The city of Alwar is known as The Tiger Gate of Rajasthan. Enclosed by the Aravallis, Alwar gives the appearance of being carved marvelously out of rocks. Flourishing deciduous forests and lakes covers the hills. These forests and basins serve as a home to numerous species of birds as well as animals. Situated amongst such beauty, the city proves to be a delight to the eyes. Alwar travel & tourism will find you gazing at some prehistoric and historic sites that are an archaeologist’s delight.

Alwar, among the Rajput principalities was the closest to imperial Delhi. People of this region were daring adventurers. They did not submit to alien rule; they rebelled. In 1771 A.D. , Pratap Singh , a Kachhawaha Rajput belonging to the same clan as the one which ruled Jaipur won Alwar from Mughals and founded a principality of his own. A historic and eminent fort guards its highest hill and is reminiscent of a regal way of life.

Architectural wonders dot the city and leave you mesmerized. Ironically, Alwar in Rajasthan, India is the oldest as well the newest kingdom of the Rajputs. It is the oldest because its customs date far back to the kingdoms of Viratnagar, which flourished around 1500 B.C. Also known by the name of Matasya Desh. In this city, the Pandavas (heroes of Mahabharata) spent the last year of their exile of 13 years. It is believed that a member of the Kachh family belonging to Amber founded the city of Amber.

The city is an architectural delight. The numerous forts and palaces with their intricate decorations take away your heart. Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some the tranquil lakes, grand hunting lodges, archeologically importance sites, numerous varieties of birds and animals, etc, make this city a must see on a tour of Rajasthan. Alwar has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sarika, which is an excellent tiger country

Alwar, in Rajasthan is a very popular holiday destination, mainly because of the diversity it has to offer. There are so many colors and such variety in this place that one is amazed to find such a rich treasure of traditions and culture in one place. If you want to enjoy the traditional Rajasthani hospitality and warmth, then travel to Alwar and experience the true India.

History of Alwar in Rajasthan, India 

It is nested between clusters 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 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 Bulban (1267 A.D - 1287 A.D) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslims rule. In 1771 A.D. Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput belonging to the clan of Jaipur’s rulers, won back Alwar and founded a principality of his own.

The Alwar state may be said to have been formed as a separate, independent state when Rao Pratap Singh, its founder, first raised his standard over the Alwar Fort on November 25th 1775.During his rule the then districts of Thanagazi, Rajgarh, Malakhera, Ajabgharh, Baldeogarh, Kankwari, Alwar, Ramgarh and Lachhmangarh, and areas around Behror and Bansur, were finally integrated to form the State. As the State was being consolidated, naturally, no definite administrative machinery could have come into being. At the time, the states revenue was between six to seven lakhs of rupees per annum.

The next ruler Maharao Raja Bakhtawar Singh(1791-1815) also devoted himself to the work of extension and consolidation of the terriotory of the State. He was successful in integrating the pargannahs of Ismailpur and Mandawar and the talukas of Darbarpur, Rutai, Nimrana, Mandhan, Beejawar and Kakoma in the Alwar State. Maharao Raja Bakhtawar Singh rendered valuable services to Lord Lake, during the latter's campaign against Marathas, in the battle of Laswari, in Alwar territory when the State troopes assisted him in finally breaking the Marathas and Jat powers.

As a result, in 1803, the First Treaty of Offensive and Defensive Alliance was forged between Alwar State and the East India Company. Thus, Alwar was the first princely State in India to enter into Treaty Relations with the East India Company. But in his time also, the State Administration was very imprefect and cases of loot and dacoity, even in broad day light, were not infrequent. The State was borrowing money from outside as its finances were poor and mismanaged. Most of the land revenue was use to pay back the loans and, at times, the farmeres were put to hardship The State was heavily indebted when the next ruler Maharao Viney Singh acceeded to the throne.

Maharao Raja Viney Singh (1815-1857) suppressed the social anarchy and was to a great extent, successful in stabilising the general conditions in the State. It was in his time that the Alwar State administration began to take shape. According to the Imperial Gazetter of India, " The Government had previously been carried on without any system. But with the aid of certain Musalmans introduced from Delhi and appointed ministers in 1838, great changes were made. The land revenue began to be collected in cash instead of kind and civil and criminal courts were established."

