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.
Sariska (37km)
The 765.80 sq km thickly wooded reserve cradled in the picturesque valley of Aravalli’s. Established in 1955, it is an excellent tiger sanctuary under the project Tiger. The dry deciduous forest of the Reserve are noted for their population of tiger, nilgai Sambhar, cheetal, four horned antelope and wild boar.
Siliserh Lake and Palace Hotel (13km)
An ideal picnic spot with enhancing landscape of wooded hills and beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the 10.5sq.km placid lake. A magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 A.D. for his queen Shila stands overlooking the lake. Now converted as the Hotel Lake palace. It offers boating and sailing facilities and is a delight for the trigger-happy photographs and film makers.
Vijay Mandir Palace (10km)
A splendid palace built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1981 A.D. A picturesque lake overlooking the palace makes it a fascinating sight. A fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number of devotees, especially during Ramnavami. One needs prior permission form the secretary to visit the palace.
Sariska Palace
A Marvelous palace was built here by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honor of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the sanctuary. Presently, it has been converted into a hotel-Sariska palace, RTDC Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent accommodation at Sariska. The best time to drive in the sanctuary is form sunrise till sunset.
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.
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. by Maharaj Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks. A marvelous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known as the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is situated in this area.
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.
Vinay Vilas Mahal
An 18th century palaces harmoniously blending the Rajput and the Mughals styles of architecture while the ground floors have been converted into government offices and district courts the upper apartment is presently a museum.
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 under the a Muslim rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchwaha 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, which is an excellent tiger country.
General Information about Alwar
Area : 44.76sq.mm
Climate : Summer : 37.00C 24.00C
Winter : 31.00C 11.00C
Rainfall : 62cms.
Best Season : September-February
Clothing : Summer Light tropical Winter Light woolen
Language : Rajasthan, Hindi, English.