Alwar
About Alwar
Alwar is known as the tiger gate of Rajasthan, surrounded by the rigorous Aravalli
hills, showcasing the lush green deciduous forests, lakes, and dotted with the architectural
splendors of the town. Come and enjoy your vacations, close to the heart of nature.
This city was formerly known as 'Mewar 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 group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan
Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslims
rule.
In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of
Jaipurs 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.
Tourist Attractions in Alwar
Bala Quila - Colossal Fort:
This delightful city is adored with the dazzling view of erstwhile princely city
Alwar. Its impressive beauties have no boundaries to express. Try the Bala Quila
fort, built on the edge of Aravalii Ranges, about 1960 feet above the sea level,
stands the majestic fort Bala Quila.
The fort was originally constructed by Hasan Khan Mewati in the year 1550. It passed
from the Mughals, to the Marathas, to the Jats, till it was finally captured by
the Kachhwaha Rajputs. From the north of the fort to the south, its around 5 km
long and 1.5 km wide.
There are only six entrances to the fort which are, Chand Pol, Suraj Pal, Jai Pol,
Kishan Pol, Andheri pol and Laxman Pol. It is a forbidding structure with 15 large
and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing
it.
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
Company Garden:
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 surrounding and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during
summers. A marvelous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known as
the Moosi Maharani ki chhatri, is situated here.
Excursions in Alwar
Sariska:
Alwar excursion tour is incomplete without a visit to the Sariska National Park.
This sanctuary is located 37 km from the city of Alwar. Covering an area of approximately
800 sq. km. (core area being 500 sq. km.), Sariska has a rich wildlife and even
a wide variety of birds. Apart from that, attractions of Sariska include the Sariska
Palace, constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh.
...more on
Sariska in Alwar
Best time to visit: October to June
Vijay Mandir Palace:
A splendid palace, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 A. D. 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
from the Secretary to visit the palace.
Jai Samand Lake:
A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D. is a
popular spot for outing and picnics. During monsoons, sprawling greenery all around
makes it a visual treat.
Siliserh Lake:
Located 13 kms from the city of Alwar, the enchanting Siliserh Lake was built in
1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his Queen Shila. The lake was built by constructing
an earthen dam between two hills to store the water of a small tributary of river
Ruparel
...more on Siliserh Lake in
Alwar
Pandupol:
The metal led 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.
How To Reach Alwar
Fly Away: Alwar may be reached by boarding in a flight either at the national
capital Delhi or at Jaipur. Jaipur Airport is a little closer, some 148 kms from
Alwar. Delhi Airport is about 154 kms away.
On Tracks: Alwar has a railway station located a couple of kilometres towards
the east of the town. Trains from Delhi, Jaipur, Jodhpur, Ahmedabad and Ajmer regular
reach the station. One of the most featured train travels, Fairy Queen, renders
its service to Alwar.
On Wheels: A bus stand located in the west of the town offers long distance
travel. Available are bus services from Delhi and Jaipur.
Where To Stay in Alwar
Please visit our exclusive section on
Hotels in Alwar
to find the best accommodation in Alwar.
Where To Shop in Alwar
There are quite a few market areas in Alwar, full of the heat and dust of Rajasthan.
Some of them are Hope Circus, Bajaja Bazaar, Sarafa Bazaar, Mala Khera Bazaar and
Kedalganj Bazaar.
Jewellery and other handicraft items are the best things you could take back home.
Hope Circus, which is quite a busy place, gets its name from a monument of the same
name. The latter is a circular structure with flights of steps leading to the top
from all four sides.
It was named after Miss Hope, daughter of Lord Linlithgow, the then Viceroy of India,
on the occasion of her visit to Alwar in 1939-40. While you're shopping and bazaars,
you should try the wonderful mawa (a kind of sweet made of milk) in Alwar. You simply
shouldn't miss that!
