Formerly, Rajasthan was known as the princely state of Alwar. It is a pretty city of rich culture and heritage. The beauty of Alwar lies in the surrounding Alwar Hills, where it has retained its charm from the past. Alwar’s majestic historical forts, palaces, and colorful bright markets make it an interesting and beautiful city to visit. Alwar is one of the best cities for exploring Rajasthan’s beautiful culture and to learn about its amazing history.
1. City Palace
An architectural marvel and a lovely mixture of Mughal and Rajasthani design, is City Palace, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal. The perfect place to see a glimpse of the royal lifestyle. It was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1793 and was also a residents for the King. Currently, City Palace is used by government offices on the ground floor and the Alwar Museum on the floor above. One can find beautiful artwork, trinkets, the Maharaja’s personal belongings and emerald cut drinking cups here. The walls and ceilings of City Palace are embellished with a wealth of fabulous murals and mirror work.
City Palace
Opening Hours: 10am - 4:30pm. Closed on Friday.
Duration: around 2-3 hours required.
Website: City Palace
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Nestled in the Aravali Hills and covering around 800 square kilometers (197,684 acres), which is divided into grasslands, dry deciduous forests, rocky landscapes, and sheer cliffs, is the Sariska Tiger Reserve. This is not only an area for tiger watching, but is also for camel safaris, shopping in the surrounding places and enjoying wildlife. Initially, it was declared a National Park in 1958 and later designated as a Tiger reserve in 1979. The main beauty of this place is the Royal Bengal Tigers, and you can also find leopards, caracals, striped hyenas, chitals, golden jackals, sambhars, nilgais, chinkaras, wild boars, and hares here. One thing you should keep in mind is to avoid your visit in the months of July to August, as the animals migrate to a higher altitude during the monsoon.
Sariska Tiger Reserve
Address: Near Kraska, Alwar District, Sariska, Rajasthan 301001
Website: Sariska Tiger Reserve
3. Bhangarh Fort
If you like horror stories, then this place should peak your interest. Bhangarh Fort is regarded as the most haunted place in India. You can find this attraction between Delhi and Jaipur. It was built in 1573 as the residents of Madho Singh. There are a couple of myths behind “The house of Ghosts”. The first; that it was cursed by Guru Balu Nath, who said that if the shadow of any building reached his abode, the whole city would be finished. A King once built his palace higher than the saint’s dwelling, and a few days later, the whole palace had collapsed. The second; a wizard called Singhia, who was attracted to the beauty of Princess Ratnavati, tried to possess her by exchanging her oil with a magic potion. But the princess learned about this and dropped the oil on a boulder. Singhia cursed that Bhangarh Fort would be finished and then the following year, there was a battle that killed everyone who lived there, and the fort still waits for its princess to return.
Bhangarh Fort
Address: Gola ka baas, Rajgarh Tehsil, Alwar, Bhangarh, Rajasthan 301410
4. Siliserh Lake Palace
This palace was a gift of love from Maharaja Vinay Singh of Alwar to his beautiful wife, Rani Sila. Siliserh Lake Palace has been converted by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation into a mesmerizing Heritage Hotel. The hotel has 12 grand guest rooms, divided into different varieties of luxury suites. One can enjoy all the amenities of Lake Palace Hotel while enjoying nature’s beauty from their rooms during sunset.
Siliserh Lake Palace
Address: Siliserh Lake Palace, Kishanpur, Rajasthan 301001
Website: Siliserh Lake Palace
5. Jaisamand Lake
Maharana Jai Singh built Jaisamand Lake in 1685 while building a dam on the Gomti River. The main purpose was to access the waters of River Ruparel. It is the second largest artificial lake in Asia, after the Aswan Lake in Egypt. You can admire the beauty of the summer palace of the Udaipur Queens in the background and the six cenotaphs with stunning marble carvings. The beautiful shiva is located within the lake, which can give you inner peace.
Jaisamand Lake
Website: Jaisamand Lake
6. Alwar Museum
Alwar Museum is acquired by the government and located inside the City Palace of Alwar, on the 1st floor. You can find 234 sculptures, 11 inscriptions, 9,702 coins, 2,565 paintings and manuscripts, 35 metal objects, 2,270 arms and weapons and 1,809 objects of local art, craft and old musical instruments. The museum is divided into three parts, the first has famous archeological findings. The second houses Urdu, Arabic, Persian and Sanskrit manuscripts. The third is a section that contains a rich collection of armory. The museum is extraordinary, with its range of uncommon objects, like artifacts related to Aurangzeb and Akbar’s sword.
Alwar Museum
Address: City Palace, Alwar, India
Website: Alwar Museum
7. Vinay Vilas Palace
This Palace is also known as Garden Palace and was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. It is the combination of Mughal and Rajasthani styles. The Darbar Hall situated in the palace is the most exquisitely carved, and it is the place where Alwar Kings met their visitors.
Vinay Vilas Palace
Address: Mohalla Ladiya, Alwar, Rajasthan 301001
Opening Hours: 10am - 4:30pm. Closed on Friday.
Duration: around 2-3 hours required.
8. Bala Quila
The Bala Quila is one of the oldest forts, built by Hasan Khan in 1550 AD. It is said that the fort was visited by Mughal Emperors, such as Jahangir and Babur. Bala Quila is said to be “The Pride of Alwar” and a shining example of the graciousness and bravery of Rajputs. The fort is located around 15 kms (9.3 mi) from the main city and stands at a height of above 300 meters (984 feet), with a view of every detail of Alwar. This beautiful architecture includes 51 small and 15 large towers, 446 loopholes for musketry and 6 different gates, namely Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Kristen Pol, Andheri Gate and Chand Pol. The best time to visit Bala Quila is between September to February, for the most pleasant weather.
Bala Quila
Address: Bala Quila Rd, Alwar, Rajasthan 301001
Opening Hours: 10am - 5pm
Website: Bala Quila
9. Cenotaph of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh
A royal Cenotaph of Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, Alwar #wallpaintaings #photo #photography #beauty #architecture pic.twitter.com/qRZBPqVWAd
— My Alwar (@my_alwar) February 29, 2016
Cenotaph is the symbol of love and was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh and the son of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh, in his father’s honor. It is also known as Moosi Rani ki Chhatri, named after one of the mistresses of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh. It has beautiful architecture on the outside and is a two-story Bengali style building made with red sandstone, which further highlights its beauty.
Cenotaph of Maharaja Bhaktawar Singh
Address: City Palace, Alwar
10. Tija Coffee House
If you are a coffee lover and need a good tasty coffee, then this is the place you should go. Tija Coffee House is most famous for its coffee and milk. While having a good coffee, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful weather of Alwar.
Tija Coffee House
Address: Sahab Johada, Karamchari Colony, Alwar, Rajasthan 301001
Website: Tija Coffee House
11. Ashoka Theater
If you are in Alwar and missing your local place for entertainment, then hold on! Ashoka Theater is the place where you can enjoy an evening of entertainment. You can watch productions in the theater and enjoy a night out on the town. It is probably one of the best entertainment options in Alwar.
Ashoka Theater
Address: Kacheri Road, Vivekanand chowk, Alwar
A trip you must do at least once in your life
So, once in your life you if get a chance to visit Rajasthan, then don’t forget to explore Alwar and its beauty. The nearest airport to reach Alwar is Delhi Airport and one can find many buses and railways to reach Alwar from there. Let’s together explore Alwar…
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