The Alwar Fort
The Fort
This huge fort with its ramparts stretching 5 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.
Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D finally annexed the fort. 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 Pole, Suraj Pole, Laxman Pole, Chand Pole, Kishan Pole and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples.
Related Travel Information
Alwar
Alwar : Rajasthan 150km from Jaipur and 170km 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 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
Taragarh or The Star Fort
Taragarh or The Star Fort Built in 1354 A.D., the fort is one of the most impressive forts of Rajasthan. Perched on a thickly wooded hill is a marvelous white fort with a huge reservoir which once supplied water to the palace. The Palace This magnificent edifice is a fine example of the Rajput architecture, housing some of the superb Bundi murals.
Jai Samand Lake : Alwar
Jai Samand Lake (6km) A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D. Popular spot for outings and picnics. During monsoons sprawling greenery all round makes it a visual treat. Easily accessible by road from Alwar.
Government Museums at Alwar
Government Museums The museum has finest collection of Mughal and Rajput painting dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries and some rare ancient manuscripts in Persian., Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit gulistan (the garden of rose) Waqiat-I-Babri (autobiography of the Mughal emperor Babar) and Bostan the garden of spring) are some of the notable once amongst the collection. It also has a copy of the great epic 'Mahabharata' painted by the artist of the Alwar school. A rich collection of the Indian armory is among other exhibits of the museum. Behind the city palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D.
Barmer Fort
Barmer Fort Perched on a rocky hill, the town has ruins of an old fort. Of interest are a temple dedicated to Balark (the sun) and the ancient ruins if Juna Barmer. The three Jain temples an inscription of 1925 A.D. and a massive pillar in the hall of the largest temple of maharaja Kula Sri Samanta Sinha Deva, a ruler of Bahadmera (Now Barmer) are also worth a visit.