Viratnagar

A day excursion to this little known town is an excellent getaway from the touristy trail in Sariska. Viratnagar is at a distance of around 65 km from Alwar. According to the Hindu epic Mahabharata, Viratnagar (once Bairat) has been in existence since the 3rd century BC. It was the capital of an ancient kingdom, which became a part of the Mauryan kingdom later. There is an ancient rock edict of Emperor Ashoka, which was found in Bairat.
There are many natural wonders in Viratnagar and more excavations are ongoing. Among them are natural caves believed to be from the time of Mahabharata, called Bhim ki Dungri. You can also spot some ruins of a Buddhist stupa on a hillock called Bijak ki Pahadi that dates back to 3rd century BC. Viratnagar is a treasure trove for history buffs, as there are other 16-17th century monuments of Mughals; one among them is also said to be a hunting lodge used by Emperor Akbar. The insides of the same are painted with colourful murals and the ceiling has lovely patterns.

In the ruins, there are a few temples scattered in the landscape, and one or two rapidly disintegrating baoris (stepwells) as well. There are many old and new Jain temples too in Viratnagar and the most respected and famous among them is Parshwanath Digambar Jain Nasiyan Temple.