Book Online Hotel Aravali - Get Instant Confirmation. Check-In-Date : Number of Nights : 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Climate Conditions Area 44.76 sq. km Climate Mean Max. Mean Min. Summer 37.0 degree C 24.0 degree C Winter 31.0 degree C   11.0 degree C Rainfall 62 cms. Best Season September-February Clothing Summer Light Tropical Winter Light woolen Languages  Rajasthani, Hindi, English Alwar Travel Guide 150km from Jaipur and 170km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled between a cluster of small hills of the Aravali 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 Mewar, Alwar was nearest to the Imperial Delhi. The people of the state did not accept any external interference and daringly resisted against foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally Sultan Balban (1276-A.D.- 1287a.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the a 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. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valley 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. Sariska received a rude shock when it was found that all tigers were lost to poaching. Now efforts are being made to reintroduce tigers in Sariska. Known as GATE of Rajasthan surrounded by Aravali hills, it 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 mightly 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. History of Alwar The erstwhile state of Alwar, in north-eastern Rajasthan, is possibly the oldest kingdom in kingdom-studded Rajasthan. In 1500 BC it formed part of the Matsya territories of Viratnagar (present-day Bairat), which also encompassed Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli. History becomes inextricably bound with mythology, as it was here in the ancient kingdom of Matsya that the Kauravas embarked on the cattle-rustling mission which precipitated the war between and their kinsfolk, the Pandavas. This battle forms the basis of the Mahabharat. 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. They in ruin lost the city to Bada Gurjara Rajputs of Machari. It passed to the Khanzadas, under Bahadur Nahara of Mewat, who converted from Hinduism to Islam to win the favour of Emperor Tughlaq of Delhi. At this time, Alwar was part of the kingdom of Mewat. Descendants of Bahadura Nahara defended the Alwar fort against the Muslims in 1427. Alwar's fortunes were inextric bound with those of Mewat, which was contiguous with Delhi. Although the Mewat leaders professed the Muslim faith, he continue to ally himself with the Rajputs. As Alwar located on the strategic south-western side of Delhi, this of course rankled with Mughals, who mounted numerous miliitary forays into the region, conquere it after great difficulty. Alwar was later granted to Sawai Jai Singh of Jaipur by Aurangzeb. It was retaken when the emperor visited the city and noted the great strategical virtue of its fortress. The Jats of Bharatpur then threw their hat into the ring, briefly overrunning the region, and installing themselves in the Alwar fort. They were evicted by the Lalawat Narukas (descendants of the Kachhwaha prince of Amber, Naru) between 1775 and 1782 under the leadership of the Naruka thakur (noble) Pratap Singh. His descendants were great patrons of the arts , commissioning the transcription of numerous sacred and scholarly texts and encouraging painters and artisans to visit the Alwar court. In 1803, the British awarded the Alwar thakur with the title of maharaja as thanks for their support in a battle against the Marathas. This friendly alliance was short-lived, however, with the maharaja of Alwar strongly resenting British interference in governance when a British Resident was installed in the city. Following Independence, Alwar was merged with the other princely states of Bharatpur, Karauli and Dholpur, forming the United State of Matsya, a name which reflected the fact that those states all comprised the ancient Matsya kingdom. In 1949, Matsya was merged with the state of Rajasthan. Places to See : Forts & Monuments in Alwar 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. 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. Rani Moosi Chhatri This impressive centopath (chhatri) on the banks of SAGAR a beautiful lake is dedicated to Bakhtawar Singh mistress who performed sati here. The centopath reflects Indo-Islamic 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 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, SHAH NAMA, and on EMPEROR Babur's life. 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. 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. Migratory' birds and waterfowls can be obsened feeding on fish in the small lake, beside the palace. Excursion of Alwar Siliserh Lake The water palace of Siliserh with a lake sur­rounded 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 cenotopaths 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. Sariska National Park  This park is situated only 200 km from Delhi and 107 kms from Jaipur. Although larger than Ranthambor, it is less commercialised. It covers an area of 800 sq km in total, with a core area of approximately 500 sq km. The Northern Aravali Hills dominate the skyline with their mixture of sharp cliffs and long narrow valleys. The area was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and became a National Park in 1979. 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. lt 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 Shikoh 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. TRAVEL INFORMATION HOW TO GET THERE Air Delhi 163 km is the nearest airport. Rail Good connection from prominent locations in and around the state. Some important train connections are: Shatabdi Express *(recommended)*(New Delhi-Alwar_Ajmer) Superfast Express (New Delhi-Alwar-Ajmer) Intercity Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur) Marudhar Express (Varanasi-Alwar-Jodhpur) Mandore Express (Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jodhpur) Road Regular services link Alwar with key destinations in and not far off Rajasthan and Delhi. Local Transport Unmetered Auto-rickshaws,cycle-rickshaws and tongas. Shopping Jewellery and other handicraft items. A sweetmeat speciality made of milk Alwar Mawa is not to be missed. Markets areas are Hope Circus,Bajaja Bazar,Sarrafa Bazar,Mala Khera Bazar,Kedalganj Bazar. OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION Tourist Information Centre Tourist Office, opposite railway station. Apart from tourist information, you can also find approved guides here. HOTEL ARAVALI 1 C.E.B., Near Railway Station, Alwar, 301001 Phone: 0144 2332883, 2332316 Fax: 0144 2332011 Designed by Indiatimes Webuild - vSplash © 2007. Kakkar Hotels (P) Ltd. 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