AlwarThe city of Alwar is referred to as the gateway to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan

 

Alwar city is located in the northeastern part of the state of Rajasthan. It lies 170 km south of Delhi and is 150 Km from Jaipur. It is flanked by the barren hills of the Aravali range. The climate of Alwar is temperate, but compared to other cities.

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.

History Of Alwar

 

According to legend, the Pandavas took shelter in this region during the thirteenth year of their exile. In the mediaeval period also, Alwar was an important post of the Mughal empire. During this period Alwar was used as an important base to launch attacks on the fort of Ranthambhor. It also served as an important halting station for the Mughal Emperors during their journeys between Agra and Ajmer. During the later part of the Mughal period, it was annexed by a Jat ruler of Bharatpur. A Kachhwaha Rajput, Pratap Singh of Machheri, captured it from the Jats in 1775 and laid the foundation of a separate state of Alwar.

Alwar has historical monuments surrounded by a lake and a valley. It is near the Sariska Tiger Reserve (a Project Tiger Reserve), and is famous for many spices. The town has the oldest working engines in the world. The first engine was built in the year 1855 as a means of transportation.

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.

Though the weather of Alwar is moderate, it is advisable to visit it in the winter season (September-February).

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.

Nearby destinations : Sawai Madhopur | Ajabgarh | Bayana | Shri Mahavirji | Bharatpur | Karoli | Tonk

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 National Park:
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 HANUMAN. 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.

Shopping In Alwar

Alwar Tourism offers tourists shopping options for colourful bangles dolling the shops at the slender lanes of Hope Circus. Get a few of those leather worked exquisite 'Mojaris' or embroidered juties at the Sarafa Bazar. You can also look for live performances by local craftsmen - terracotta statue making, carpet weaving, bangle making - at Malakhera Bazar and Kedalgunj Bazar while on Alwar tour.