Alwar is a quaint town with a population of just over 200,000. Located 145 km from Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi, it lies in the hills of the Aravalli range and is surrounded by lakes, forests and palaces.

Alwar was an important Rajput state and played a vital part in the history of Rajasthan. It came under Muslim rule in the 13th century and in the 18th Century, the Rajput ruler, Maharaja Pratap Singh, wrested it back from the invaders and founded the state of Alwar.

The locale is famous for its picturesque surroundings and a wide variety of birds and animals. The famous Sariska Tiger Reserve is only 35 km away.

Places to See in Alwar

Bala Quila Fort
This huge fort with its rampart stretching 5 km from north to south and 1.6 km from east to west, stands 304 meters above the city and 595 meters above the sea level, constructed before the rise of the Mughal Empire. It is a forbidding structure with 15 large and 51 small towers and 446 openings for musketry, along with 8 huge towers encompassing it. The fort has several gates – Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Kishan Pol and Andheri Gate. Also there are remains of the Jal Mahal, Salim Sagar, Suraj Kund and many temples. Vinay Vilas Mahal (the palace complex) The palace complex is situated just below the Fort but some of it has been converted into Govt. offices. The palace dates back to the 18th century and is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. Part of the complex houses the museum where a rich part of it's history has been preserved.

City Palace or Vinay Vilas Mahal
An 18th century palace harmoniously blending the Rajput and Mughal styles of architecture. While the ground floors have been covered into government offices and district courts, the upper apartment is presently a museum.

Government Museum
The museum has a wonderful collection of Mughal and Rajput paintings, rare art objects and miniature writings. The weaponry in use at the time can also be seen and is a reminder of the bloody battles that have been fought in these beautiful surroundings. The museum remains closed to the public on Fridays and public holidays. The surroundings can make for many day trips such as to Vijai Mandir Palace, 10 km away. For information regarding permissions needed for visiting the palace the local tourist office can be contacted. The Siliserh Lake, 13 km away is an enchanting spot. As elsewhere in Rajasthan, an ancient palace located at the lake has been converted to an hotel. In this way the history is preserved, by simultaneously providing the necessary finances to the erstwhile ruling families.

Purjan Vihar (Company Garden)
A picturesque garden, laid out during the reign of Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh in 1868 AD. The garden has an enchanting setting called ‘Shimla’ which was built by Maharaja Mangal Singh in 1885 AD. The lush surroundings and the cool shades make it the idyllic visiting spot during summers.

Excursions near Alwar

Sariska Palace
A Marvelous palace was built here by Maharaja Jai Singh in the honor of the Duke of Edinburgh during his visit to the sanctuary. Presently, it has been converted into a Hotel Sariska Palace, RTDC Hotel Tiger Den also offers excellent accommodation at Sariska. The best time to drive in the sanctuary is from sunrise till sunset.

Vijay Mandir Palace (10 km)
A splendid palace, built by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1918 AD. A picturesque lake overlooking the palace makes it a fascinating sight. A fabulous Sita Ram Temple in the palace attracts number of devotees, especially during Ramnavami.

Sariska Tiger Reserve and National Park (37 km)
Spread over nearly 800 km of forests, the Sariska Reserve is one of the reserves, which come under Project Tiger. Along with the Ranthambhore National Park, it provides an opportunity for seeing wildlife in Rajasthan.The wooded forests are home to the tiger, nilgai (blue bull), sambhar, cheetal, four horned antelope and wild boar. Within the park can be seen ruins of ancient temples. A palace built by the rulers of Alwar State has now been turned into the hotel - Sariska Palace. The park is notable for seeing wildlife at night and the best season to visit the park is November to June.

Siliserh Lake & Palace Hotel (13 km)
10.5 sq. km placid lake. A magnificent royal palace and the hunting lodge, built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1845 AD for his queen Shila stands overlooking the lake. Now converted as the Hotel Lake Palace, it offers boating and sailing Amenities and is a delight for the trigger-happy photographers and film makers.

Jai Samand Lake(6 km)
A beautiful artificial lake constructed by Maharaja Jai Singh in 1910 AD is a popular spot for outings and picnics. During monsoons, the sprawling greenery all around makes it a visual treat. It is easily accessible by road from Alwar.

Sagar Behind the City Palace
It is an artificial lake built in 1815 A.D. by Maharaja Vinay Singh with few temples along its banks. A marvellous chhatri with unusual Bengali roof and arches, also known as the Moosi Maharani ki chhatri, is situated in this are Purjan.

How to Reach Alwar

Road: Buses and Taxis are available both from Delhi (170 km) and Jaipur (145 km away).
Air: Delhi and Jaipur are the nearest airports to Alwar.
Rail: Comfortable rail connections are available to Alwar from Delhi and Jaipur.

Shopping in Alwar

Sweets like- Kalakand and Mawa.

Hotels in Alwar

- Hotel Alwar - Neemrana Fort Palace - Hotel Meenal - Inderlok Classic

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