The former princely state of Alwar is now a dusty, provincial town, visited by few tourists except those on their way to the Sariska National Park. Nevertheless it has some remarkable monuments, built by its wealthy rulers in the 18th century that are worth seeingr.
Sightseeing Places in Alwar
City Palace
The most significant monument is City Palace, whose architectural features include a profusion of curved bangaldar roofs and chhatris as well as delicate Mughal floral tracery and jails. The palace, built in 1793, now houses the District Collectorate and Police Headquarters, and is best viewed from the Central courtyard with its lovely marble pavilions. The lavishly decorated Durbar Hall and the Sheesh Mahal, on the first floor, can only be viewed with special permission.
City Palace Museum
City Palace Museum is spread over three halls on the City Palace’s upper storey. Its treasures, which bear witness to the opulent lifestyles of Alwar’s maharajas, include rare and exquisite copies of the Persian poet Sa’adi’s Gulistan and the Babur Nama or “Memoirs of Babur”, superb Mughal and Rajput miniatures and an awesome armory. Particularly intriguing is a macabre coil called nagphas, used for strangling enemies. Another unique exhibit is a silver dining table with dividers through which shoals of metal fish can be seen swimming.
How to reach Alwar in Rajasthan
By Air
Nearest airport is Sanganer Airport, Jaipur.
By Rail
Alwar Station is well-connected to Delhi and Jaipur by the Ajmer Shatabdi and the Jammu-Delhi and the Delhi-Jaisalmer express trains.
By Road
Alwar is well-connected to the capital by the Bhiwadi-Alwar toll road.
