The city of Alwar called, ‘The Tiger Gate of Rajasthan’ is surrounded by the Aravalli mountain range. Alwar gives the appearance of being carved out of the surrounding rocks, while luxuriant deciduous forests and shimmering lakes dot the hills. These forests and basins are home to numerous species of birds as well as animals and provide a majestic backdrop to the city. Alwar travel gives one an opportunity to see some historic sites that are redolent with the traces of a regal era.

History

Alwar is full of marvels of heritage architecture. It is the oldest city of the Rajput era and its heritage dates far back to the kingdoms of Viratnagar, which flourished in 1500 BC, It was also known by the name of Matasya Desh. The sightseeing tour in Alwar is an architectural delight. There are several forts and palaces with amazing intricate designs, which are breathtaking.

Alwar was one of the few regions, which resisted conquest by the numerous rampaging armies that rolled through the history of Rajasthan. Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D - 1287 A.D) won the battle for Alwar and brought the area under Muslim rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the Jaipur dynasty won back Alwar and founded an independent principality.

Sightseeing

Travel in Alwar is incomplete without visiting the renowned Bala Quila, which is a prominent landmark. The fort is situated at 595 m above the city, on a hill. Bala Quila has 15 large and 51 small towers and another attraction is the Nikumbha Mahal Palace embellished with marble columns and latticed balconies. The fort has six gates, and is an indispensable sightseeing attraction in Alwar.

In 1793 A.D. Raja Bakhtawar Singh built the City Palace, which is a fusion of Rajput and Mughal architecture. It has a central courtyard with marble pavilions set on a lotus base. The magnificent building is now the office of the district collectorate and also houses several government offices. A part of the City Palace has also been made a museum, which has a rare collection of Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. One can also view armoury, musical instruments, miniature paintings, exquisite brass and pottery work and other handicrafts from different parts of Rajasthan.

Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868 constructed the beautiful Purjan Vihar, which is also known as the Company Gardens. It is a popular picnic spot during the scorching summers.

Sariska Tiger Reserve

Alwar travel must include a visit to the famous Sariska Tiger Reserve, a wildlife sanctuary for the endangered species.