Alwar city is located in the northeastern part of the state of Rajasthan. It lies 170 km south of Delhi and is 150 Km from Jaipur. It is flanked by the barren hills of the Aravali range. 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.
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.Apart from its long history, the city has a rich natural heritage with some beautiful lakes and picturesque valleys thickly wooded in parts. Some of the finest variety of birds and animals are spotted here. Alwar has one of the finest wild life sanctuaries in Rajasthan-Sariska, which is an excellent tiger country.
Area of Alwar : 44.76 sq km (approx.)
Altitude of Alwar : 268 mts (aprox.)
STD Code of Alwar : 0144
Best time to visit Alwar : September-February
Languages Spoken in Alwar : Hindi, Rajasthani and English
Climate in Alwar : The average temperature in summers is quite high (from April to June). The maximum mean temperature is around 38° Deg C. The winters in Alwar stretch from November to February and are generally cold.
Alwar Tourist Attractions :
Sariska Tiger Reserve : This is the nearest Tiger Reserve and spans over 800 kms of forests. The wildlife parks comes under Project Tiger Reserve. The tiger reserve is a home to some of the best known wildlife sanctuaries.
Tomb of Fateh Jung : This spectacular tomb has a massive dome which is a fine blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. Fateh Jung was a minister of Mughal emperor shah and related to Khanzada rulers of Alwar.
Bala Quila (The Fort) : Bara Quila, the fort, is known for its history which tends to come from Mughal rulers.
Vinay Vilas Mahal (the palace complex) : Vinay vilas is the palace complex which is situate below the fort and some of its parts have been converted into a Government office. The Palace dates back to 18 the centuary and is a perfect combo of Rajput and Mughal architecture.
Government Museum : You can locate an array of Mughal and Rajput painting here. You have the rare art objects and miniature writings. The museum remain closed to the public on Fridays and on public holidays.
Alwar- School of Arts : Alwar was a buzzing centre of literary activities in the past, inspiring a great number of poets and writers. A school of miniature painting also thrived here, ample proof of which lies in the Government Museum. As for handicrafts, you could try the pretty glass-bangles or colourful saris (the long piece of cloth cleverly worn by Indian women) that are dished out by local artisans. A handful of them practice the unique craft of double-sided dying; they dye one side of a sari in one colour and the other side in another colour, without the slightest mix of colours. In fact, these dyers are among the best in the country. The artisans also make brilliantly dyed pagris (turbans). Another important craft of Alwar which needs to be mentioned is kagazi. These are unique paper-thin pots crafted from roots of plants with beautiful patterns carved into their delicate double walls.
Shopping in Alwar :
Alwar is 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
Accommodations in Alwar :
There are a number of Hotels in Alwar to cater to the accommodation needs of the travelers and tourists in the city. Alankar Hotel, Amanbagh, Ankur Hotel, Aravali Hotel, Ashoka Hotel, Atlantic Hotel, Hotel Alwar, Hotel Maharaja Palace, Imperial Hotel, Jhankar Hotel, Neemrana Fort Palace, Shakti Tourist Complex, The Hill Fort, Mayur Hotel, Natraj Hotel, Hotel Saroop Vilas Place, Hotel Amrit Resort, Hotel Kothi Rao, Indralok Hotel.
How to Reach Alwar :
By Air : Delhi is the nearest airport from Alwar, 163 Km away.
By Train : Alwar is very well connected to Delhi, Jodhpur, Mumbai and other popular tourist cities of India by rail.
By Road : Alwar is connected to most of the tourist destinations and towns of Rajasthan like Sariska, Bharatpur and Jaipur. Delhi is 163 Km away from Alwar.
