Alwar Tourism (2019) - Rajasthan > Top Places, Travel Guide

Alwar Tourism

Alwar is the first major city that comes while travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan and is uniquely located at 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a hub of tourism with a wide range of forts like Bhangarh fort, lakes, nature reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve and heritage havelis. Apart from being a popular tourist centre, Alwar also draws pride from its reputation of being featured in a number of Bollywood movies. It is also famous for the Mega Alwar Trade fair held at Dussehra Ground every year and handmade Papier-mâché (literally 'chewed paper'). Alwar has a unique recognition because of Sariska Tiger Reserve, Bala-Quila, Bhangarh Fort, Pandu Pol and other temples and its importance of the food map because of the heavenly Kalakand.

Surrounded by Aravali hills, Alwar is a pretty city of rich culture and heritage. Not very famous among tourists, Alwar has retained its charm from the past. The majestic fort, beautiful City Palace and the colorful markets make Alwar one of the most interesting cities in Rajasthan. Alwar has been one of the oldest of Rajasthani Kingdoms and one of the first Rajput states to align itself with the British empire. Alwar is most famous for two things - its milkcake ('Alwar ka mawa') and its fort. The city comes under the NCR region and forms for a great weekend getaway from New Delhi - as Alwar is a small beautiful and peaceful place with no pollution. Among other reasons to Alwar is to visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve and the mysterious Bhangarh Fort.

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Matsya Festival

The Matsya Festival of culture is an integral part of Alwar’s pride and heritage. Held in November (subject to changes), the festival is a 2-day long festival is a celebration of Rajasthan’s traditional values, cultures and prosperity. The Matsya Festival is famous for its colourful processions, cultural performances, art exhibitions and more. It also covers and an array of sporting events and activities such as paragliding, hot air balloon rides and more. The magnificent presence of Alwar's forts, palaces, lakes and forests provide an excellent setting for this grand celebration.

History

In 1106 Vikrami Samvat (1049 CE), the King of Amer founded the city of Alpur under his own name, which eventually became Alwar. Different Rajput sub-clans henceforth ruled this place from time to time, examples of which include Khanzada Rajputs, Nikumbh Rajputs, Badgujar Rajputs and finally Naruka Rajputs. A Rajput, Pratap Singh took over the possession of the Alwar fort from Jat Raja of Bharatpur on an agreement and laid the foundation of the modern Alwar, which became a princely state during colonialism. On 18th March 1948, the state merged with 3 neighbouring princely states- Bharatpur, Dholpur and Karauli. On 15th May, Alwar was added to neighbouring princely states and the territory of Ajmer to form modern-day Rajasthan. It was also designated as a part of the National Capital Region, thus initiating rapid development.

A unique blend of royalty and wildlife

Founded by rulers from the majestic province of Amer, Alwar is a glorious witness to the majestic rule of the Rajputs, followed by Marathas & Jats respectively. Interestingly, Alwar is also famous for being the birthplace of one of the last few Hindu Emperors of India, Hemu, apart from being the inventors of the famous sweet dish, Kalakand. Not only this, Alwar is also equally famous for the nearby Sariska wildlife sanctuary, which houses some of the rarest breeds of the endangered tigers.

Restaurants and Local Food in Alwar

Alwar is the home of Alwar ka mawa (milk cake) and Kalakand. These sweets are the definition of Ajmer's cuisine and you just don't visit Ajmer without trying these. While these sweets are unique to the town, it offers you a wide and rich range of popular Rajasthani preparations and snacks. The town's menu comprises of Puri, Dal Bati Choorma, Rabdi, Lassi, Gatte ki Sabzi and much more.
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Suggested Itinerary

Day 1- Start early at about 6 am. Reach Neemrana Fort Palace-the magnificent palace turned hotel built which is a perfect blend of classical and modern architecture, with sprawling wings and terraces. Proceed to Bala Quila, also known as Alwar fort, situated at 300 m above the city. This classic architecture is combined with a lot of historical significance which makes it a tourist favourite. Visit City Palace - the perfect blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, another major tourist attraction. The highlight of this palace are the four entry gates- Laxman Pol, Suraj Pol, Chandigarh Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate. Beyond these gates lies an open gate with Krishna temples on all sides. Visit Kesroli Hill Fort- sitting atop rare and dark Breccia rocks, the fort is responsible for breathtaking views from its ramparts which rise to 55-60 m. Overnight stay at Alwar.

Day 2- Start early at about 5am. Visit Sariska Tiger Reserve for safari. Sariska is one of the more popular wildlife destination in Rajasthan and is among the 28 tiger reserves in the country. Embark on a safari. Proceed to Bhangarh Fort, ranked among the most haunted places in India. In the end, visit Siliserh Lake and Palace, famous for its picturesque view and being home to a large number of migratory birds.

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Holidify's Opinion

What's Great?

Alwar is mainly famous for its cuisine, culture, and wildlife.

What's Not So Great?

Extremely hot in summers and extremely cold in winters. The place is a little polluted. Finding non-vegetarian food can be difficult.

For Whom?

Alwar is ideal for both wildlife and history loving tourists. Also suitable for backpackers from places like Jaipur, Jodhpur etc.

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How To Reach Alwar

Delhi Airport is the closest to Alwar (163 km). You can easily take a cab from Delhi. Alwar is well connected to major nearby cities via bus service as well. Train connectivity is good too. The train ride to Alwar is nice as it has picturesque views to offer. Also, it is on the heritage route - the majestic Palace-On-Wheels running through here.

From Delhi

166 km

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From Jaipur

160 km

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From Gurgaon

128 km

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Q. I am from Delhi. Planning to visit Alwar with two kids aged 4 years. Kindly guide the places to visit and process of booking for the safari

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Alwar Reviews

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Kovid Kapoor 1 year ago

- Carry sun screen lotion, sun glasses, umbrellas, etc.
- Carry light clothing during summers and appropriate woolens during winters.
- Be careful in the Sariska reserve and abide by the rules there.
- Quite a few restaurants do not accept card payments. So carry cash along.

Jitendra Motilal 9 months ago

this is one of the best place to visit if you are in nearby Delhi alwar is good city apart from this there are lots of place in Rajasthan for travel "link hidden"

Sanjana Chawla 1 year ago

Sariska National Park is situated in Alwar, Rajasthan and can be reached by car after a 7-8 hour long drive. Being in Rajasthan, the national park is very humid and hot and it is advisable to wear cotton clothes and to travel light. This place might not be suitable for people allergic to dust and heat as the weather can make you feel very uneasy. You can spot the Bengal tiger or Indian leopard near the water ponds or in the bushes. Morning safaris and visits to the jungle are advised as the temperature comes down in the morning and it is very pleasant then. Monkeys, bores, antelopes, crocodiles, and jackals can also be spotted. You need to book online or purchase the safari tickets from the government booking centres to enter the national sanctuary. I visited Sariska in the last days of December and the days were hot even then, however the nights were cooler and soothing. Once you are done with the jungle safari, you can go for a small trip to the haunted Bhangarh fort or Alwar fort where you can engage in water activities like jet ski in the Alwar lake. Famous for its Rajasthani food, you can also relish the yummy kachodis and milk cakes which can be found in local shops. Travel light when going for the safari and keep yourself hydrated as the heat is scorching and you can fall sick due to negligence. Sariska sanctuary was good but the weather was quite unbearable. You can visit this place once, preferably in the colder months.

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