Alwar

Alwar (Hindi: अलवर) is a city in northeastern Rajasthan, set among rocky Aravalli hills roughly midway between Delhi and Jaipur. It was the capital of a princely state founded in 1775 by Pratap Singh, a Kachwaha Rajput, and grew prosperous under British protection. The city is ringed by hills crowned with the Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) and dotted with palaces, royal cenotaphs and a fine museum.

Alwar is also the gateway to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, about 35 km away, and to a clutch of intriguing sites: the lakeside Siliserh Palace, and the legendary "haunted" ruins of Bhangarh and the deserted town of Kankwari/Kishori. Its position close to Delhi and the new expressway makes it an easy first or last stop in Rajasthan.

The best time to visit is October to March. Summers (April–June) are very hot; the monsoon (July–September) greens the surrounding hills and is when Sariska's forest is closed to safaris in part.

By Plane

Alwar has no airport. The nearest is Jaipur International Airport (JAI), about 150 km away (roughly 3 hours), with Delhi (DEL), about 165 km away, offering far broader connections. The new expressway has cut travel times from Delhi considerably.

By Train

Alwar Junction (AWR) lies on the Delhi–Jaipur line, with frequent trains in both directions, including fast services. It is a convenient rail stop between the two cities. Book ahead via IRCTC in peak season; autos run from the station into town.

By Car / Road

Alwar is well placed on the Delhi–Jaipur corridor and near the Delhi–Mumbai Expressway. From Delhi it is about 165 km (3 hours); from Jaipur about 150 km (3 hours); from Sariska about 35 km (1 hour). RSRTC and private buses connect Alwar with Delhi, Jaipur and Bharatpur frequently.

Autorickshaws and shared tempos are the main local transport; agree fares before riding. Taxis can be hired for the fort, Siliserh and excursions to Sariska and Bhangarh. The Bala Quila road requires permission for vehicles in places, so check locally. App cabs are available in a limited way, given the proximity to Delhi and Jaipur.

• Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) — a rambling 15th-century hill fort high above the city, with great views (vehicle access may require permission from the police).

• City Palace (Vinay Vilas Mahal) & Government Museum — a fine 18th-century palace complex housing manuscripts, miniatures, arms and royal artefacts.

• Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri — an elegant sandstone-and-marble royal cenotaph beside a tank, next to the City Palace.

• Siliserh Lake & Palace — a scenic lakeside hunting palace about 13 km out, now a heritage hotel.

• Sariska Tiger Reserve — about 35 km away, a tiger reserve set in dry deciduous forest and Aravalli hills.

• Bhangarh Fort — about 80 km away, India's famously "haunted" ruined town, dramatic and atmospheric (closed after dark by official order).

• Climb to the Bala Quila for panoramic views over the city and hills.

• Tour the City Palace museum and the Moosi Maharani cenotaph.

• Boat or picnic at Siliserh Lake.

• Safari into the Sariska Tiger Reserve for tigers, leopards and abundant birdlife.

• Explore the ruins of Bhangarh and the surrounding countryside (in daylight only).

Alwar's food is North Indian and Rajasthani, with the celebrated Alwar milk cake (mawa) as its signature sweet. Recommendations:

• Local mawa and sweet shops for Alwar ka mawa (budget).
• Town-centre restaurants and dhabas for North Indian thalis and snacks (budget).
• Hotel restaurants for multi-cuisine meals (mid-range).
• Heritage-hotel dining at Siliserh for lakeside meals (upscale). Vegetarian food is plentiful; some places serve non-vegetarian dishes.

Try masala chai, lassi and fresh juices, sold throughout the bazaars. Hotel restaurants serve coffee and cold drinks. Rajasthan allows alcohol, and some hotels serve beer, wine and spirits where licensed. Use bottled or filtered water and avoid uncovered street ice.

• Budget: budget hotels and guesthouses near the station and town centre, from roughly ₹800–2,000.
• Mid-range: Hotel Alwar Bagh and other tourist hotels, plus lodges near Sariska — roughly ₹2,500–5,000.
• Upscale / heritage: Lake Palace Siliserh (RTDC heritage hotel by the lake) and Hill Fort Kesroli, a restored hilltop fort hotel about 12 km out — typically ₹5,000 and up.

Alwar's bazaars sell textiles, brassware, and everyday handicrafts, and the city is locally famous for Alwar ka mawa (milk cake), a rich sweet that makes a popular edible souvenir. The main markets in the old town offer Rajasthani goods at non-touristy prices. Bargaining is normal. For wider craft shopping, Jaipur is within easy reach.

• Sariska Tiger Reserve (~35 km, ~1 hr) — tigers and Aravalli forest.
• Bhangarh (~80 km, ~2 hr) — the famous "haunted" ruined town.
• Jaipur (~150 km, ~3 hr) — the Pink City.
• Delhi (~165 km, ~3 hr) — the national capital.
• Siliserh (~13 km, ~30 min) — the lakeside palace.
• Bharatpur / Keoladeo (~120 km, ~2.5 hr) — the great bird sanctuary.