Alwar

Best Tourist Season (September – February)
Airport: Nearest Airport is Delhi 163 km.
Railway: Alwar is linked by rail with Ahmedabad, Ajmer, Amritsar, Delhi and Jaipur.
Road: Agra 180 km, Bharatpur 120 km, Deeg 160 km, Fatehpur Sikri 145 km, Jaipur 150 km, Jodhpur 485 km, Madhogarh 190 km, Neemrana 70 km, Sariska 40 km, Samode 110 km, Udaipur 575 km.

Introduction
Alwar is a city in the Rajasthan state of western India. Formerly the capital of the princely state of Alwar OR Ulwar in British India.
Alwar, amongst the Rajput principalities was closest to imperial Delhi. Influencing the people and history of the region, formerly known as Mewat.
The Aravallies break up in a beautiful little valley with small hills and rocky crags before trailing off in the final spine that runs right up to and through Delhi, known there as the Ridge. The city nestles between several small hills, on the most prominent o which stands a dramatically forbidding fort, lakes and valleys thickly wooded in parts, have made this area the haunt of animals and birds. Rich in wildlife, Alwar has one of the finest sanctuaries in Rajasthan.

Geography
Alwar located at 27.57° N 76.6° E
Average elevation 271 mtrs (889 feet)
Alwar – the city lies near a narrow gorge, and is surrounded on three sides by hills of the Aravalli Range. A substantial wall with four gateways encircles the city.

Area
Alwar is 44.76 sq km

Climate
Summer maximum of 37°C and minimum 24°C
Winters maximum 31°C and minimum 11°C
Railfall 62 cm (annual)

Demographics
Population 160,245 (as of 2001 India census)
Males 53%
Females 47%
Alwar has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%.
Male literacy is 59%, and female literacy is 41%.
In Alwar, 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Sightseeing in Alwar :
The Alwar Fort or Bala Quila (young fort) :
Alwar Fort or Bala Quila – a fort in Alwar, Rajasthan, INDIA, situated on hills of Aravalli Range above the town of Alwar. 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) long and about 1.5 km wide, The Altar Fort was built in 15th century by Hasan Khan Mewati. Later it went to the Marathas, Yadavas, and to the Kachwaha Rajputs.The Alwar Fort is passible by Bikes and cars both.

City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal :
The City Palace, Alwar – also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, standing huge in the heart of Alwar City, Rajasthan, INDIA. The City Palace of Albas was built by Raja Bakhtavar Singh in 1793, a perfect example of Indo-Islamic architecture.

The Palace Museum :
The Palace Museum – a must visit who has interest in the opulent life and lifestyle led by the Maharajas of Alwar. Rare manuscripts, including one depicting Emperor Babur’s life, Ragamala Paintings and miniatures and even historic swords that once belonged to Mu-hammad Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb.

Moosi Maharani Chhatri :
This cenotaph, built in the memory of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his queen, Rani Moosi, reflects the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. The upper portion comprising co-lumned pavilions and domed arches made of marble while lower section consists of pillars in red sandstone. This memorial is rated one of the finest of its type.

Fateh Jung Gumbad :
This spectacular tomb, of Fateh Jung – who was a kind hearted minister of the Mughal Emperor, Shah Jahan, is a combination of domes and minarets is an artistic marvel. Con-structed from high quality sandstone, its massive dome can be seen from a distance and a blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture.

Purjan Vihar or company Garden :
Purjan Vihar – one of the landmark in Alwar built in 19th century. This beautiful garden is known for its innate aesthetic beauty. Earlier it was The Company Garden and was renamed by the king Jai Singh. This garden Was laid out in the year 1868.

Bhangarh Haunted Fort :
Bhangarh Fort – 4th most haunted palace in the world & Asia’s 1st most haunted palace.This fort was built in 17th century by Raja Madho Singh.The most popular legend states that the town was cursed by an evil magician and was subsequently abandoned. The evil effect of the curse is beloved to be working even to this day.

Garbhaji Water Falls :
Garbhaji Falls – a popular destination for foreign and local tourists. The breathtaking sight of the water cascading off the rocks is the best feature of the place. Garbhaji Water Falls is ideal for photographers and nature lovers.

Hill Fort Kesroli :
This 14th century fort is best known for its turrets, ramparts and arched verandas. The Hill Fort Kesroli was built by Yaduvanshi Rajputs – said to be descendants of Lord Krishna. This fort has been converted in to a heritage hotel.

Pandupol Hanuman Temple :
A trail through the Sariska Tiger Reserve leads to the Pandupol Temple of Lord Hanuman (Monkey God). Pandupol is a naturally created arch which is a result of the action of water on limestone.The Pandupol Temple was built 5000 years ago by Saint Nirbhaya Das.

Excursion Trips around Alwar :

Vijay Mandir Palace (10 km) :
Vijay Mandir Palace is said to have been built as a result of the whims of the eccentric King, Maharaja Jai Singh. In course of time this Vijay Mandir Palace has become one of the landmark of Alwar Attractions. Vijay Mandir Palace is situated just 10 km from Alwar, Rajasthan. Maharaja Jai Singh was a patron of art and architecture and had a passion for beautiful palaces. He decorated the city of Alwar during his region with the Yashwant Niwas which was built in the Italian style of architecture. Another important feature of the palace is the Sita Ram Temple that is thronged every year by the devotees during Ramnavami. The enthralling beauty of the Vijay Mandir Palace and its surroundings entices the tourists to visit it.

Siliserh Lake and Palace hotel (13 km from Alwar City) :
Siliserh Lake – a beautiful lake, spread in 7 sq Kms area, situated in north eastern part of Rajasthan, Lake was built by maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845, The Lake and reservoir of Siliserh was created by Maharaja for people of Alwar, Because water can be channeled to Alwar city. A beautiful Lake palace was also built by Maharaja for his beloved wife Shila, and was used as Lake palace and hunting lodge.

Tijara Jain Temple :
This important centre of Jain pilgrimage lies about 60 km from Alwar – Delhi. This exqui-sitely decorated ancient temple was built to commemorate the eighth Tirthankar Shri Chandra Prabha Bhagwan. The son of King Mahasen and Queen Sulakshana, he ruled his kingdom for several years before receiving Diksha. After serving mankind for several years, he meditated for a month and attained Nirvana.

Talvrakash :
The Sariska – Alwar road leads to this enchanting site where pilgrims bathe in hot sulphur springs. Tinkling scattered temple bells and strolling langurs lend it a unique ambience. It is famous as the place where Mandav Rich sought penance.

Wildlife:
Sariska Tiger Reserve – A National Park / Tiger Reserve (37 km) Located in Alwar district of Rajasthan, INDIA. The topography of the protectedarea comprises scrub-thorn arid forests, rocky landscapes, dry deciduous forests, rocks, grasses and hilly cliffs. This area was a hunting preserve and was declared a wildlife re-serve in 1955. And was given the status of Tiger Reserve making it a part of India’s Project Tiger in 1978. The Sariska Tiger Reserve was declared a National Park in 1982 with a total area of about 273.8 km (105.7 mi). The Sariska Tiger Reserve is a part of Aravali Range and rich in mineral resources, such as copper. A notable feature of this Tiger Reserve are its Bengal Tigers. This is the first Tiger Reserve in the world to have successfully relocated tigers………….more