Maharao Raja Viney Singh died in 1857 and was succeeded by his son Sheodan Singh (1857-1874). He was then a boy of twelve. He at once fell under the influence of the Mohammedan Dewans of Delhi. Their proceedings excited an insurrection of the Rajputs in 1858, in which several of the Dewan's followers were killed and the ministers themselves were expelled from the State. Captain Nixon, the Political agent of Bharatpur, was at once despatched to Alwar who formed a Council of Regency. A Panchayat was formed with three members to administer the State but it could not succeed. Captain Impey came to Alwar as the next Political Agent in November, 1858. His tenure of that office continued till the end of 1863, during which he succeeded in re-organising every branch of the administartion. The system of fixed cash assessment was introduced. The annual revenue of the State was fixed at Rs. 14,29,425 and work was started on a three years settlement for the State. After the completion of this settlement, Major Impey started work on the ten year settlement in the State and the annual revenue was fixed at Rs. 17,19,875.

Maharao Raja Sheodan Singh assumed ruling powers on 14th September,1863 and soon after, the agency was abolished. But the administration soon fell back into the hands of old Dewans who still had links with the ruler. In 1870, the disbanding of the Rajput cavalry and the wholesale confiscation of Jagir, grants the extravagance of the chief and his Mohammedan sympathisers, brought about a general uprising of the Rajputs with the result that the British government had again to interfere. Captain Blair, the then Political Agent for the Eastern States tried to bring about a reconciliation but failed. Major Cadell was then appointed the Political Agent in 1867 and,with the sanction of the Government of India, a council of Management was formed with the Political Agent as President, the Maharao Raja having a seat in the Board. Personnel of administration was changed and the whole administartion was cleaned. A new Department of Engineering was started. Tehsildars were entrusted with more civil and criminal powers. They were empowered to impose fines upto Rs. 20 and a month's imprisonment. In 1871, the Kotwali was established for the security of the city. The next year work on the 16 year settlement began. Tax on the british rupee was abolished and Rao-Shai coins were put out of circulation. British copper coins were introduced in the State in 1873 and length and weight measures of yard and seer were also brought into use. Postal management was improved and the letters from Tehsils which previously, took three daysto reach the capital, now came within twelve hours. An independent department called `Appeals' was brought into being for hearing appeals against decisions of lower courts. The railway line from Delhi to Bandikuipassing through Alwar, was laid in 1874.

Mangal Singh the next ruler (1874-1892), was also a minor when he succeeded to the throne of Alwar State and the State continued to be administered by the Political Agent and the Council of Regency till December, 1877 when he was invested with ruling powers. The hereditary title of Maharaja was bestowed on him in the year 1889. In 1877, he had entered into the contract with the British Government under the Native Coinage Act of 1876 according to which silver coins bearing the Alwar device were to be supplied by the Calcutta Mint. The troops in the State were re-organised in November,1888 under the guidance of Colonel (then Major) O.Moore Creagh, whose services had specially been lent for the purpose by the Government of India. The staff office was established in November, 1888 and Maharaja Mangal Singh himself supervised the re-organisation of military forces.

On his death in 1892, his only son,Jey Singh succeeded him. And it was in the times of Jey Singh that Alwar State gained name. Himself an able man, Maharaja Jey Singh turned Alwar into a very well administered State. He was a minor at the time of succession and hence the State administration was carried on by a council, called the State Council, acting under the general supervision of the Political Agent . The State Council was composed of four members and all the business of the administration was carried on by the members jointly under the advice and guidance of the Political Agent for the time being. The State Council exercised powers of a High Court, subject to the revising authority of the Political Agent. Revenue and Judicial appeals and cases were disposed off by the Council. The State administration was taking shape.

Following the independence of India in 1947, Alwar acceded unto the dominion of India. On March 18, 1948, the state merged with three neighbouring princely states (Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli) to form the Matsya Union. This union in turn merged unto the Union of India. On May 15, 1949, it was united with certain other princely states and the territory of Ajmer to form the present-day Indian state of Rajasthan.

Jai Dayal Yadav and Prime Minister of Matsya Union Shobha Ram Kumawat played a vital role in bringing education to the rural areas of Alwar after independence.

