Alwar

Known as THE TIGER GATE of Rajasthan surrounded by Aravali hills, Alwar has a perfect picture postcard setting and looks as if carved magnificently out of rocks. Lush green deciduous forests and lakes, dotted with architectural splendors, surround the harsh hills. The deep valleys and the thick forest cover is a haven for many species of birds and animals. It is one of the oldest cities of the state and its prehistoric and historic sites are an archaeologists delight. Paradoxically Alwar is both the oldest and the newest of the Rajput Kingdoms of Rajasthan. On the one hand, it traces its tradition back to the kingdoms of Viratnagar that flourished here around 1500 B.C. it Is also known as Matasya Desh where the pandavs. The mlghtly heroes the Mahabharata, spent the last year of their 13 year exile. The city of Alwar is believed to have founded by a member of the Kachh family who hailed from Amber, but control was wrested from the Kachhwahas of Nikumbhas.

The grandeur, beauty and delicacy of design of innumerable forts and palaces of the region, the tranquil lakes, stately hunting lodges, sites of archeological importance, thick forests with several of birds and animals intermingled with an equally diverse socio-cultural configuration have made this region a traveler delight..

Bala Qila

Fort, which bound the people to watch its magnetic beauty, towering on a hill dominating the town, is the BALA QILA (young fort). Amazing fortifications surround the NIKUMBHA MAHAI PALACE at the top, which has graceful Bengal caned marble columns and delicate latticed balconies. The fort is 595 mts. above the city, and extends about 5 Kms from north and south and 1.6 Kms from east and west. The fort has 15 large and 51 small towers, which contains 446 loopholes for the musketry, its eight towers all around defend it. The most magnificent were 3,599 kanguras, each containing two loopholes for musketry. The fort can be entered through six gates, namely JAI POL, SURAJ POL, LAXMAN POL, CHAND POL, KRISHAN POL and ANDHERl GATE.

City Palace

The City Palace was built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh.It represents a intermingling of Rajput and Mughal stvles. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard

Once this palace was part of the Maharajas ornate lifestyle and housed, among other things, a drinking cup cut out of a single emerald in its treasury and a mammoth, double storied four-elephant carriage in its stables. Today however the palaces has been converted into the districts collectorate, and its hall and chambers have a been turned into government offices

The Museum

The palace Museum has a wonderful collection of exhibits of the personal wealth of the Maharajas of Alwar and some rare manuscripts including an illustrated Mahabharata on a 200-foot-long scroll, Others prize pieces here after illustrated manuscripts of GULISTAN, SHAHNAMA, and on EMPEROR Babur’s life. There are also some fine RAGAMALA paintings and miniatures from the Alwar, Bundi, and Mughal school it has an armory section, which has some historic swords belonging to the likes of Sultan Muhammad Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb

Rani Moosi Chhatri

The centopath reflects Indo-lslamic style of architecture. The upper portion in marble with columned pavilions and domed arches with exquisite floral tracery rests over the pillared red sand stone story. Mythological and court scenes in fading gold leaf painting and sculpture adorn the ceiling. The memorial is rated as one of the finest in its class. The picturesque SAGAR is concrete catchments with a pattern of stairs and tiny kiosks in perfect symmetry along the sides.

Tomb of Fateh Jung

This spectacular tomb has a massive dome, which is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Fateh Jung was a minister of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and related to the Khanzada rulers of Alwar.

Purjan Vihar (Company Garden)

The beautiful garden was laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh built in1868 a most picturesque place locally known as Simla (the Summer House), was added to lush greenery of this garden do not give the blazing sun a chance to peep in. The garden was originally named Company Garden, later on Maharaja Jai Singh changed it to PURJAN VIHAR.

Vijay Mandir Palace

It is the royal residence of Maharaja Jai Singh built in 1918. The largely uninhabited palace is a window on the life style of the royals. Migratory1 birds and waterfowls can be obsened feeding on fish in the small lake, beside the palace. Vijay Mandir, a sprawling, coupled palace with 105 rooms and a beautifully laid out garden lies 6 miles outside Alwar Reflected picturesquely in the waters of Vijay Sagar Lake, it is said to have been designed along the lines of a ship like all the ventures of its builder, the sinister and dazzling Maharaja Jai Singh.

Siliserh Lake

The water palace of Siliserh with a lake sur-rounded by low wooded hills, enroute to Sariska12 Kms. southwest of Alwar.The tranquil lake is nestled in the hills, the twinkling ripples of the lake cover an area of about 10.5 sq. Kms, surrounded by thick forest and magnificent cenotopatns 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 an attractive spot for peaceful holiday.

Talvrakash

Sariska-Alwar road takes to this enchanting site where pilgrims bathe in hot SULPHUR SPRINGS. Langurs (apes) stroll about and the bell of the scattered temples tinkle all day long. It was the place of penance of Mandav Rishi.

Bhartrihari Temple

A throbbing pilgrimage center, which revokes around the legend of King GHARATHARI who spent the closing years of his life, ancient place amidst hills.

Sariska Palace

Set inside the Sariska Tiger Reserve this was Maharaja Jai Singh's hunting lodge it has beautiful sprawling lawns antique furniture and interesting photographs of the Royal Shikar of the 1920s. Now a heritage hotel.

Pandupol

The metalled 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.

Kankwari Fort

Within Sariska Tiger Reserve 18 Kms from the entrance gate, lies Kankwari Fort, it is a fine example of a VANADURG or jungle fort. High inaccessible, deep in the tiger infested forest, it once was host to Prince Dara Shlkoh heir to the Mughal throne held captive brother Aurangzeb.

Bhangarh 50 Kms

Inside Sariska sanctuary lies the splendid mined town of Bhangarh built in 17th century by RAJA MADHO SINGH brother of RAJA MAN SINGH of Amber its medieval bazaars, the old palace. Someshwar and Gopinath Temples have some fine carvings. According to legend, the town was cursed by an evil magician and had to be abandoned. The curse is still believe

Jain Temple, Tijara

Ancient Jain temple dedicated to the eighth Tirthankar (great - teacher) Shri Chandra Prabhu Bhagwan can be seen here, it has elaborate carvings and paintings, exquisite pillars and arches. Situated 60 Kms on the Alwar Delhi road route, it is an important Jain pilgrimage.

Safari to sariska covering Wild life sanctuary. Historical forts (bhangarh kanwari fort etc) temples (pandupol, nelkanth) and villages.

How to Reach Alwar

Air :Delhi 163kms is the nearest airport

Rail :Good connection from prominent locations in and around the state. Some of important train connections are : Shatabdi Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer) Superfast Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer); intercity Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur); Mandore Express (DelhiSarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jodhpur)

Road :Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi.