Alwar is the first large city seen on the road from Delhi to Rajasthan, and it is situated 150 kilometres south of Delhi and 150 kilometres north of Jaipur. With castles like the Bhangarh fort, lakes, natural reserves such as the Sariska Tiger Reserve, and heritage havelis, Alwar is a tourist hotspot. Apart from being a major tourist destination, Alwar is also known for having been portrayed in a number of Bollywood films. It's also known for the Mega Alwar Trade Fair, which takes place every year in Dussehra Ground, and its handcrafted Papier-mâché (meaning "chewed paper"). Alwar is well known for its sweet recipe, Alwar ka Mawa.
Alwar, which is bordered by the Aravali hills, is a lovely city with a rich history and past. Alwar is one of Rajasthan's most interesting cities, with its stately fort, stunning City Palace, and vibrant markets. Alwar is one of Rajasthan's oldest kingdoms, as well as one of the first Rajput nations to join the British empire. The city transforms into a wonderful weekend retreat from New Delhi.

Matsya Festival

Alwar's dignity and heritage are inextricably linked to the Matsya Festival of Culture. The festival takes place in November (subject to change) and lasts two days. The festival is known for its vibrant processions, cultural events, and art exhibitions, among other things. It also includes a variety of sporting events and pastimes, such as paragliding and hot air balloon rides. Alwar's forts, castles, lakes, and forests create a stunning backdrop for this big festival.

Prepare to be awestruck by the past of Alwar

Alwar, formerly known as Ulwar, is one of Rajasthan's oldest districts. Despite the fact that it was found and created by a descendant of the Kachh family from Amber, it is thought to have originated as early as 1500 BC. For a long time, the city was dominated by the Rajputs, but then it passed into the hands of the Mughals. The city was acquired by the Rajputs and became part of the Mewat area during their administration. Bahadur Nahara, the king of Mewat, converted to Islam in order to appease the emperor in Delhi. His successors, on the other hand, did everything they could to keep the province out of the hands of Muslim monarchs.
According to legend, this was the scene of the legendary war between the Kauravas and the Pandavas, which is recorded in the Mahabharata epic. The Marathas, Mughals, Jats from Bharatpur, Nikumbha Rajputs, Kachhawaha, and the British were all drawn to Alwar because of its picturesque splendour. The territory was amalgamated with Dholpur, Bharatpur, and Karauli to establish the United State of Matsya after India's independence in 1947.

Alwar's local customs

• Cuisine: Alwar is famous for its milk cake, Alwar ka mawa, and Kalakand. While the town's sweets are unique, it also offers a large and varied selection of famous Rajasthani dishes and snacks. Puri, Dal Bati Choorma, Gatte ki Sabzi, Rabdi, Lassi, and more delicacies can be found on the menu.
• Culture: The three-day Alwar Festival, which takes place in February or March, is one of the city's most popular celebrations. During this time, a fair is also held. Some of the major events held during the festival include a flower exhibition, elephant polo, a fancy dress competition, and a sit and draw competition. Jagannath fair, Bhartrihari, Sawaan Teej, Matsya Utsav, and Choohar Sidh are some of the other Alwar festivals that draw crowds. Beautiful jewellery and tie-dye clothes such as lehengas, dupattas, and saris are popular in the region.
• Language: Although Hindi is the official language of Alwar, the locals speak Rajasthani, with the Mewati dialect being the most prominent. This form sounds a lot like Braj bhasha, which is spoken in the Bharatpur district. The educated class in Alwar, as well as those working in tourism, understand English.
• People: According to the 2011 census, the city of Alwar has a population of 341,422, with the namesake district having a population of 1,015,310 inhabitants. Hinduism is the largest religion in the area, with Hindus accounting for approximately 74% of the population and Muslims accounting for approximately 21%. People of various religious beliefs, such as Jains, Buddhists, and Sikhs, make up the remaining 5%. Alwar's residents are friendly and helpful.

