Rajasthan Alwar
| Population | 250,000 |
| Area | 44.76 sq km |
| Languages | Hindi, Rajasthani and English ( rajasthanhub.com ) |
| 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.