Rulers of Alwar state in Rajasthan, India

Pratap Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1775 - 1791) Rao Raja of Alwar
Bakhtawar Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1791- 1815) Rao Raja of Alwar
Bane Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1815 - 1857) Maharao Raja of Alwar
Sheodan Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1857 - 1874) Maharao Raja of Alwar
Mangal Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1874 - 1892) Maharaja of Alwar
Jai Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1892 - 1937) Maharaja of Alwar
Tej Singh Prabhakar Bahadur (1937-1971) Maharaja of Alwar
 
Etymology of Alwar in Rajasthan, India

The district is known after its headquarters town of Alwar. There are many theories about the derivation of the name Alwar. Cunningham holds that the city derived its name from the Salva tribe and was originally Salwapur, then, Salwar, Halawar and eventually Alwar. According to another school it was known as Aravalpur or the city of Aravali (A hill system dividing Rajasthan roughly into third and two-thirds).Some others hold that city is named after Alaval Khan Mewati. A research conducted during the reign of Maharaja Jey Singh of Alwar revealed that Maharaja Alaghraj, second son of Maharaja Kakil of Amer (old seat of Jaipur state) ruled the area in the eleventh century and his territory extended upto the present city of Alwar. He founded the city of Alpur in 1106 Vikrami samvat(1049 A.D.) after his own name which eventually became Alwar. It was formerly spelt as Ulwar but in the reign of Jey Singh the spelling was changed to Alwar.
 
Sightseeing and Excursions near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

There are numerous tourist attractions of Alwar worth seeing. Most of these places have some history attached to them. They bring alive the royal past of the city. Alwar contains many interesting and historical monuments. The city has a beautiful lake and a picturesque valley. The Sariska National Sanctuary is located in the Aravalli hills only a few kilometres away from Alwar. The sanctuary, which is a Project Tiger reserve, also boasts of many other species, including rare birds and plants.

The Bala Fort of Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Alwar, Rajasthan sightseeing tour must include the Bala Quila (young fort), dominating the skyline of Alwar. Constructed before the rise of the Mughal Empire, this huge fort with its ramparts stretches 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, stands 304 metres above the city and 595 metres above the sea level. Babar had spent a night at this fort and took away the hidden treasures as a 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. The fort was finally annexed by Maharaja Pratap singh in 1775 A.D. Bala Quila contains 15 large and 51 small towers, comprising of approximately 446 loopholes for the musketry. Other attractions of the fort include Nikumbha Mahal Palace at the top. The palace is adorned with Bengal caned marble columns and latticed balconies. The fort has six gates, namely Jai Pol (gate), Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Krishan Pol and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of Jal Mahal, Nikumbh Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples

City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal of Alwar in Rajasthan, India

The City Palace was built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh. It represents a intermingling of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard. Once this palace was part of the Maharajas ornate lifestyle and housed, among other things, a drinking cup cut out of a single emerald in its treasury and a mammoth, double storied four-elephant carriage in its stables. Today however the ground floors have been converted into government offices and district courts, the upper apartment is presently a museum.

Government Museum of City Palace Alwar in Rajasthan, India

The museum has the 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 roses) , Waqiat-I-Babri’ (autobiography of Mughal emperor Babar) and Bostan (the garden of spring) are some of the notable ones amongst the collection. It also has the copy of the great epic ‘Mahabharata’ painted by the artists of the Alwar School. Rich collections of the Indian armoury are among other exhibits of the museum. Timings 10.00 hrs. to 17.00 hrs. (closed on Fridays and gazetted holidays. Free entry on Monday.)

Sagar Lake and Purjan Vihar of City Palace Alwar in Rajasthan, India  

Behind the City Palace is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D. by Maharaja Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks. Inside the palace is a splendid chhatri, having Bengali roof and arches. It is known as Moosi Maharani ki chhatri. Located within this chattri is the Company garden, known as Purjan Vihar. 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 in 1885 A.D. The lush surrounding and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers. This scenic garden serves as a popular picnic spot during summers.

Sariska National Park (37 km) in Alwar, Rajasthan

Sariska Tiger Reserve is well nestled in the Aravali Hills covering 800 sq km area divided into the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, sheer cliffs and rocky landscape. Whether you want to have camel safaris, go out for shopping in the surrounding places, visit medieval palaces or wildlife watching; Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is the best place for you.
 
Nearly 90% of the area in the sanctuary is covered with dhok trees accommodating various wildlife species. A variety of other wild animals like the leopard, sambhar, chital, nilgai, four-horned antelope, wild boar, rhesus macaque, langur, hyena and jungle cats are found in the Sariska Tiger Reserve apart from the tiger. The Sariska National Park is home to India's largest population of peafowl, and harbours quail, sand grouse, golden- backed woodpeckers and crested serpent eagles, among other species. Also the Siliserh Lake on the edge of the park has a large number of crocodiles.
 