Things to do at Alwar 

• Zip-lining at Neemrana Fort: Prepare for a thrilling adventure when you zip line above the Neemrana fort. You'll be rewarded with magnificent vistas of the verdant trees underneath you while ziplining here. You'll be strapped with a pulley dangling on a steel chain while doing this sport.
• Indulge in Trekking at Garbhaji Falls: Trekking up to the Garbhaji Falls is one of the nicest things to do in Alwar, and it is suitable for both beginners and expert trekkers. This waterfall is nestled in a remote place among the woods, away from the clamor of city life. This medium to easy level hike includes well-marked pathways and is studded with lush foliage, making it a once-in-a-lifetime trekking trip.
• Purchase souvenirs at Malakhera Bazar: If you enjoy shopping, Malakhera Bazar, Alwar's major market, will not disappoint you. Silver jewelry, carpets, terracotta figurines, and paintings are available for purchase. You may also purchase home décor items and premium cosmetic goods here. This market also has a number of excellent cafes where you may sample delectable foods.
• Banana boat ride at Siliserh Lake: A banana boat ride on the Siliserh Lake is another adrenaline-pumping experience you must do in Ajmer. A banana boat is an inflated boat shaped like a banana that is attached to a speedboat and pulled along the water at high speeds.
• Parasailing at Dunnimaa Farms: If you're looking for something to do in Alwar, go parasailing at Dunnimaa Farms. While participating in this activity, you can get a bird's eye view of the entire city.
• Enjoy a jungle safari: At the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, which is host to a variety of animals and beautiful birds, get up close and personal with fauna and flora. Bengal Tigers, nilgai, white-throated kingfisher, wildboar, sandgrouse, and chinkara are all possible sightings if you're lucky. The grassland plains, deciduous woodlands, and limestone cliffs provide for a spectacular spectacle for tourists. Medicinal plants such as gol, gugal, bamboo, and khair can also be found here.

Places to visit

• Bala Quila: The Bala Quila Fort is one of Alwar's most heritage landmarks, and one of the tourist sites in Alwar that you should not miss if you visit the Rajasthani city. The fort, which covers a 5-kilometer area and sits at a height of 1000 feet, is stern and threatening, with 15 main and 51 tiny towers and 446 musketry holes. It was first established in 1550 by Hasan Khan Mewati, although it has subsequently been ruled by different dynasties, including Khanzadas, Mughals, Pathans, and Jats.
• City Palace: The City Palace of Alwar is a fort situated in the foothills of the Aravalli highlands, underneath the Alwar Fort. Constructed in the 18th century, this fort blends Mughal and Rajput architectural styles to highlight the region's rich cultural past. The City Palace is one of the greatest places to visit in Alwar, despite the fact that it now primarily houses government offices. The Palace has an artificial lake on its grounds, as well as one of the top museums in the state.
• Bhangarh Fort: If you're seeking for a thrill in Alwar, the "most haunted site" is the greatest method to satisfy your curiosity. Bhangarh Fort, located on the outskirts of the Sariska Tiger Reserve, has a creepy reputation. Despite the fact that it is a well-preserved fort, the 'supernatural' happenings that appear to transpire within its grounds tend to deter many visitors. A visit to this fort is an essential if you want to understand Alwar in all of its features, haunting and otherwise.
• Neelkant Mahadev Temple: One of the best locations to visit in Alwar is the Neelkant Mahadev Temple. The old temple, established in the 10th century as a temple for the worship of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma, is reached by a rocky and perilous walk. The hefty antique stones cast quiet shadows over the interiors, and the dense forest hovers solemnly over the temple, as if time had stood still within it. The Shiva shrine is the only one that is open; the Brahma and Vishnu shrines are both locked.
• Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri: Cenotaphs are a staple of royal Rajasthani design, and the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri in Alwar region is one of the loveliest. Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri was constructed by Vinay Singh outside Alwar's main palace in commemoration of Alwar's king, Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, and his queen, Rani Moosi, who committed 'sati' on her husband's cremation. The cenotaph is where the king and queen's tombs are kept safe. The legendary carvings that embellish the structure's walls are fascinating to look at.
• Sariska Palace: The magnificent Sariska Palace, established by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Alwar in 1892, is a sight to behold. The sumptuous palace sprawls across 120 acres of beautiful green landscapes, luring passers-by in awe of its splendour. However, the palace's attractiveness is substantially enhanced by its location on the border of the Sariska National Park. The opulent mansion, which has been converted into a hotel, overlooks the national park, offering a panoramic view of deep, majestic woodlands.

How to reach?

• Via Air: The nearest airport to Alwar is Sanganer Airport, which is around 162 kilometres away. Udaipur, Mumbai, Jodhpur, Kolkata, and Delhi are all easily accessible from Alwar. Flights to Alwar are available from Bangalore, Delhi, and other major cities.
• Via Road: Alwar is well accessible to major cities like Kolkata, Udaipur, Jodhpur, and Mumbai via Rajasthan State Transport Corporation and private buses.
• Via Rail: Alwar has its local railway service that links it to Amritsar, Jaipur, Delhi, and Ajmer, among other towns. Some of the principal trains that travel by the station include the Ajmer Shatabdi, Jammu Ali Jat Express, Rajkot Express, Ashram Express, InterCity Express, Sau Janta Express, and Malani Express.

Is Alwar a safe place to visit?

Yes, visiting Alwar is incredibly safe, as the city has a low crime rate and adheres to tight governance. Keep an eye out for pickpockets and burglars anytime you leave your hotel. Also, avoid walking alone in gloomy places at night.