Alwar is a city in the northern Indian state of Rajasthan. Alwar City Palace, from 1793, blends architectural styles and has marble pavilions on lotus-shaped bases in its courtyard, plus a museum with rare manuscripts. It’s next to the marble and sandstone Moosi Maharani Chhatri shrine. A steep path leads to the Bala Qila fort, with marble pillars and latticed balconies. Sariska Tiger Reserve lies southwest of Alwar.
When to visit: Alwar has a hot, dry climate for most of the year, except during the monsoon season (Jul–Sep), when rainfall can be intense. The hottest time of year is May–Sep. The cooler months (Oct–Apr) are a popular time to visit. The Alwar festival (Feb) promotes the region’s cultural traditions, showcasing folk music and handicrafts. The Matsya festival (Oct/Nov) celebrates Rajasthani culture with processions and costumed performances.