Alwar

Alwar was once an important Rajput state. Alwar is located on the old highway between Jaipur and Delhi. It has now been bypassed for its more popular hunting lodge in Sariska, a protected tiger reserve.

150 kms from Jaipur and 170 kms from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here.

Alwar with its historic fort, palaces & beautiful gardens offers an unforgettable experience. The medieval fort crowning a scarped hill. Over looks the town below. Alwar was founded by Rao Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D.

Alwar Gateway Of Rajasthan

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

The origin of Alwar city goes back to the time of the Mahabharata. It was a part of the ancient kingdom of Matsya and it is said that legendary Pandava brothers had spent some time of their exile there. The ancient state of Alwar was probably the oldest kingdom in the state of Rajasthan. It is said that the city was founded by a member of the Kachh family hailing from the town of Amber. The local Rajput rulers of Alwar had a sweet-bitter relation with the rulers of Delhi in the early medieval period and there was a constant struggle to take control of Alwar. As Alwar was located at a strategic place, the Mughals annexed it and used it to mount military campaigns against the erstwhile Rajput principalities and states. The decline of the Mughal rule saw a brief struggle between Jat and Rajput rulers. Later Pratap Singh, a noble, restored parity in 1775. The descendents of Pratap Singh were great patrons of art and under their rule Alwar became an important cultural center. The later rulers forged an alliance with the British that soon broke off, with the latter taking over Alwar.

Location ( Alwar)

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 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.

Places To See ( Alwar)

The Fort

This huge fort stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level,constructed before the rise of Mughal empire.

Vinay Vilas Mahal

18th century palace harmoniously blending the Rajput & Mughal style of Pandu pot architecture.While the group floor have been converted into govt. offices and district courts, upper apartment is presently a museum.

Sariska Wildlife

Located 107 kms from Jaipur and 200 kms from Delhi, the sanctuary is in a wooded valley surrounded by barren mountains. It tiger, leopards, sambhars, blue bulls, chinkaras, wild boars etc. The sanctuary can be visited year-round, although during July and August your chance of spotting wildlife is minimal.The best time is between November and June.

Bala Fort

This imposing fort, with its 5 kms of ramparts, stands 300 m above the city. Predating the time of Pratap Singh, it's one of the few forts in Rajasthan built before the rise of the Mughals.

Government Museum

One of the best place in alwar is Museum, placed in city palace, houses some magnificent royal artifacts. The museum has the finest collection of Mughal & Rajput paintings of 18th & 19th centuries and some rare ancient manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit. It also has a copy of great epic 'Mahabharatha' painted by artists of alwar school.

Sites Nearby ( Alwar)

Silisherh

15 kms southwest of Alwar, was constructed by maharaja Viney Singh in 1845 on a tributary of the Ruparel river. Silisherh is a beautiful lake, covering an area of 7 sq km, adorned with domed cenotaphs and an ideal place for fishing and boating.

Vijai Mandir Palace

A splendid palace, build by Maharaja Jai, picture overlooking the palace make it a fascinating sight. A fabulous Sita Ram Temple attracts number of people especially during Ramnavami.

Jai Samand Lake

A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D. is a popular spot for outing & picnic. During monsoons, sprawling greenery all around make it a vishal treats.

Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English

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

Travel Information Alwar

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)