150 km from Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi . Alwar 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.
Once an ancient Rajput state ,formely known as 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 the 13th centuries , they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally sultan Balban(1267 A.D – 1287 A.D) suppressed them,bringing the area under the Muslim rule.
In 1771 A.D ,Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur ‘s rulers , won back Alwar and founded a principality of its 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 variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sancturies in Rajasthan-Sariska,which is an excellent Tiger country.
The Fort :
This huge fort with its ramparts streching 5km from north to south and 1.6 km from east from west , stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level , constructed before the rise of Mughal Empire. Babbar had spent a night at this fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son,Humayun.Akbars son ,Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his excile. The place where he stayed is called salim Mahal. The fort was finally annexed by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D.It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry,alongwith 8 huge toers encompassing it.
The fort has several gates –Jai Pol, Suraj Pol ,Chand Pol,Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal,Nikumbh Mahal,Salim Sagar,Suraj Kund and many temples.
City Palace or Vinay Mahal :
An 18thcentury 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.
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 ‘Boston’(the garden of spring)are some of the notable ones amongst the collection.It also has a copy of great epic ‘Mahabharatha’ painted by the artist of the Alwar school.
A rich collection of the Indian armounry are amongst other exhibits of the mueseum.
Timings:
10:00 hrs. to 17:00 hrs.(closed on Fridays and gazetted holidays.
Free entry on Monday).
Behind the City palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D by Maharaja Vinay singh with few temples along with its banks.
A marvellous Chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches ,also known as the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri,is situated in this area.
Purjan Vihar(Company Garden):
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 is built by Maharaja Mangal Singh in 1885 A.D. The lush surroundings and the cool shades make it idillic visiting spot during summers.Vijay Mandir Palace (10 km):
A splendid palace ,built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 A.D.A picturesque lake overlooking the palace makes it a facinating sight.
A fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number of devotees,especially during Ramnavmi.One needs prior permission from the secretary to visit the palace.
Siliserh Lake and Palace Hotel(13 km): An idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the 10.5 km placid lake. A magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge ,built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 A.D.for his queen shila stands overlooking the lake .Now converted as the Hotel Lake Palace,it offers boating and sailing facilities and is a delight for the trigger happy photographers and the film makers.
Jai Samand Lake(6 km):
A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D. is a popular spot for outings and picnics.During Monsoons , sprawling greenery all around makes it a visual treat.Easily accessible by road from Alwar.
Sariska(37 km): The 765.80 sq. km. thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravalis .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.
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 his visit converted into a hotel-Sariska Palace .RTDC Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent accomdation at Sariska.The best time to drive in the sanctuary is from sunrise till sunset.
Entry Fee
Foreigner |
Indian |
|
Per head |
Rs. 25/- |
Rs. 5/- |
Still Camera 8mm |
Rs.10/- |
Rs.2/- |
Movie Camera 16mm |
Rs. 50/- |
Rs. 50/- |
Movie Camera |
Rs. 100/- |
Rs. 100/- |
Vehicle Entry Fee :
Bus |
Rs. 100/- |
Mini Bus |
Rs. 50/- |
Diesel Jeep |
Rs. 100/- |
Petrol Jeep or Car |
Rs. 75/- |
Note:
Jeeps are available on hire at the RTDC Hotel Tiger Den.Charges:
Rs. 400/- for jeep(upto 5 persons),extra person Rs. 50/- per head.
Night halt in the sanctuary is allowed only after obtaining prior permission from the Field Director, Sariska Tiger Reserve (in special cases only).
How To Get There
Air:Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport.
Rail:
Good connection from prominent loctions in and around the state .Some important train connections are :
Road:
Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and for off Rajasthan and Delhi.Local Transport:
|
Hotel |
Telephone Number |
RTDC Hotel Lake Palace at Siliserh |
86322 |
Sariska Palace(Heritage Hotel) |
41322 |
RTDC Tiger Den at Sariska |
41342,41344 |
RTDC Hotel Meenal |
22852,22991 |
Aravali Hotel (2 star) near Railway station |
- |
Mayur Hotel near Bhawan Top |
21222,21223 |
Swaroop Vilas Palace near Moti Dungri |
332883,332316 |
Note:Also a choice of several budget hotels at Alwar.
SHOPPING
Jewellery and other handicrafts items. A sweetmeat speciality made of milk Alwar Mawa is not to be missed.
Market areas are:
Banks/Money Changers:
|
Bank |
Address |
Telephone No. |
State Bank Of India |
Mahal Chowk |
21448 |
Bank Of Baroda |
Hope Circus |
20138 |
State Bank Of Bikaner And Jaipur |
Opp. Police Control Room |
20813 |
Post and Telegraph Office:
|
Telephone No. |
|
G.P.O |
22631 |
Telegraph Office |
21249 |
Clubs:
Health Clinic/Hospitals:
Yoga Centers:
Tourist Information Center:
Tourist Office,oppo. Company Garden ,Nehru Bal Vihar .
Telephone:21868
Guides:
For apporved guides ,contact Tourist office .
Telephone: 21868.
Area |
44.76 sq.km. |
|
Climate |
Mean Max. |
Mean Min. |
Summer |
37.00 C |
24.00 C |
Winter |
31.00 C |
11.00 C |
Rainfall |
62 cms. |
|
Best Season |
September-February |
|
Clothing |
||
Summer |
Light Tropical |
|
Winter |
Light Woollen |
|
Languages |
Rajasthani,Hindi,English |