DESTINATION INDIA

Rajasthan (PART-XI)

Alwar

Alluring Alwar, set in the lap of Aravalli’s, presents a perfect postcard setting and seems to be carved out of jagged, craggy rocky outcrops. Alwar, among the Rajput principalities was the closest to imperial Delhi. People of this region were daring adventurers. They did not submit to alien rule; they rebelled. In 1771 A.D. , Pratap Singh , a Kachhawaha Rajput belonging to the same clan as the one which ruled Jaipur won Alwar from Mughals and founded a principality of his own. A historic and eminent fort guards its highest hill and is reminiscent of a regal way of life.
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, which is an excellent tiger country.

For historians and Heritage lovers Alwar is an ideal place where you can take a leisurely walk through the many forts and tombs that tells of a bygone era.

Places to see:

Bala Quila

 

Towering on a hill dominating the town, Bala Quila (young fort) has a magnetic beauty that bound the people. This imposing fort, with its 5km ramparts, stands 300m above the city, its fortifications hugging the steep incline. Predating the time of Pratap Singh, it's one of the few forts in Rajasthan built before the rise of the Mughals, who used it as a base for attacking Ranthambhore.
Now in ruins, unfortunately, the fort houses a radio transmitter station and can only be visited with permission from the superintendent of police.

City Palace

City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal, Alwar, was set up by Raja Bakhtayar Singh in 1793 A.D. It is a perfect blend of Indo Islamic architecture. This imposing structure has a central courtyard has a lotus flower base constructed in marble.City Palace represents a concoction of Rajput and Mughal styles. Perched atop the hill is an ancient and derelict fort that is taken to be the landmark of the city. 

The Museum

Government Museum housed in City Palace, Alwar was established in 1940 by the then ruler.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

is a spectacular five storied tomb with massive dome. The dome reflects a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. The tomb is located amid lush green landscapes and the greenery adds on to the beauty of this medieval building.
Fateh Jung was a minister of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and related to the Khanzada rulers of Alwar. 

Purjan Vihar (Company Garden)

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 and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.