150km from Jaipur and 170km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the Aravali 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 Mewar, Alwar was nearest to the Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban (1276-A.D.- 1287a.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the a 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 his own. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valley thickly wooded in parts.

Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country.

Known as THE TIGER GATE of Rajasthan surrounded by Aravali hills, it has a perfect picture postcard setting and looks as if carved magnificently out of rocks. Lush green deciduous forests and lakes, dotted with architectural splendors, surround the harsh hills. The deep valleys and the thick forest cover is a haven for many species of birds and animals.

It is one of the oldest cities of the state and its prehistoric and historic sites are an archaeologists delight. Paradoxically Alwar is both the oldest and the newest of the Rajput Kingdoms of Rajasthan. On the one hand, it traces its tradition back to the kingdoms of Viratnagar that flourished here around 1500 B.C. It is also known as Matasya Desh where the pandavs. The mightly heroes the Mahabharata, spent the last year of their 13 year exile.

The city of Alwar is believed to have founded by a member of the Kachh family who hailed from Amber, but control was wrested from the Kachhwahas of Nikumbhas. The grandeur, beauty and delicacy of design of innumerable forts and palaces of the region, the tranquil lakes, stately hunting lodges, sites of archeological importance, thick forests with several of birds and animals intermingled with an equally diverse socio-cultural configuration have made this region a traveler delight.

Places to See :

Forts & Monuments in Alwar

Bala Qila
Fort, which bound the people to watch its magnetic beauty, towering on a hill dominating the town, is the BALA QILA (young fort). Amazing fortifications surround the NIKUMBHA MAHAI PALACE at the top, which has graceful Bengal caned marble columns and delicate latticed balconies. The fort is 595 mts. above the city, and extends about 5 Kms from north and south and 1.6 Kms from east and west.

City Palace
The City Palace was built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. It represents a intermingling of Rajput and Mughal stvles. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard

Rani Moosi Chhatri
This impressive centopath (chhatri) on the banks of SAGAR a beautiful lake is dedicated to Bakhtawar Singh mistress who performed sati here. The centopath reflects Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The upper portion in marble with columned pavilions and domed arches with exquisite floral tracery rests over the pillared red sand stone story.

The Museum
The palace Museum has a wonderful collection of exhibits of the personal wealth of the Maharajas of Alwar and some rare manuscripts including an illustrated Mahabharata on a 200 -foot-long scroll, Others prize pieces here after illustrated manuscripts of GULISTAN, SHAH NAMA, and on EMPEROR Babur's life.

Tomb of Fateh Jung
This spectacular tomb has a massive dome, which is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Fateh Jung was a minister of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and related to the Khanzada rulers of Alwar.

Purjan Vihar (Company Garden)
The beautiful garden was laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh built in1868 a most picturesque place locally known as Simla (the Summer House), was added to lush greenery of this garden do not give the blazing sun a chance to peep in.

Vijay Mandir Palace
It is the royal residence of Maharaja Jai Singh built in 1918. The largely uninhabited palace is a window on the life style of the royals. Migratory' birds and waterfowls can be obsened feeding on fish in the small lake, beside the palace.


Excursion of Alwar :

Siliserh Lake
The water palace of Siliserh with a lake sur­rounded by low wooded hills, enroute to Sariska12 Kms. southwest of Alwar.The tranquil lake is nestled in the hills, the twinkling ripples of the lake cover an area of about 10.5 sq. Kms, surrounded by thick forest and magnificent 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 an attractive spot for peaceful holiday.

Talvrakash
Sariska-Alwar road takes to this enchanting site where pilgrims bathe in hot SULPHUR SPRINGS. Langurs (apes) stroll about and the bell of the scattered temples tinkle all day long. lt was the place of penance of Mandav Rishi.

Bhartrihari Temple
A throbbing pilgrimage center, which revokes around the legend of King GHARATHARI who spent the closing years of his life, ancient place amidst hills.

Sariska
This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised and has less tigers but a similar topography. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979.

Sariska Palace
Set inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve this was Maharaja Jai Singh's hunting lodge it has beautiful sprawling lawns antique furniture and interesting photographs of the Royal Shikar of the 1920s. Now a heritage hotel.

Pandupol
The metalled road commencing from the Sanctuary gate ends at this temple dedicated to LORD HUNUMAN. This backed by the delightful sight of Pandupol or Pandu gate where a cascading spring emerges from hard and compact rocks. Legend has it that the Pandava brother took refuge here during their exile.

Kankwari Fort
Within Sariska Tiger Reserve 18 Kms from the entrance gate, lies Kankwari Fort, it is a fine example of a VANADURG or jungle fort. High inaccessible, deep in the tiger infested forest, it once was host to Prince Dara Shikoh heir to the Mughal throne held captive brother Aurangzeb.

Bhangarh-50 Kms.
Inside Sariska sanctuary lies the splendid mined town of Bhangarh built in 17th century by RAJA MADHO SINGH brother of RAJA MAN SINGH of Amber its medieval bazaars, the old palace. Someshwar and Gopinath Temples have some fine carvings. According to legend, the town was cursed by an evil magician and had to be abandoned. The curse is still believe.

Jain Temple, Tijara
Ancient Jain temple dedicated to the eighth Tirthankar (great - teacher) Shri Chandra Prabhu Bhagwan can be seen here, it has elaborate carvings and paintings, exquisite pillars and arches. Situated 60 Kms on the Alwar Delhi road route, it is an important Jain pilgrimage.


How to Reach Alwar

Air :
Delhi 163kms is the nearest airport

Rail :
Good connection from prominent locations in and around the state. Some of important train connections are : Shatabdi Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer) Superfast Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer); intercity Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur); Mandore Express (DelhiSarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jodhpur)

Road :
Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi.


Shopping :
Jewellery and other handicraft items. A sweetment specially made of Milk Alwar Mawa is not to be missed. Market areas are Hope circus, Bajaj Bazar, Kedalganj Bazar.

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