Bala
Quila (Alwar fort): This fort is a witness to many historical events.
Babur, the founder of the Mughal dynasty, spent a few days here and when he
left he took away the hidden treasurers for his son Humayun. Akabar's son,
Salim, later emperor Jahangir, lived here in exile for some time. The place
where the stayed is called Salim Mahal now in ruins. It was finally
conquered by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 AD. the fort is 595 metres above
the city and expends about 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to
west. It has 15 large and 51 small towers containing 446 openings for a
musketry. And eight large towers all around defend it.
There are
several gates namely Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol Chand Pol and Andheri
Gate. Though most of the structures are now in a sad state, their historical
significance is still important. There are the remains of Jai mahal,
nilkumbh Mahal Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples. The view of the
city below, from the watch towers of the batllements, is breathtaking.
City
Place or Vinay Vilas Mahal: Today it is more popularly known of the
Vinay vilas Mahal. The architecture of the palace is very traditional.
Constructed in late 18th century it has traces of both Rajput and Mughal
styles of architecture. The ground floor areas have now been converted into
Government offices and district courts. The palace museum is in one upper
apartment of the palace. .
Government Museum: The museum
probably has the richest collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings of the
18th and 19th centuries. There are some rare and precious ancient
manuscripts in Persian, Arabic, Urdu and Sanskrit. Notable amongst these are
'Gulistan' (the garden of roses), 'Waqiat-i-Baburi'(autobiography of the
Mughal Emperor Babur) and 'Boston' (the garden of spring). It also has a
copy of the Mahabharata painted by the artists of the Alwar School. Another
special collection hare is the collection of Indian armoury-rare diverse and
amazing. Behind the city palace are located other monuments worth a visit.
There are a few temples on the bank of 'Sagar' the artificial lake built by
Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1815 AD. A beautiful chhatri, unique in its style of
the unusual Bengali root and arches, also known as the Moosi Maharani Ki
Chhatri is situated in this area.
Purjan
Vihar (Company Garden): Originally known as Company Bagh later it was
changed to Purjan Vihar by Maharaja Jai Singh. The garden was laid out
during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868 AD. It has on enchanting
setting known as 'Simla in 1885 AD. The cool shades and lush greenery of
this well laid garden never let the heat of summer step in.
Moosi
Maharani ki Chhatri : This is an impressive cenotaph (Chhatri) on the
banks of Sagar, a beautiful lake. The cenotaph reflects the Indo-Islamic
style of architecture. The upper portion, which is in marble and has
columned pavilions and domed arches with exquisite floral tracery, rests on
the pillared red sandstone lower story. Mythological and court scenes in
fading gold-leaf pa inting and sculptures adorn the ceiling. The memorial is
rated as one of the finest in its class.
Vijay
Mandir Palace: 10km away, the royal residence, built by Maharaja Jai
Singh in 1918 AD overlooks a scenic rippling lake. A splendid temple of Sita
Ram is visited by devotees especially on the occasion of Ram Navami. Prior
permission from the Secretary is required to visit the palace.
Siliserh
Lake and Palce Hotel: It offers bewitching scenery. The twinkling ripples
covering 10.5 sq km is surrounded by thick wooded hills with beautiful
chhatris on the embankment. Cradled in the hills and overlooking the lake is
a magnificent royal Hunting Lodge/Place. It was built by Maharaja Vinay
Singh for this queen shilla in 1845 AD. Now it has been converted as Hotel
Lake Palace, a delightful spot for filmakers and water sports enthusiast.
Jai
Samand Lake: It is accessible by road as it is 6km from Alwar. It is a
large artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910. It makes an
excellent picnic spot during the rainy season with beautiful lush greenery
all around.
Sariska
National Park: It is 37 km away; nestling in a picturesque valley of
the Aravallis a forest comes to life. It pulses a beat of its own. The
nature's rhythm reveals wildlife in its own natural habitat. This sanctuary
established in 1955 AD, offers an exceptional opportunity to see a variety
of animals at a close range. There are tiger, nilgai, sambhar, cheetal,
fourhomed antelope and wild boar. The thick forests here are the dry
deciduous type and cover an area of 480 sq km. There is a spectacular palace
here built by Maharaja Jai Singh in houour of the Duke of Edinburgh where he
visited the sanctuary recently converted into hotel.
Read
MoreSAMBHAR SALT LAKE (100 kms.): This largest
salt lake in India, 20miles long and 2to7 miles wide, covers an area of 70
sq. miles. The lake fills during the monsoon and almost dries up in the
summer, uncovering a huge bed of salt. Many migratory birds also flock here.
Thousands of flamingows flock here during the winter months from October to
January.