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Rajasthan
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Alwar |
How
to get Alwar |
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| Alwar -
The tiger gate of Rajasthan |
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150
km from Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi, 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 against
foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a
group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balkan (1267A.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. |
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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 sanctuaries in Rajasthan - Sariska, which
is an excellent tiger country. |
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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 meters above the city and
595 meters 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 is called Salim Mahal, The fort was finally
annexed by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D. |
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It is a forbidding structure with 15 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 and Andheri Gate, Also there are remains of Jai
Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples. |
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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. |
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Government
Museum
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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 an Sanskrit. 'Gulistan' (the garden
of roses) 'Waqiat-i-Babri' (autobiography of the Mughal Emperor Babar)
and 'Bostan' (the garden of spring)are some of the notable ones amongst
the collection.
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It also
has a copy of the great epic 'Mahabharatha' painted by the artists of
the Alwar school.
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A rich
collection of the Indian armory. are among other exhibits of the museum.
Timings 10.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. (Closed on Fridays and gazettes
holidays, Free entry on Monday.)
Behind the City Palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D. by
Maharaja Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks.
A marvelous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known
asthe Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, is situated in this area. |
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Pur
Jan Vihar (Company Garden)
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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. |
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Vijai
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 fascinating sight, A
fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number of devotees,
especially during Ram navami. One needs prior permission from the
Secretary to visit the palace. |
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Siliserh
Lake and Palace Hotel (13 km) :
An
idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and
beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the10.5 sq. 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 film
makers. |
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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. |
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Sariska
(37 km):
The 765.80 sq. km. thickly wooded reserve cradled in the pictures que
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. |
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Sariska
Palace:
A marvelous 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 been converted into a hotel - Sariska Palace. RTDC Hotel Tiger Den
also offers excellent accommodation at Sariska. |
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How
to get there :
By Air
: Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport. |
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By Road
: Well connected with key destination in and not far off Rajasthan and
Delhi. |
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By Rail
: Good connection from prominent locations in and around the state. Some
important train connections are : Shatabdi Express ( New Delhi- Alwar –
Ajmer ); Super fast Express ( New Delhi- Alwar –Ajmer ); Intercity
Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla – Alwar – Jaipur ); Marudhar Express (
Varanasi – Alwar –Jodhpur ); Mandore Express ( Delhi Sarai Rohilla –
Alwar - Jodhpur ). |
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