Tourism in Alwar

THE TIGER GATE OF RAJASTHAN
150-km from Jaipur and 170-km from Delhi, 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.

PRIME ATTRACTIONS
FORTS AND PALACES
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.

MUSEUMS
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 ‘Bostan’ (the garden of spring) are some of the notable ones amongst the collection.

It also has copy of the great epic ‘ Mahabharata’ painted by the artists of the Alwar school.

A rich collection of the Indian armoury are among other exhibits of the museum.
Timings 10:00 am. to 5.00 pm. (Closed on Friday and gazetted holidays. Free entry on Monday).
Behind the City Palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks.

A marvellous 'chhatri' with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known as the 'Moosi Maharani's Chhatri', is situated in this area. more..

GARDENS
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
PALACES
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.

LAKES
Jaisamand Lake: 6-km from the city, Jaisamand Lake makes a beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 AD; a popular spot for outings and picnics. During monsoons, sprawling greenery all around makes it a visual treat. This place is easily accessible by road from Alwar.

WILDLIFE
Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary: The 765.80-sq-kms thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravallis. 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. more...


HOW TO GET 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.

PLACES TO STAY

RTDC's Hotel Khartal and Circuit house as well as numorous Daharamshalas solve the purpose of accommodation in Alwar.

Aravali Hotel

The residential rooms at Aravali Hotel in Alwar, were designed keeping in mind the fact that they would be used by the royal family itself or by the personal guests of the Maharaja as only guests of equal status to the Maharaja would be invited to spend the night in the hotel. Most of the rooms are decorated lavishly using gold wall paintings and have painted or carved wood ceilings.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
ENTRY FEE
Jeeps are available on hire at the RTDC Hotel Tiger Den.

Charge : There is a entry fees required to be paid to enter the palace.
Tourist Information Centre: Toruist Office, Opp. Company Garden, Nehru Bal Vihar.

NEARBY CITIES
Jaipur: 150-km
Delhi: 170-km


GENERAL INFORMATION
Area: 44.76 sq. km.
Climate: Summer: Max. - 37°C Min. - 24°C
Winter: Max. - 31°C Min. - 11°C
Rainfall: 62 cms.
Clothing: Summer - Light Tropical
Winter: Woolen
Languages: Rajasthani, Hindi, English.