Sharp cliffs of hills and narrow valleys of the Aravallis dominate the landscape of Sariska, whose forests are dry and deciduous. The Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary houses the ruins of medieval temples of Garh-Rajor that date back to the 10th and 11th centuries. Also a 17th century castle on a hilltop at Kankwari provides a panoramic view of flying vultures and eagles. The Sariska was declared a sanctuary in 1955 and attained the status of a National Park in 1979.
 
Sariska park is home to numerous carnivores including Leopard, Wild Dog, Jungle Cat, Hyena, Jackal, and Tiger. These feed on an abundance of prey species such as Sambar, Chitel, Nilgai, Chausingha, Wild Boar and Langur.

Tiger sightings have become quite rare these days in India, reason being the Tiger killings because of its multitude of medicinal or magical properties that is why tiger trade is very profitable. Genuinely the tiger skin is not fashionable but the smuggling of Tiger fur coats and rugs are not difficult for the impoverished hunters. Even after the bans made by the government warning not to gather even wood from the former hunting grounds, poaching of tigers continue.
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Sariska Palace in Alwar, Rajasthan

A marvellous palace was built here by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honour of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the sancturary. Presently it has been converted into a hotel- Sariska Palace. Hotel Sariska Palace was constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar, located in Rajasthan, India, with an aim to serve as an ideal getaway to the wilderness of the forest lying nearby and also as a retreat for the nobles and the travelers to rest with the sonorous ditties of the folk singers and dancers in the evening. This imposing palace served as a hunting lodge for the maharajas for the years to come. It has now been converted into a heritage hotel with all the modern amenities like swimming pool, lawn tennis, table tennis, huge lawns to play cricket, football etc. Sariska Palace boasts of 85 rooms and suites, all airconditioned and divided into various blocks like Queens Corner, Lord's Corner etc. Based in a total of 100 acres its facade and lush green lawns even in the middle of Rajasthan are a treat to watch. Sariska Palace retains all it's regal charm and ambience to remind one of the times of Maharajas and the Raj. The Sariska Palace is right next  to the Sariska Wild Life  Sanctuary. Apart from these delights, Sariska Palace hotel also summons the tourists to nature walks and Sariska Wildlife tours in the nearby Sariska Wildlife sanctuary via jeep safaris or horse safaris for the more daring ones. Sariska can be easily reached within 4 hours form Delhi and 3 hours form Gurgaon.

Fairy Queen in Alwar, Rajasthan

It is the oldest working engine in the world. The engine was built in the year 1855 and acquired by the Eastern Indian Railways from a British firm. Now the train is one great means of transportation that departs from the Delhi encampment and reaches its destination at Alwar, in Rajasthan.

The train for its services has won National Tourism Award, which gives a reasonable idea about its importance as well the services rendered by it.

The train travel also comprises travel to the famous wildlife sanctuary of Alwar Sariska National Park. ‘

The train has air-conditioned coaches with the capacity for 50 passengers. The train also has a pantry and features on board catering. The railway department also organizes cultural programs at Sariska, which form a part of the travel. Trips to the wildlife sanctuary score an additional feature

For an peaceful weekend trip between Delhi and Alwar , the Fairy Queen comes to the rescue of those bored with the same old blase ways of traveling around the place.

The Indian Railways are the best option a tourist can ever have while traveling within India to get to know the cultural diversity of the country.

Indian tourism department has tried its level best to present the tourist with a time of their life while travelling in Fairy Queen and the attractions that come with the tour package is certainly hard to resist. First stop is the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan on the day when it departs from Delhi . After departing from Alwar the guests are taken to the Sariska Tiger Reserve for an over night stay. Accommodation provisions are done at the Heritage hotel Sariska Palace and for entertainment there are cultural programs and last but not the least Jeep Safari in the Tiger Sanctuary.

The Fairy Queen with the privileged ones abroad reaches the picturesque town of Alwar in Rajasthan the same day, from where the guests will be taken to Sariska Tiger Reserve for an overnight stay. Milkcake (a kind of sweet) made in Alwar is not only very famous in India but is also exported from the country.

Vijay Mandir Palace near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Vijay Mandir Palace, located 10 Km from Alwar, is a splendid palace was built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 A. D. The picturesque lake overlooking the Vijay Mandir 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 from the Secretary to visit the palace.

