Alwar

The gateway to Rajasthan, Alwar is one of the oldest cities of Rajasthan treasuring a reservoir of culture and heritage that lend to its historical importance. Today, the city wears a dusty look, but it should not be misconstrued as an empty storehouse. Within its periphery lies the royal booty of the era, dating back to the time of Mahabharata, when in 1500 BC, Alwar was a part of the Matsya territories of Viratnagar.

The city is said to be formed by the Kachh family of Amber. The pages of history narrate a relation between the Britishers and the Rajputs who were constantly fighting to win over Alwar and its strategic geographic and historic importance. The city came back to peace in the 18th century under the Rajput ruler Pratap Singh, who was a huge patron of art and culture. Under his rule, Alwar became a major cultural centre of western India.

Orientation and Information:
Alwar is located in northeastern Rajasthan, around 150 km from its capital city Jaipur. The presence of Aravalis makes its climate moderate and protects it from harsh heat. Bthe best time to visit Alwar is in the winter months of September to February. The City Palace and the Museum are situated in the northwestern part of the city, approximately 1 km from the city bus station.

The main Post Office is located between the bus station and the train station. You can approach the Tourist Reception Centre near the train station. You can buy maps and guide books of Alwar from here. Internet Cafes are also easily available. Om Cyber Cafe on Company Bagh Road, is one such place where you can get Internet facility.

Sights:
Bala Quila:
Standing proudly at an altitude of 300 m above the city of Alwar, this ancient fort narrates the tales of chivalry right from the period of Rajput Ruler Pratap Singh. It was the precincts of this fort, that the Mughals attacked Ranthambore. The fort's upper chambers offer an amazing view of the cityscapes. The best attractions of the fort are Sita-Ram Temple, To Wale Hanuman Ji Temple and the army area.

Mughal emperor Babur has spent a few days within the fort while emperor Akbar exiled Jahangir for three years in the Salim Mahal located here.

City Palace Complex:
City Palace lies just below the Bala Quila, beautifying the hills with its graceful marble pavilions and courtyards. It is a master piece of Raja Bakhtawar Singh, who built the ornate structure in the year 1793. Once a jewel of the the royal kingdom, the palace today serves as the premises for government offices, with clerks and lawyers making rounds of the pavilions. The main attractions of the palace are the huge gates Jai Pol, Laxman Pol, Kishan Pol and palaces like Jal Mahal and Nikumbh Mahal.

Museum:
The Palace Museum holds and preserves several rich possessions of the Maharajas and artifacts narrating their lavish stay here like weapons, stuffed animal skins, stone sculptures, royal ivory, etc. Some of the ancient manuscripts are also exhibited here, like Shah Nama and Babur's life history. This museum is situated on the topmost floor of the City Palace.

Cenotaph of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh:
The cenotaph was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his father Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh. The cenotaph is an edifice built in 1815, and is also the site where one of the mistresses of the King performed Sati rights by burning herself on his pyre.

Activities:
Beauty Parlour:
After a hectic day, it would be awsome to get some massage and touch up done by a professional. You can find one easily at Roop Nikhar, at Nangli Circle, which offers facials and massages at quite affordable rates.

Sleeping: There are enough options available for all kind of travelers but since Alwar is not a place for stopover for most of the travelers, you will find most of the hotels here to be budget or economy class hotels. If you have your own transportation, you can get some of the best hotels and resorts on the outskirts of the town. Some of the budget hotels of the place include Imperial Hotel, Ashoka and Atlantic.

Some of the better hotel include the names of Alwar Hotel, on Manu Road and Hotel Aravali. RTDC Hotel Meenal is a mid range hotel with comfortable rooms. It is located 1km from the town.

Eating:
You won't find any special cuisine that is linked to the city name but still you can pamper your sweet tooth with the delicious Mawa Palangtorh of Alwar, which is a milk preparation, also known as milk cake. There are a multitude of eating joints to explore in the town,offering a wide range of Rajasthani and Mughlai food, apart from fast food franchisees that are widely available.

You can try out local restaurants available in the town markets, the most reliable one being Prem Pavitra Bhojanalaya, situated in the Old Town, serving some delicious vegetarian food. It is a reputed restaurant known as one of the best eating joints of the town. Other good restaurants include Tizza Coffee Shop, Inderlok Restaurant and the Narula's.

Getting There and Away:
Rail: You can very comfortably and speedily reach Alwar by the Shatabdi Express as it falls on the New Delhi-Ajmer route. Other options by train include the Intercity Express on Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Alwar-Jaipur route, Superfast Express on Delhi-Ajmer route and Mandore Express on Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Jodhpur route.

Road: Well maintained network of roads connect Alwar to other major cities of north and west India. A return Taxi to Sariska Tiger Reserve will cost your pocket around Rs 700. Frequent buses too commute between Alwar and Sariska, Jaipur, Bharatpur andDelhi.

Getting Around:
The best way to travel around Alwar is by using the easily available togas, auto rickshaws, cycle rickshaws or the tempos. Bicycles can also be hired from the railway station at an affordable charge of Rs 25 per day.