Alwar
India · Asia
About Alwar
Alwar is a city in Rajasthan and the administrative headquarters of Alwar District in the state of Rajasthan. It is located 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur.
There are several theories about the derivation of the name Alwar. Alexander Cunningham, the British Indian archeologist, believed that the city derived its name from the Salva tribe and was originally Salwapur, then Salwar, Halawar and eventually Alwar, According to another school it was known as Aravalpur or the city of Aravali.
Some others opine that the city is named after Khanzada Alawal Khan Mewati (the Muslim Khanzada prince who wrested Alwar from Nikumbh Rajputs). A research conducted during the reign of Maharaja Jai Singh of Alwar revealed that Maharaja Alaghraj, second son of Maharaja Kakil of Amber, ruled the area in the eleventh century... and his territory extended up to the present city of Alwar. He founded the city of Alpur in 1106 Vikrami Samvat (1049 A.D.) after his own name which eventually became Alwar. It was formerly spelt as Ulwar but in the reign of Jai Singh the spelling was changed to Alwar. Some sources say that the name Alwar comes from...
Alwar travel guide
Getting there
The city is around 160 km south of Delhi, and around 150 km north of Jaipur.
By bus Buses frequently run from Deeg (₹30, 2½ hours), Delhi (for bus ₹96, 3½ to 4 hours) and Jaipur (for bus ₹90, 3½ to 4 hours).
By train 1 Alwar Junction NWR . (updated Jun 2026)
See
1 Bala Quila Fort. One of the few forts built in Rajasthan prior to the rise of the Mughals. Permission from the superintendent of police is required prior to visiting (however this is easy to get). As of Oct 2022, it is closed until 2023. (updated Jun 2026) 2 Bhartrihari Temple. A famous TapoBhumi of Raja BhartriHari City Palace Complex. Government Museum. At former city palace. ₹3; free on Mondays. 3 Pandupol, In Sariska Jungle. A place where "Pandvas" stayed at the time of agyatvaas. There is a Hanuman temple which have the unique Hanuman idol (in the form of relax). It is placed in the middle of Sariska jungle.
Do
1 Jaisamand Lake. It is a lake constructed by King of Alwar. Sariska Reserve and National Park. One of the most famous national parks in India designated as a tiger reserve. 2 Silliserh lake, Silliserh lake (14 km from railway station). A decent lake named Siliserh lake along with government hotel (RTDC hotel) also named as Silliserh Hotel with restaurant and boarding facility except during rainy season boating facility is available round the year.
Buy
Also buy the famous mojris and lac bangles, a speciality of Rajasthan. Silver ornaments are considerably cheaper due to abundance of silver ore in Rajasthan.
Eat
Prem Pavitra Bhojnalaya. Serves pure-veg food from ₹60-100. Inderlok Classic, Nangli Circle. Veg dining. (updated Apr 2019)
Drink & nightlife
Tija Coffee house, Nangli/Ashok circle, ☏ +91 144-2335407. 9:30AM-11PM. Best place for coffee or lassi. Alwar is very famous for milk cake.
Sleep
Ashoka (near Gopal Cinema), ☏ +91 144 2346780. Single/double from ₹250/₹300. MGB Hotel in Alwar, [email protected]. The hotel has 35 furnished rooms, including 5 suites. Also has an outdoor swimming pool. (updated May 2017)
Go next
By bus Buses frequently run to:
Deeg - (₹30, 2½ hrs) Sariska - (local, ₹12, 1½ hr) Jaipur - (₹68, 4 hrs) Bharatpur - (₹45, 4 hrs) Delhi - (₹170 h, ½ hr)
By train Jodhpur - The Mandore Express leaves at 11:43PM (sleeper/3AC ₹226/₹578) arriving at 8AM Jaisalmer - The Jaisalmer Express leaving at 8:50PM goes all the way (sleeper/3AC ₹251/₹705) Jaipur - The Shatabdi (No 2015/6) passes through Alwar at 8:35PM and stops at Jaipur (₹315).
By taxi A return taxi to Sariska Reserve and National Park will cost you around ₹750.
Overview adapted from Wikipedia, travel guide fromWikivoyage (CC BY-SA)。Photography via Wikimedia Commons.