| Population |
250,000 |
| Area |
44.76 sq km |
| Languages |
Hindi, Rajasthani and English |
| Best time to visit |
September-February |
| STD Code |
0144 |
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 .
Attractions of Alwar (Places to see)
The Fort 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.
Suggested Itenarary
DURATION : 10 Days
PLACES TO VISIT : Delhi-
Mandawa-Khimsar -Rohet Garh-Jaipur -Agra-Delhi
DAY 01 Delhi
Arrive at Delhi.
DAY 02 Delhi
Morning city tour of
Delhi visiting the Raj Ghat, Red Fort, Qutab Minar, India Gate, Drive
Past President's House, Parliament House. Also visit the Birla Mandir.
DAY 03 Delhi-Mandawa 265 kms
Drive
to Mandawa, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon visit Mandawa town &
Havelies.
DAY 04 Mandawa-Khimsar 275 kms
Drive to Khimsar and check-in at the hotel. Afternoon jeep safari to
Panchla Dunes.
DAY 05 Khimsar-Rohet Garh 135 kms
Drive to Rohet Garh visiting enroute Mandore and Mehrangarh Fort in
Jodhpur. Check-in at the hotel.
DAY 06 Rohet Garh
Morning jeep
safari to visit Bishnoi Tribe & witness Opium Ceremony. Afternoon
at leisure.
DAY 07 Rohet Garh-Jaipur 334 kms
Drive to Jaipur visiting enroute Ajmer/Pushkar. Overnight in Jaipur.
Excursion (Around Alwar)
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.Distance 13 kms,per
person entry 10/-
Jaisamand Lake :This large
artificial lake was constructed by Maharaja Hari singh in 1910, This
is an excellent picnic spot specially during the rainy season, when
the entire country side is lush green.
Climate : Summer Max. 37 Deg C Min. 24
Deg C
Winter Max. 31 Deg C Min. 11 Deg C
Clothing - Alwar
Summer - Light Tropical
Winter - Woolen
TRANSPORT
Air :
The nearest airport is Jaipur (143 km).
Rail :
Alwar is connected by rail with all the major cities of India.
Road : Good motorable roads connect Alwar with all the
major cities of India. Some road distances are Agra (150 km), Deeg (61
km), Bharatpur (94 km), Jaipur (143 km), Udaipur (566 km), Delhi (164
km), Siliserh (15 km), Sariska (37 km).
Local
Transport : Cycle - rickshaw and tongas are available.
Cities
in Rajasthan