Alwar, a historical and cultural weekend getaway destination in Rajasthan, is merely three hors drive away from New Delhi, the national capital of India. The city is marked with salient character and highlights of Rajasthan. Like many cities of Rajasthan, Alwar also boasts of having medieval era fort, palaces, temples, cenotaphs etc. Mostly, a Rajasthan tour with unrestricted duration includes Alwar. Alwar tour packages happen to either weekend getaways or a part of larger Rajasthan tour packages.
Alwar is nearer to Jaipur than to Agra. In order to reach Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary, one has to pass through Alwar. Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary is a short distance away from Alwar. Though Alwar is a pleasant city, it is not a 'must' by Rajasthan standard. Alwar, earlier a Jat principality, was created by a new independent state by Pratap Singh, a member of royal family of Jaipur, in 1771. He took over Alwar Fort from the Jats. Pratap Singh, emulating the maharajas of Jaipur, grabbed title of Sawai (Maharaja and a quarter) from the by now weak Mughal Shah Alam. Alwar Fort, Vinay Vilas Palace (City Palace), museum, Moosi Rani Ki Chhatri, tomb of Fateh Jung, Purjan Vihar, Siliresh etc are major tourist attractions in Alwar. Another interesting feature of Alwar tourism is an opportunity to have a heritage stay,i.e, to spend a night in a palace-turned-into hotel.