The
city of Alwar ironically happens to be the oldest as well as the most
recent Rajputana principality. It traces its origin as a Rajput
principality way back in 1500 B.C., as the kingdom of Viratnagar. In
terms of its recent origins, it was Maharaja Pratap Singh, a Kachhwaha
Rajput, who once again won Alwar from the Mughals in 1771 A.D. Alwar was
and is a significant Rajput city, due to its strategic position and its
proximity to Delhi, which had been a seat of power of many powerful
dynasties. The city of Alwar is enveloped by the Aravali ranges and has
the majestic Bala Qila perched on the top of the highest hill. Alwar can boast of rich forest reserves and tranquil lakes, which make one's journey to this historical city absolutely blissful. The much famous, but also controversial for the dwindling number of tigers, Sariska Tiger Reserve is situated in close proximity to Alwar. The dry deciduous forests of Sariska are haven for tigers, cheetal, sambhar, nilgai, wild boar and four horned antelope. In and around the city of Alwar, one can also find large number of avian population that is a bird watcher's delight.
Alwar has been a witness to numerous invasions, but the people of this city have fought alien rulers with an iron hand and thus, it has earned the epithet of being the Tiger Gate of Rajasthan. One can find the city adorned with numerous forts, palaces and temples. The City Palace, Alwar Fort, Sariska Palace, Neemrana Fort, Mughal Gumbad, Moosi Rani ki Chattri are all reminiscent of the rich cultural past of the city of Alwar and its architectural marvels. This gateway of Rajasthan is undoubtedly a traveler's delight, for the variety it offers to them in being a powerhouse of nature as well as culture.