Day 67 - Alwar

Alwar is referred as the gateway to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan. Alwar has its own heritage, which goes back to the mythological legends of the Mahabharata. Alwar has had a chequered history and has been a witness to many rules and rulers. It offers the traveler various sites of historical importance.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 interferences and daringly resisted all foreign invasions. In the 12th and 13th centuries, they formed a group and raided Delhi. But finally, Sultan Balban (1267 AD - 1287 AD) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslim rule. In 1771 AD, 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 valleys thickly wooded in parts.Alwar is predominantly inhabited by Yaduvanshi Ahirs. The hamlet has architectural forts built by Rajputs. Alwar was historically known as Matsya Desh, where the Pandavas spent an exile of thirteen years. A member from the Kuchh family laid the foundation of the city called Amber.


How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest airport to Alwar is Jaipur which is about 148 km.

By Rail: Alwar is on the broad gauge network of the western Railways. It has convenient connections from Delhi and Jaipur. An exciting and exotic train runs from Delhi to Alwar. It is the famous Fairy Queen, which is the oldest running steam locomotive in the world. The hospitality and the luxury of this train are exceptional.


Best time to visit: October to March.


Languages spoken: Rajasthani, Hindi.


Must eat: Bajre ki roti, Lahsun ki chutney,Milk-Cake.


Famous Restaurants: Prem Pavitra, Indralok, Dawat, Narulas, Thali House.


Places you must visit:

Bala Quila meaning the ‘young fort’, also known as the Alwar For,built on a hill, about 1960 feet above the sea level, stands majestically 1000 feet above the city of Alwar.The fort was built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550 A.D. It passed from the Mughals, to the Marathas, to the Jats, till it was finally captured by the Kuchhwaha Rajputs. The fort, from north to south is about 5 kms. long and is about 1.5 kms. wide. There are six entrances to the fort which are, Chand Pol, Suraj Pal (named after Raja Surajmal of Bharatpur), Jai Pol, Kishan Pol, Andheri Gate and Laxman Pol. It is said that Pratap Singh  the founder of Alwar state used Laxman Pol for entering the fort forth first time.The ancient Hindu scriptures, the Puranas, dictate that a fort depicts the strength of a king. Bala Quila embodies this old saying and it represents the might and valor of the Rajput rulers. The all-embracing fortifications extend to a large area and with in that expansion we can see so many minarets and fabulous mansions.

The ruins of Bhangarh paint a picture of the ancient kingdom that once flourished here. Founded in 1631 by Madho Singh, Younger brother of the famous Man Singh of Amer, this town of about 10,000 dwellings was suddenly abandoned due to reasons clothed in mystery. Particularly noteworthy is the town planning  castle hierarchy, market system and the charming beauty of several temples.

The City Palace was built in the Rajput and Mughal styles  in 1793 AD by Raja Bhaktawar Singh. The architecture of the city palace consists of marble pavilions with bases made of lotus flower in the large central courtyard.There is a collection of various artworks, trinkets, the Maharaja’s personal belongings, emerald cut drinking cup, etc. Most of the articles from the collection have been shifted into the museum and the palace houses the District Collectorate and many other government offices.







The Government Museum in Alwar has a widespread collection of the history of the region, which was ruled by Mughal and Rajput kings.Paintings and writings on palm leaves by kings and scholars can be seen in the museum. The battles and the weaponry used in them have been depicted in paintings and drawings and there is also a collection of weapons used in those days.Various kinds of Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts, musical instruments, bidri work, stuffed animals, miniature paintings, pottery and brass work, etc. which have been brought from far off places like Ceylon and Bengal can be seen in the Government Museum. Ivory work and lacquered sculptures are also some of the collections.The Government Museum was formed post independence by converting a part of the City Palace, which also houses a number of items from the palace itself.





Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is a tomb of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh and his queen Rani Moosi, which was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. This tomb is built on pillared sandstone.The elephant structured design is the special feature of the tomb. The cenotaph is made in the Indo-Islamic architectural style which was the prevalent design at the time. Designs include floral tracery, marbled and columned pavilion and domed arches.Gold leaf paintings and sculptures are filled in the ceiling and paintings from mythology and court scenes are aplenty. The Chhatri is located in a surrounding full of greenery and variety of flowers in the garden which is located on the banks of Lake Sagar.



Jaisamand Lake is presently a picnic spot. Along the banks are many shaded pavilions and towers built on lotus shaped bases. Jaisamand Lake is the second largest artificial lake in Asia, and was built with the purpose of catching the watershed rain water to prevent it from flowing into Ruparel River.There is an island in the middle of the lake, full of grass and sprawling lawns. In the old days, it was used to hold parties by the kings and queens. During the monsoon season, the lake is filled with gushing water.



Purjan Vihar was earlier known as the Company Gardens. This garden serves presently as a picnic spot. Built during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868, Purjan Vihar has a portion where there is a canopy of trees not allowing any sunlight to enter, thus keeping the surroundings cool.

Vijay Mandir Palace was built in 1918 by Maharaja Jai Singh with a congregation of 105 highly ornamented rooms. Adjoining the palace is the Vijay Sagar Lake, where the reflection of the palace is seen in its entirety.A garden area with flowers and trees surround the palace building where migratory birds and water fowls can be seen. It is said that the palace was designed like a ship by Maharaja Jai Singh. There is a temple inside the premises dedicated to Lord Rama and his wife Sita, which is thronged by devotees during Ram Navami.

The tomb of Fateh Jung is dedicated to Fateh Jung, who was a minister in the court of Shah Jahan. He was a descendant of the Khanzada rulers of Alwar. This monument is also known as Fateh Jung Ki Gumbaj.This five storied monument was built in the Islamic and Hindu Rajput architectural style with the cenotaph or the dome being recognised as an artistic marvel. Surrounding the tomb is a large garden area.



Sariska Palace was built in 1892 - 1900 as a hunting camp by the erstwhile ruler of the Alwar is now a luxury hotel.








Siliserh Lake forms the backdrop of Siliserh Palace, which has presently been converted into a heritage hotel. Built in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh, the Siliserh Lake has a number of domed cenotaphs. Lot of migratory birds arrive at the Siliserh Lake which is located within the forested inclines of the Aravalli Hills.During the days of the maharajas, the garden palace of Maharaja Vinay Singh was watered with the waters from Siliserh Lake through long pipes.




Jain temple dedicate to the eighth Tirthankar (great teacher) Shri Chandra Prabhu Bhagwan can be seen here. It has elaborate carvings and paintings, exquisite pillars and arches.



Bhartrihari  is a  pilgrimage centre which revolves around the legend of King Bharathari who wandered about in exile. In this region in penance for his suspicions against his younger brother Vikramaditya (renowned king of Malwa).



Neelkanth  is very well compensated by an overwhelming view of ruins of several ten centuries old, fabulously carved temple which stand studded on a small hillock surrounded on all sides by forest covered hills. Particularly remarkable is the highly venerated Shiva temple where worship is done even today and the single stone giant structure of 23rd Jain Tirthankar locally known as "Nogaza".







Pandupol - A trip through the sanctuary forest follows the trail of th Pandava brothers to a rock-wall through which the strong Bhim created a passage for their escape from the Kauravas. This forested glen has a narrow stream and deep waterholes.





Sagar is a beautiful tank located just behind the City palace and just below the fort.The tank has a flight of steps leading to its bottom and is surrounded by 12 chhatris or cenotaphs built of red marble slabs.



Talvraksh is an enchanting site where pilgrims bathe in hot spring. Langoors (apes) stroll about and the bells of the scattered temples tinkle all day long. It was the place of penance of Mandav Rishi.