Alwar is nested between a cluster of small hills of the Aravalli range. Formerly known as Mewat, Alwar was once an important Rajput state. 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 the Sultan of Delhi, Balban (1267-87) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslims rule. In the 18th century Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kachhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur's rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own. It was one of the first Rajput states to ally itself

with the fledgling British Empire. Apart from its history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar is now the base to visit the one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan - the Sariska National Park.

Places to See ...

Bala Qila - is the imposing fort with its 5km of ramparts that stands 300m above the city. Predating the time of Pratap Singh, it is one of the few forts in Rajasthan built before the rise of the Mughals. It is a forbidding structure with numerous towers and gates.

City Palace & Museum - below the fort sprawls the City Palace complex. It has massive gates and a tank lined by a beautifully symmetrical chain of ghats and pavilions. An 18th century palace harmoniously blending the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. Today, most of the complex is occupied by government offices, but there is also an interesting Government Museum. Exhibits include Mughal and Rajput painting dating back to the 18th and 19th centuries, rare manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit, stunning weapons and musical instruments.

Around Alwar ...

Siliserh

located about 20km southwest of Alwar is a Palace built by Alwar's Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845. It is in a dramatic location, overlooking a picturesque lake. The palace has now been converted into a hotel. It is an idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and beautiful cenotaphs on the embankment of the placid lake. Boating and sailing facilities are available.

Sariska

located about 35km from Alwar, this 800 sq. km thickly wooded reserve is cradled in the picturesque valley of the Aravallis. Thickly forested hill slopes with vertical cliffs dominate the landscape of Sariska. The terrain is basically undulating with some wide plateau lands separating the valleys. The fauna to be seen are, apart from the tiger are sambar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar and common langur. Water holes have been created at number of spots that act as the nerve centers of the sanctuary. Bird life to be seen here includes partridges, peacocks,

fowls, pigeons, quails, sand grouse, parakeets, eagle and vultures.

Established under Project Tiger, the park also contains ruined temples as well as a fort and pavilions built by the Maharaja of Alwar. The sanctuary can be visited year round though the best time to visit is between November to June...

Sariska Palace was built as a hunting lodge by the Maharajas of Alwar. Presently, it has been converted into a heritage hotel.