Siliserh Lake Palace near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

One of the famous Alwar excursions is the Siliserh Lake. It is an idyllic picnic spot with enchanting landscape of wooded hills and beautiful chhatris on the embankment of the 10.5 sq. km placid lake. Located almost 12 km to the southwest of the city of Alwar, this lake offers peace and serenity to its visitors. Siliserh Lake is surrounded by low hills and thick forest. It is a magnificient royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 A. D. for his queen Shila which 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 photographers and film makers.

Jai Samand Lake near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

A beautiful artificial lake, located 6 Km from Alwar and constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 A.D., is a popular spot for outing and picnics. During monsoons, sprawling greenery all around makes it a visual treat. It is easily accessible by road from Alwar.

Talvrakash near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Located on the Sariska-Alwar road, is a famous pilgrim spot, Talvrakash. A well-known Rishi, Mandav, underwent penance at this place. Pilgrims come to this place to take a dip in the hot sulphur springs. Surrounding Talvrakash are many temples and numerous langurs (apes) wandering about the place.

Bhartrihari Temple near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

The Bhartrihari temple is a prominent pilgrimage center. There is a cenotaph of the legend associated the place with King Bhartrihari, who abandoned the world 21 centuries ago. He roamed about in these parts in penance and even has his cenotaph here. Every year a fair is organized at the temple in the months of September/October.

Vijai Mandir Palace near Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Located almost 10 km from Alwar, is the Vijai Mandir Palace. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1981, the palace houses a Sita Ram Temple. Enhancing the scenic beauty of the palace is a lake, adjacent to it. However, the palace is not open to tourists and special permission has to be taken from the secretary for the purpose.

Neemrana Fort Palace of Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Neemrana Fort Palace of Rajasthan is situated in village Neemrana of Alwar district. Maharaja Devi Singh Ji got the Neemrana palace constructed in the year 1464 AD. The descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, defeated by Mohammad Ghauri in the battle of Tarain, found their third capital in Neemrana. Raja Rajdeo selected the venue for the fort palace of Neemrana. The village Neemrana derives its name from Nimola Meo, a brave local chieftain. After he got defeated in a battle against the Chauhans, he implored them to give his name to his lost kingdom.

The Neemrana fort palace has now been converted into a heritage hotel. One of the oldest heritage resorts in the country, Nimrana Fort Palace Hotel of Rajasthan is rich with ancient magnificence. Each and every room of the hotel has some historical story attached to it that gives the theme for the room. Some of the suites have been imparted with the titles like Sheesh Mahal, Chand Mahal, Surya Mahal, Barsat Mahal, etc. Neemrana Fort Palace Heritage Hotel of Alwar takes you down the memory lane and brings alive the regal splendor of the state.

The property covers 25 acres/10 hectares and the stepped palaces of this architectural jewel cut into the hillside to sprawl over 3 acres/1.2 hectares and rises to 10 levels commanding the most splendid views. Including a vista pool to the horizon. From 1986, the ruins of this Fort-Palace have been sensitively restored and reconstructed. The rooms are furnished with aneclectic mix of traditional Indian and colonial furniture, antiques and objets d'art. Most rooms have private balconies or terraces and the loos are designed to have views! It is Rajasthan's closest palace from New Delhi, situated at 122 kms. on the Delhi-Jaipur highway - only 100 kms from Delhi's international airport. Sited on a majestic plateau, concealed in a horseshoe formation of the billion year old Aravalli ranges.

Kesroli Hill Fort of Alwar in Rajasthan, India
 
The origins of the seven-turreted Hill Fort of Kesroli are traced back to over six centuries. It is reputed to have been built by the Yaduvanshi Rajputs, descendants of Lord Krishna, who converted to Islam in the mid - 14th century to be called Khanzadas. It subsequently changed hands, being conquered by the Mughals and the Jats before reverting to the Rajputs in 1775 when the princely state of Alwar was founded. It saw its golden period under the Ranawat Thakur Bhawani Singh (1882-1934), renowned for his equestrian skills.

Located in the heart of the 'golden triangle', Kesroli is almost equidistant from the tourist sites of Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. These include the Sariska tiger sanctuary, the Ghana bird sanctuary, Kankwadi fort, the mounments of Tijara, Rajgarh, Machari, Viratnager, Deeg, Bharatpur, the Jat mud fort of Govindgarh, the ancient city of Mathura and its renowned museum. The fort is situated on top of the rare, dark Hornstone Breccia rocks. The 50-65 m high fortifications of the fort offer some amazing views of the fields surrounding it.

