The colorful and beautiful state of Rajasthan has different tales to narrate in its every corner. However, developed the state might have become the richness and the fragrance of its culture and heritage is always there. Alwar is also one such city which is located in the state of Rajasthan, having its own historical, cultural and religious significance. Though this city has often been sidelined as a popular tourist destination, it has a lot to offer to those who visit this city as tourists.
Surrounded by Aravali hills, Alwar city has a rich history. Majestic forts, vibrant wildlife and colourful markets make Alwar one of the most interesting cities in Rajasthan. This city is a great weekend getaway from Delhi NCR, Agra and Jaipur. Journey to this city is highly recommended by one’s own vehicle, since the far-flung places are not well connected by public transport. Considering the location of Alwar and its importance, I really wish that it could have been given more importance as a popular tourism hub. Let’s know more about some of the major attractions of Alwar district.
The Sariska Palace – The Sariska Palace was built in 1892 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh. This opulent palace spreads across 120 acres of lush green landscapes, compelling the onlooker to fall in love with its grandeur. The Maharaja built it right on the edge of Sariska National Park. It was built primarily as a hunting lodge to welcome the Duke of Connaught, son of Queen Victoria. it’s now a luxury hotel
Pandu Pol Hanuman Mandir – A trail through the Sariska sanctuary gate leads to this ancient temple which was once visited by the Pandavas. The temple’s tranquil surroundings are adorned with a majestic waterfall, adding a touch of natural beauty to its aura.
Baba Bhartrihari Temple – The Bhartrihari temple is more than 1000 years old and has the samadhi of Baba Bhartrihari who was the ruler of Ujjain. This temple is around 16 kilometers away from Sariska. Baba was a disciple of Guru Gorakhnath ji. A temple of Guru Gorakhnath ji is just behind this temple.
Neelkanth Temple – This temple of Lord Shiva was built between 6th to 9th century. It is located near the Sariska Tiger Reserve. Though most of the temple structure has been dilapidated due to various external factors, still its art and architecture will make you wonder of the craftsmanship of the skilled Indian workers of bygone era.
Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) – The Bala Quila is a towering fort that crowns a prominent hilltop overlooking the city of Alwar. This fort has 15 large and 151 small towers, which contain 446 musketry openings and eight bastions. It is a 1200-year-old fort, situated on the hilltop in the lap of Aravalis. This fort has 6 gates and a unique water harvesting system to conserve water. It represents rich flora and fauna. This fort has a safari as well.
Bhangarh and Ajabgarh – Situated in the Rajgarh area in the Alwar district, lying at the border of Sariska, are the forts of Bhangarh and Ajabgarh. Bhangarh is a haunted fort, with innumerable tales of spooky sounds and ghost sightings. It was built by the Kachwaha ruler of Amber, Raja Bhagwant Singh ji in 1573 CE, to serve as a residence for his younger son Madho Singh ji. This fort now holds the ruins of the palace, bazars and other broken structures.
The Ajabgarh village that is situated close by also has a crumbling fort, along with many beautiful abandoned havelis.
Vijay Mandir Palace – This palace is located just 10 kilometres of the Alwar Railway station. It is the royal residence of Maharaja Jai Singh. This sprawling palace constitutes 105 rooms that are well ornamented. It is surrounded by lush green gardens. This palace was built in 1918. There is a Sita Ram Mandir inside the temple which is visited every year during Ramanavami. The interiors of the palace are not open to the public as it is still under the control of the Alwar Royal family.
City Palace – This palace is a perfect blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. At present, the ground floor of this monument is used as a government office while the other floors have been turned into a museum. It is also called Vinay Vilas Mahal.
The Palace Museum (Government Museum) – This museum is located inside the city palace. Rare manuscripts, paintings, miniatures, sculptures and inscriptions are present in the museum and are important historical sources for the region. The collection of this museum has been arranged in three big halls.
Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri – ‘Chhatri’ is an elevated dome shaped porch, which is built to symbolize honor or pride. Rani Moosi committed sati. Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is a striking cenotaph of historical significance. This double-storeyed structure was built by Vinay Singh in honour of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his Queen Rani Moosi in the year 1815 AD. The interiors of the monument are ornamented with splendid carvings and astounding wall paintings. The complex also provides a visual treat to its tourists with hundreds of colourful birds and peacocks moving around the place.
The main city of Alwar has Hope Circus and Bajaja markets, Moti Doongri shrine, Company Bagh and Nehru Gardens. This city is well-known for its kalakand (milk cake), the play of Baba Bhatrihari, Matasya Festival (held over 2 days in November) and a few big industrial corridors.
The Sariska Tiger Reserve – The Sariska Tiger reserve is a huge jungle known for the tiger, wild boar, leopards, sambhar, deer, foxes and, chital etc. which inhabit this jungle. There are wildlife safaris from the Tehla Gate and Sariska Gate to visit this jungle in early morning and afternoon. Bird lovers visiting Sariska will be delighted as it has many species like the Indian peafowl, bush quail, tree pie and the Indian Eagle-Owl to name a few.
Fort at Neemrana is now a premier heritage hotel of Rajasthan ensuring that time-honoured structures are restored and preserved with authenticity to take you back to the medieval times.
The historical Dadhikar Fort (now a heritage hotel) was constructed approximately 1100 years ago in the 9-10th century as a residential camp. It was constructed right in the middle of thick forests surrounded by Aravali Hills by the deserted King Chand and his family. He was forced to leave his capital city Abhanagari (now Abhaneri) and live in the forests because everything he owned was lost in the massive floods at the time.
Nestled in the lap of the green hills of the Aravalli range, Alwar is home to beautiful palaces and forts from an era long gone. It is this splendour and exquisite architecture, along with the calm lakes, royal hunting chalets, dense jungles and a socio-cultural environment unlike any other that makes Alwar a traveller’s delight.