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Alwar, Rajasthan
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Alwar is known as the Tiger Gate of Rajasthan, 150 kms from Jaipur. The highlights of Alwar include the museum, Sagar, Bala fort, Moosi Rani ki Chaatri, Shimla, Fatehganj tomb with the Sariska wildlife sanctuary just 35 kms away where one can spot tigers, leopards, hyneas, sambhars, blue bulls, chinkaras, wild boars and many other animals.
150 km from 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 fort that whispers tales of the rich history of the city. Once an ancient Rajput state ,formely 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 the 13th centuries , they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally sultan Balban (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 its 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 variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wildlife sancturies in Rajasthan-Sariska, which is an excellent Tiger country.
How to reach
By Air - Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport
Ry Rail - Alwar has its railway station
By Road - Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and for off Rajasthan and Delhi.
Places to see
The Fort
This huge fort with its ramparts streching 5km from north to south and 1.6 km from east from west , stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level , constructed before the rise of Mughal Empire. Babbar had spent a night at this fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son,Humayun.Akbars son ,Jahangir had also stayed here for some time during his excile. The place where he stayed is 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 openings for musketry,alongwith 8 huge toers encompassing it.
City Palace or Vinay Mahal
An 18thcentury 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.
Government Museum
The museum has the finest collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and some rare ancient manuscripts in Persian ,arabic Urdu and Sanskrit.’Gulistan’(the garden of roses). ’Waqiat-I-Babri’ (autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babar) and ‘Boston’(the garden of spring)are some of the notable ones amongst the collection. It also has a copy of great epic ‘Mahabharatha’ painted by the artist of the Alwar school.
Excursions
Vijay Mandir Palace (10 km)
A splendid palace ,built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 A.D.A picturesque lake overlooking the palace makes it a facinating sight. A fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number of devotees,especially during Ramnavmi.One needs prior permission from the secretary to visit the palace.
Siliserh Lake and Palace Hotel (13 km)
An idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the 10.5 km placid lake. A magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 A.D.for his queen shila stands overlooking the lake .Now converted as the Hotel Lake Palace,it offers boating and sailing facilities and is a delight for the trigger happy photographers and the film makers.
Jai Samand Lake (6 km)
A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D. is a popular spot for outings and picnics.During Monsoons , sprawling greenery all around makes it a visual treat.Easily accessible by road from Alwar.
Sariska (37 km)
The 765.80 sq. km. thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravalis .Established in 1955, it is an excellent tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger. The dry deciduous forests of the Reserve are noted for their population of tiger,nilgai,sambhar,cheetal,four horned antelope and wild boar.
Sariska Palace (32 kms)
A marvellous palace was built here by Maharaja Jai singh in the honour of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the Sanctuary.Presently ,it has his visit converted into a hotel-Sariska Palace .RTDC Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent accomdation at Sariska.The best time to drive in the sanctuary is from sunrise till sunset.
Neemrana Fort Palace (77 kms)
Located almost midway between Delhi 120 kms and Jaipur 138 kms is the Neemrana Fort Palace. The oldest and one of the finest among India's heritage hotels is known for its dining. The Francisi Mahal recreating French decor and the Sheesh mahal having luxurious printed glass windows and corridoors.
Delhi - Alwar Road drive
Highway - NH 48 and SH 25
Time - 2 hrs
Distance - 142 kms
Rajasthan - Land of Maharajas
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Capital - Jaipur
Ideal time to Visit - July to October
Road trip summary, time, kms and tolls and other information required to plan your road trip.
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Planning a visit to MP have a check at the various itineries the varied state can offer :
Winters are the best time to visit, the sand kissed land as summers are scorchingly hot.
Oct Ranthambhore National Park reopens for tiger safaris.
Oct/Nov Don’t miss the Pushkar Camel Festival, featuring camels and the traditional Rajasthani culture.
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Places to see in Rajasthan
