Alwar is the north-western gateway of Rajasthan. It is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, located 170 kms. from Delhi. The numerous historic sites in Alwar point to its antiquity.

Alwar was once a part of the Matsya kingdom and with the passing years it saw many upheavals. Being strategically important, the Mughals, the Kachhawahas of Amer (Jaipur) and the Jats from neighbouring Bharatpur occupied it until an independent kingdom was established here in the18th century.

Alwar is today a busy and growing industrial district, but reminders of its historic past are strewn all over the region. Bala Quila, City Palace, Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri, Vinay Vilas Palace and Company Garden are some of the places of interest in the city. A little outside Alwar are Siliserh, Sariska and Viral Nagar which are worth a visit.

Bharatpur lies close to the Uttar Pradesh border. It was dominated by Jat rulers from the 17th century onwards. Suraj Mal, perhaps the greatest ruler of this region, started work on the famous Lohagarh fort in 1732. The fort took sixty years to build and is still the focal point of this town. Other than the fort, Bharatpur is visited mainly for the Keoladeo National Park. Noh and Mallah are two villages worthy of a visit. Close to Bharatpur is Deeg (34 kms.), known for its palaces, fountains and gardens.

Tonk lies 96 kms. from Jaipur on the way to Ranthambhor. It is a small town which has a thriving leather and felt industry. The focal point of Tonk is Sunehri Kothi which has the most extraordinary precious / semi-precious stone and gold work on its walls and roof. Richly ornamented with stained glass, mirrors, stucco and gilt, it is certainly worth a visit.

Sawai Madhopur is the entry point to the famous Ranthambhor National Park. The fort of Ranthambhor is one of the oldest in Rajasthan and was the stronghold of the Yadav kings in the 8th century and the Chauhans from the 10th century onwards. The Ganesh temple here is visited every year by thousands of devotees.

At village Kaila, near Karauli, devotees of Kaila Devi or Mahalakshmi congregate for darshan, specially in the month of Chaitra at the Kaila Devi Fair. In Chandangaon of Sawai Madhopur district, the Mahavirji temple draws devotees on the occasion of the Shri Mahavirji Fair. The doors of this famed Jain temple are open to people of all communities.