The Kesroli hill fort, now converted into a heritage hotel, counts amongst the oldest heritage sites in India. Hill Fort Heritage Hotel, near Alwar, offers 22 rooms, fully equipped with all the modern facilities. The various activities that can be undertaken while at the hotel include playing cards, indoor and outdoor games, reading at the hotel's library, etc. Hill Fort Hotel of Rajasthan Kesroli also serves as the perfect base point for making a visit to the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, Kankwadi Fort, Jaisalmand Lake and the Alwar city, nearby.

Location and Transport of Alwar in Rajasthan, India

The district is situated in the north-east of Rajasthan between 27.57°  north Latitudes and 76.6° east Longitude. It has an average elevation of 271 metres (889 feet).Its greatest length from south to north is about 137 K.M. and greatest breadth from east to west about 110 K.M. Alwar is 150 Km from Jaipur and 170 Km from Delhi. It is bounded on the north and north-east by Gurgaon (of Haryana) and Bharatpur district and on the north-west by Mahendragarh district of Haryana, on the south-west by Jaipur and on the south by Sawai- Madhopur and Jaipur districts.
 
By Air:
The nearest airport to Alwar is Delhi Airport which is 163 kms away.

By Road:
Alwar can be easily reached by road as well. There are well-maintained roads linking it to tourism destinations like Delhi, Sariska, Bharatpur, Deeg and Jaipur.

By Rail:
The railway network connects Alwar with Delhi, Jodhpur, Mumbai and other important tourist cities of India. Good connection from prominient locations in and around the state. Some important trains connections are:   Shatabdi express (New delhi-Alwar-Ajmer), 
Superfast Express (Newdelhi-Alwar-Ajmer), Intercity Express(Jodhpur-Jaipur-Alwar-Delhi)   Marudhar Express(Jodhpur-Alwer-Varanasi), Mandore Express(Jodhpur-Alwar-Delhi).

Local Transport:
Unmetered Auto-rickshaws,cycle-rickshaws and tongas.

Facts about Alwar in Rajasthan, India

Alwar is a city in the Rajasthan state of western India. It is the administrative headquarters of Alwar District, and was formerly the capital of the princely state of Alwar or Ulwar in British India. The city is located around 160 km south of Delhi, and around 150 km north of Jaipur (Capital of Rajasthan). As of 2001 India census,  Alwar had a population of 260,245. Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Alwar has an average literacy rate of 73%, higher than the national average of 59.5%; with 59% of the males and 41% of females literate. 13% of the population is under 6 years of age.

Area : 44.76 sq. km.
Climate : Mean Max. Mean Min.
Summer : 37.0 degree C 24.0 degree C
Winter : 31.0 degree C 11.0 degree C
Rainfall : 62 cms.
Best Season : September-February
Clothing : Summer Light Tropical
                   Winter Light wollen
Languages : Rajasthani, Hindi, English.
Population  : 250,000
STD Code  : 0144
Tourist Information Centre: Tourist Office, Opp. Company Garden, Nehru Bal Vihar.

Shopping in Alwar
Alwar is known for its pottery and jewelry. Particularly the wafer-thin (kagzi) pottery is very famous and mainly comes from this town. Tourists can buy a lot of souvenirs and gifts for their friends back home. Alwar is also very famous for its exquisite silver jewelry and Rajasthani handicrafts. Among the many rich handicrafts of the city, the main ones are:
Terracotta statues
Carpets
Embroidered leather Mojris or Jutis
Bangles
Pottery
Apart from the shopping items, another specialty of Alwar is its delicious, especially the Palang Torh (the milk cake). A visit to Alwar must include a purchase of this mouth-watering delicacy of Alwar. Read on this Alwar shopping guide to explore more about the shopping attractions of this city.

Alwar shopping destinations have something for each and every person. Among many shopping places in Alwar, Rajasthan, the most famous ones are:
Hope Circus
Bazaza Bazaar
Saraf Bazaar
Malakhers Bazaar
Kedalgang Bazaar

Cuisine of  Alwar in Rajasthan, India

All kinds of food is available at Alwar. One can relish Rajasthani, Indian and Mughlai cuisine. While at Alwar, do not miss the chance to try Alwar Mawa, which is a sweetmeat, prepared with milk. There are numerous eateries and restaurants in the city that serve most kind of dishes.