Alwar Tour Advisor

Alwar is 150 km form Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi. Alwar is nested between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range. Perched on the most prominent of these hills is a massive 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 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 Muslim Rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. A part 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 variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country.

The Fort:
This huge fort with its ramparts stretching 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres 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, Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his exile. The place where he stayed as called Salim Mahal. The fort was finally annexed by maharaja Pratap singh in 1775 A.D. It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 opening for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it. The fort has several gates, Jai Pole, Suraj Pole, Laxman Pole. Chand Pole. Kishan Pole and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.

City Palace:
Built by Maharaja Vinay singh in the 18th Century, it is one of the most attractive palaces of Rajasthan. Its architecture is a blend of the Rajput and the Mughal styled. The lower floors of the palace are now occupied by government offices whereas the upper floors are used as museum. This Museum has one of the finest collections of books (Sanskrit & Persian), archaeological finds, paintings (Mughal and Rajput school), and armory (swords, shields, daggers, rifles, pistols and other arms.) Maharaja Vinay Singh Was a great patrons of the arts. He has a great taste for books and has an excellent collection in his library. It is said that he once paid a large amount of rupees fifty thousand to acquire a single manuscript of sheikh Sadi.

Behind the Alwar Palace is a mammoth tank (sagar) which nestles in the lap of the surrounding Aravallies. The Kund is just outside the Palace, but a part of the complex, has a number of chhatries & small temples with steps on all three sides. In the backdrop is the Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri. It was built in the memory of Moosi Bai, queen of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh. This cenotaph was erected by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1816 A.D. the entire complex with the backdrop of the Aravallies envelopes you in its grandeur.

Hope Circus:
This is another monument that attracts the attention of the visitors to Alwar. Located almost midway between the railway station and the city palace, this is a circular figure having flight 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 his visit to Alwar in 1939-40 A.D.

Purjan Vihar (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 surroundings and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.