This extraordinary cenotaph (chhatri) on the banks of the beautiful lake Sagar is built in memory of Bhaktawar Singh's mistress, who sacrificed her life on his funeral pyre. Described as one of the finest in its class, the centopath represents Indo-Islamic style of architecture.

The Fort Alwar

The ramparts of this massive fort stretch 5 km form north to south and 1.6 km from east to west. Standing 304 meters above the city and 595 meters above the sea level, its was built before the coming of the Mughals in India. It is alleged that the first Mughal Emperor Babar had spent a night at this fort and took away the hidden treasures to gift to his son, Humayun. It also served as the shelter place for the Mughal Emperor Jahangir, when he rebelled against his father Akbar. The place where he stayed is called Salim Mahal. The fort was finally brought under control by Maharaja Pratap Singh in 1775 A.D. This forbidding structure contains 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it. The fort can be approached by six gates namely -Jai pole, Laxman Pole, Suraj pole, Kishan Pole, Chand Pole and Andheri Gate.

City Palace

Built in 1793 A.D. by Raja Bakhtawar Singh the City Palace is a classic example of a fusion of Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. It has graceful marble pavilions set on lotus flower bases in the central courtyard.

Though time has taken away much of its glory, the palace still retains its flamboyance, with domed roofs, lavish verandas decorated in gold leaf, and delicate balconies facing a huge tank flanked by symmetrical ghats and pavilions. The stately sandstone and marble Moosi Maharani Chhatri here was built in memory of Bhaktawar Singh's mistress, who sacrificed her life on his funeral pyre. Construction of Alwar's Indo-Islamic Vinay Vilas Palace began under Bhaktawar Singh, Pratap Singh's successor. Although time has worn away much of its glory, it remains flamboyant, with domed roofs, lavish verandas decorated in gold leaf, and delicate balconies facing a huge tank flanked by symmetrical ghats and pavilions.

Once this palace was part of the Maharajas ornate lifestyle and housed, among other things, a drinking cup cut out of a single emerald in its treasury and a mammoth, double storied four-elephant carriage in its stables. Today however the palaces have been converted into the district's collectorate, and its hall and chambers have been turned into government offices.

The Palace Museum

Located on the top floor of the palace, the palace Museum has a wonderful collection of courtly memorabilia, exhibits of the personal wealth of the Maharajas of Alwar, ivory ornaments, tenth-century statues, fine embroidery and the inevitable weapons as well as some rare Arabic and Sanskrit manuscripts including an illustrated Mahabharata on a 200 -foot-long scroll. Others prized collections include illustrated manuscripts of Gulistan, Shah Nama and Babur's memoirs.

Tomb of Fateh Jung

This wonderful tomb of Fateh Jung is a fine example of an exquisite blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. It contains a massive dome. Fateh Jung was a minister of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and related to the Khanzada rulers of Alwar.

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