure that lies beyond: Alwar has its own heritage, which goes back to the mythological legends of the Mahabharata. Alwar has had a chequered history and has been a witness to many rules and rulers. It offers the traveler many sites of historical importance. The ride on the special train, the Fairy Queen is an added attraction of Alwar.

Location
Alwar,150 Km from Jaipur and 170 Km. from Delhi, is nested 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. Alwar has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sarika, which is an excellent tiger country.

It is flanked by the barren hills of the Aravali range. The climate of Alwar is temperate, but compared to other cities and towns of Rajasthan it is not too hot. Summers can be hot (April-June) but winters are cool and pleasant (November-February). The cragged hills that surround Alwar protect it from being too hot in summers.

Once an ancient Rajpurt state , formerly known a Mewat ,Alwar was nearest to the imperial Delhi .The people of the state did not accept any external interferences and daringly resisted against foreign invasions .In the 12th and 13th centuries , they formed a gropu and raided Delhi , but finally sultan Balban ( 1267 AD – 1287 AD) suppressed them , bringing the area under the muslim rule . In 1771 A.d Maharaj Pratal Singh , a Kushwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur’srulers .Won bacl alwer and ounded a principality of his own .

Places to see
Bala Quila – Alwar: On a steep cliff over-loking the city of Alwar stands this fort, built in 1775 by Pratap Singh. The fort has 15 large towers and several gates. Remains of Nikumbh Mahal, Jai Mahal, Salim Mahal, Suraj Kund and various temples are worth visiting.

City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal (Alwar): This 18th century palace beautifully blends the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Altough the ground floors have been converted into government offices and district courts, the upper apartment is maintained as a museum.

Vijai Mandir Palace(10 km from Alwar): This splendid palace is just 10 kms from Alwar.It was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 A.D.It has a picturesque lake overlooking the palace which makes it a nice place to be. There is a nice Sita Ram Temple in the palace which attracts number of devotees,especially during Ramnavmi. But one needs to take prior permission from the secretary to visit the palace.

Tijara: Tijara is a historic town situated 48 kms. North East of Alwar. Its old name was Trigartpur. Tijara fort situated on the crest of a hill has been famous fort

Neemarana Fort Palace: Constructed in 1464 AD, Neemrana Fort is perhaps the oldest heritage resort in India. The fort has some beautiful suites furnished in an eclectic mixture of traditional Indian and colonial furnitures. The hanging gardens along its southern ramparts, add to the rugged beauty.

Purjan Vihar: A picturesque garden, laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868 A.D. The garden has an enchanting setting called `Shimla' which was built by Maharaja Mangal Singh in 1885 A.D. The lush surroundings and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.

Ajabgarh: Located 21 kms south of Thana Ghazi in Alwar district, this place is well known for a temple called Shri Raghunathji.

Government Museum: The museum has a wonderful collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings, rare art objects and miniature writings. The weaponry in use at the time can also be seen and is a reminder of the bloody battles that have been fought in these beautiful surroundings. The museum remains closed to the public on Fridays and public holidays.

The surroundings can make for many day trips such as to Vijai Mandir Palace, 10 km away. For information regarding permissions needed for visiting the palace the local tourist office can be contacted.

The Siliserh Lake, 13 km away is an enchanting spot. As elsewhere in Rajasthan, an ancient palace located at the lake has been converted to an hotel. In this way the history is preserved, by simultaneously providing the necessary finances to the erstwhile ruling families.

Excursions
Alwar - Excursions: The town of Silisher, famous for its lake, palace lies 20 km southwest of Alwar. Twelve kilometers from Alwar is the small hill fort of Kesroli. Seventy-five kilometers north of Alwar is the popular restored fort palace of Neemrana. The thickly wooded Sariska Tiger Reserve is 37 km from Alwar. The picturesque Jai Samand Lake lies 6 km from Alwar.

Sariska (37 km): The 765.8 sq. km. excellent tiger sancturary under the Project Tiger is a thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravalis. Established in 1955, the Reserve is noted for its population of tiger, nilgai, sambhar, cheetal, four horned antelope and wild boars.

Sariska Palace: This marvelous palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honour of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the sancturary.Presently, it has been converted into a hotel- Sariska Palace.

Siliserh (13Km.): On the jaipur road , this beautiful spot is set in the serene surroundings replete with natures bounty. Built as a summer retreat, it is an enchanting place, set in the most alluring landscape.The tranquil lake is nestled in the hils, the twinklimg ripples of the lake cover an area of about 10.5 sq . kms, surrounded by thick forest and magnificients cenotopaths on its embankment. A royal hunting lodge /palace was built by maharaja Vinay singh for his queen shila in 1845. It has been converted into a tourist bungalow and is a attractive spot for peaceful holiday.