Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Alwar is a city where history, culture, and nature come together to create an unforgettable travel experience. Often overshadowed by its more famous neighbors like Jaipur and Udaipur, Alwar remains an underrated destination brimming with royal heritage, stunning landscapes, and thrilling wildlife encounters.
Alwar is a city in the Indian state of Rajasthan. The city is located 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a center of tourism with many forts, lakes, heritage mansions and nature reserves. Nestled in the heart of Rajasthan, Alwar offers a captivating blend of rich history, royal architecture, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an adventurer, a history enthusiast, or a foodie craving authentic Rajasthani flavors, Alwar has something for everyone. In this blog, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, and travel tips to help you plan the perfect trip to this enchanting city.
Best routes to Alwar:
Delhi to Alwar: About 160 kilometers (around 3 to 3.5 hours by road).
Jaipur to Alwar: About 150 kilometers (around 2.5 to 3 hours by road)
Both cities are well-connected to Alwar via major highways (like NH48 and NH52)
Best time to visit Alwar:
Winter months, from October to March, provides the most pleasant weather to explore Alwar. Daytime temperatures stays in between 15°C to 25°C. Cool mornings and evenings provides the perfect weather for exploring outdoor attractions.
Summers in Alwar (April to June) can be extremely hot. Temperatures often exceed 40°C, making it difficult to explore outdoor sites comfortably.
While the monsoon season (July to September) brings lush greenery, the heavy rainfall might make some of the outdoor attractions difficult to visit due to slippery roads and possible flooding in low-lying areas.
Journey Through Majestic Forts, Wildlife Wonders, and Royal Heritage
Bala Quila: Majestic Alwar Fort Overlooking History and Mystery
Bala Quila (Alwar Fort) stands majestically atop the Aravalli Range, overlooking the city.
The fort is believed to date back to the 15th century. Mughal Emperor Babur is said to have stayed here. The ideal time to explore Bala Quila is from October to March, when the weather is pleasant.
Timings: You can visit the fort between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM.
Entry Fee: ₹200 per person for foreigners, ₹25 per person for Indians.
Step into Royalty at City Palace and Alwar Museum
Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh built the city palace in 1793. It is a splendid example of Rajput and Mughal architectural styles. It served as the residence of the royal family and is located at the base of the Aravalli hills, with a picturesque backdrop. The palace features a blend of marble pavilions, lotus-shaped designs, courtyards, intricate mirror work, and delicate murals.
The museum is located within the City Palace premises on the upper floors. One of the key highlights is the rare collection of miniature paintings from various Rajput schools.
Timings: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Fridays and national holidays).
It has a nominal entry fee of ₹20 per person (Indian), ₹100 per person (Foreigner).
Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri: Majestic Tribute to Love and Royalty
Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is a beautiful cenotaph located near the Alwar City Palace in Alwar.
Maharaja Vinay Singh built it in 1815, in honor of his father, Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, and Moosi Maharani, who committed sati (self-immolation) on her husband’s funeral pyre. The structure is 2-storeyed, with the lower section built of red sandstone and the upper section crafted from white marble. The interiors feature intricate frescoes and murals depicting scenes from Hindu mythology. The beautifully carved pillars are adorned with floral motifs, mythological figures, and detailed ornamentation.
The cenotaph is generally open for visitors from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Entry is usually free.
Unveiling the Mystique: Tomb of Fatehganj
Tomb of Fatehganj is a forgotten and lesser known gem in Alwar.
It was built in memory of Fateh Jang, a prominent minister in the court of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Fatehganj tomb is five storied. The structure exhibits a fascinating blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural elements. This tomb sits in the middle of a garden, which also houses a school.
The Tomb is typically open during daylight hours, around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. There is no entry fee for visiting the tomb.
It usually opens even before 9 o’clock. However, it is not usually open for public, so do check locally.
The Real Beauty of Kashmir: A Photo Journey Beyond Paradise
Gir National Park Complete Guide | Only Home of Asiatic Lions
Pushkar & Ajmer: A Perfect Blend of Spirituality and Heritage
Biswa Bangla Gate Restaurant: A Fine Dining Experience with a View
Discover the Untamed Beauty of Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is one of India’s national parks. The government declared Sariska a wildlife sanctuary in 1955 and later designated it as a tiger reserve in 1978 under Project Tiger. Earlier, it served as hunting grounds for the Alwar royalty.
Kankwari Fort is located within the reserve. It served as a prison for Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
Pandupol Temple is a Hanuman temple within the reserve.
The reserve is approximately 37 kilometers from Alwar. The drive typically takes around 1 to 1.5 hours. One can go for Safari rides, which happens twice daily, in the morning and evening. Timings are seasonal.
Siliserh Lake Palace and Boating
Siliserh Lake Palace is a beautiful heritage palace situated on the banks of the picturesque Siliserh Lake near Alwar, Rajasthan. Maharaja Vinay Singh built the palace in 1845 for his queen, Shila. Nestled amidst the Aravalli hills, the lake surrounds the palace with lush greenery. The Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC) now runs the palace as a hotel, offering comfortable accommodations with a royal ambiance.
The lake offers different types of boating experiences, including paddle boats, speed boats, and rowboats. Boating is generally available from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Neemrana Fort Palace: Where History Meets Luxury
Neemrana Fort Palace is approximately 74 kilometers from Alwar. The drive usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Rao Rajdeo of the Chauhans, descendants of Prithviraj Chauhan III, initially constructed the Fort Palace in 1464. In 1986, Neemrana Hotels restored and converted it into a luxury heritage hotel. They offer a range of beautifully restored rooms and suites, two stunning swimming pools. The palace hotel regularly hosts traditional Rajasthani music and dance performances in the evenings.
Timings for Day Visitors: Non-staying guests can visit the fort palace for lunch and a tour from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM, upon prior reservations.
Bhangarh Fort: Where History and Mystery Collide
Bhangarh Fort is one of the most intriguing historical sites, which gained it’s reputation as one of India’s most “haunted” places.
Raja Bhagwant Das, a ruler of Amber, built the fort in 1573, for his younger son, Madan Singh. The fort once flourished as a thriving town, before being abandoned. Inside the fort, several temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, Hanuman, and Devi (Goddess) stands. At the heart of the fort lies the Royal Palace. Local stories steeped in legends and supernatural tales add to its haunting nature.
The fort is approximately 83 kilometers from Alwar. The drive usually takes around 1.5 to 2 hours by car
The fort is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has put up a board, strictly prohibiting entry to the fort after sunset.
Entry Fee: ₹25 per person (Indian), ₹200 per person (Foreigner)
Known for its ancient forts, serene lakes, and the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve, Alwar is an ideal destination for history enthusiasts, nature lovers, and adventure seekers alike. Whether you’re wandering through the eerie ruins of Bhangarh Fort, relaxing by the tranquil Siliserh Lake, or spotting wildlife in Sariska, Alwar promises a memorable experience that combines both serenity and excitement. Perfect for a weekend getaway, Alwar offers a chance to step back in time and embrace the royal charm of Rajasthan.
