Alwar is a small town situated in the Alwar District of Rajasthan. Initially it was part of the Matsya region in the olden times, and had a capital called Virat Nagar. The region is a part of the National Capital Region (NCR), and about 150 km north of Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan. During the British rule in India, Alwar was the capital of the state.
Alwar is pre-dominantly inhabited by Yaduvanshi Ahirs. The hamlet has architectural forts built by Rajputs. Alwar was historically known as Matasya Desh, where the Pandavas spent an exile of thirteen years. A member from the Kuchch family laid the foundation of the city called Amber.
Alwar is situated between the small hills of the Aravalli range and has great historical importance. The place was also called Mewar. The place gradually came under the command of the Gujjars whose ruler was Mathandeva in the 11th century. Soon Sultan Bulban (1267 A.D. - 1287 A.D.) suppressed them, bringing the area under the Muslim rule.
Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kuchhwaha Rajput in 1771 AD, won Alwar and established the principality. Samrat Hem Chandra Vikramaditya, popularly known as Hemu was born in this district, in a village called 'Maccheri Devat' in the year 1501. He won 22 battles against the Afghans. The “Rajyabhishek” (coronation) of King Hemu was done at Purana Quila in Delhi. He sacrificed his life fighting Mughals in the Second battle of Panipat.
Alwar has historical monuments surrounded by a lake and a valley. It is near the Sariska Tiger Reserve (a Project Tiger Reserve), and is famous for many spices. The town has the oldest working engines in the world. The first engine was built in the year 1855 as a means of transportation.
Tourist Attractions in Alwar
Some of the most famous tourist attractions you can visit if you travel to Alwar are listed below.
Sariska National Park: Established in 1955, it is an excellent tiger sanctuary under the Project Tiger. The 765.80 sq km thickly wooded reserve is nestled in the picturesque valley of Aravalli. The forest is noted for its population of tiger, nilgai, sambhar, cheetal, four horned antelope and wild boar. The protected park can be visited in jeep safaris; it is a wonderfully quiet and peaceful place. This jungle was registered under the Project Tiger in 1979 and became a national park in 1982.
Karni Mata Temple: Built in late Mughal style, the temple is dedicated to Karni Mata, an incarnation of Kali. This temple pays much respect to rats due to the myth that the rodents are incarnations of a storyteller clan to which Karni Mata belonged. It is considered lucky if one comes across a white rodent during the Darshan in the temple.
Natni ka Baran: A remote village in Alwar, it is famous for an ancient Lord Shiva Temple. It provides a window to the rustic life of the villagers. Natni Ka Baran would be an ideal place for those who want to have a quiet and relaxing time.
Naldeshwar: Situated in the suburbs of Alwar, Naldeshwar is a picturesque locale, renowned for an ancient Mahadeva Temple. The way to the temple is charming and offers trekking opportunity.
How To Reach
Transportation
By Air:
Delhi 163 km. is the nearest airport.
Railways :
Good connection from prominient locations in and around the state. Some important trains connections are: Shatabdi express (New delhi - Alwar - Ajmer), Superfast Express (Newdelhi - Alwar - Ajmer), Intercity Express(Jodhpur - Jaipur - Alwar - Delhi) Marudhar Express (Jodhpur - Alwer - Varanasi), Mandore Express (Jodhpur - Alwar - Delhi).
Roadways :
It is linked by road to major cities of rajasthan and to Delhi.