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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
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.
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.
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.
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