Alwar Tripadvisor

Alwar is located in north east of Rajasthan, often referred as the gateway to the historic and colorful state of Rajasthan in North India. Alwar Rajasthan is place of great historical significance and has many evidances of charming legacies of the past such as forts, palaces and artificially built lakes which can be visited on Alwar Tour in Rajasthan. Alwar was founded by Rao Pratap Singh in the year 1775. Alwar has also been the administrative seat of many rulers in the past. Alwar Rajasthan also finds mention in Hindu epic Mahabharata. There are some excursion destinations located near Alwar of which Sariska Tiger Reserve is the most popular and a must visit place when on Alwar tour. The barren Aravalli ranges flanking Alwar helps in maintaining temperate climate and prevents Alwar from being too hot during summers.

What To See

Alwar Tour Attractions Kund and Chatri :
There is a huge ornamental tank located near Vinay Vilas palace. It was dug by Vinay Singh in the year 1815 and lined up with steps on three sides. Several small temples are also present on the banks of the tank. A cenotaph-Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri adorns the other side of the tank. The combination of the tank, temples and cenotaph look very attractive.

Siliserh Lake :
Positioned 13 km southwest of Alwar, Silserh Lake claims an area of 10.5 sq km ringed by thicket-forming hills with wonderful chhatris (Cenotaphs) on the embankment. This idyllic picnic spot was created with a view to supplying water to the otherwise barren expanses of Alwar. Overlooking the lake lies the Silserh Lake Palace Hotel that is known for its singularly heart-warming facilities and services. The scenic lake also harbours various bird and fish species that are a delight to tourists who gather here in good numbers. And along with boating and sailing facilities that the lake sets forth, the numbers continue to swell year after year.
The Silserh Lake, a grand reservoir, was the brainchild of Maharaja Vinay Singh. It came into being in the year 1844. The maharaja intended to direct the course of the lake to the town of Alwar so the bare and barren land may spring to life. Joyously enough, the land teemed with lush gardens. The lake was named so to glorify his queen Seela. The king further built her a snow-hued palace on an ascent overlooking the placid waters of the lake. To the kings of Alwar, Silserh was a darling retreat for years.

Forts in Alwar Bala Quila :
The name of Alwar's fort is Bala Quila. The huge structure sits on top of a 300 metre steep cliff. Although the fort was built before the arrival of Mughals in India, the name of the person who built it is not known. Mughal Emperors Babur and Jahangir had spent some time in the fort. The ramparts of the fort are very extensive stretching to 5 kms from north to south and 1.6 kms from east to west. There are 66 large and small towers that were built to keep a watch on enemies. The fort also had 446 openings for musketry and 8 huge bastions. The fort was built in such a way that it was almost invincible.

Palaces in Alwar

Vinay Vilas :
Located at a distance of 145 km from Jaipur and 170 km from Delhi, Alwar is nestled in the hills of the antediluvian Aravalli Hills in the north-western state of Rajasthan, the land of valorous monarchs and haunting legends. Perhaps, every nook in the state is redolent with architectural and traditional lures. And, needless to say, Alwar is no exception. Coalescing the Mughal and the Rajput styles of architecture, the Vinay Vilas Palace, also popular as the City Palace, offers to see fabulous marble pavillions positioned on lotus shaped bases in the central courtyard. Framed and fashioned by Raja Bakhtawar Singh in the year 1793, the Vinay Vilas Palace once defined the lifestyle of the maharaja and even today, you would be able to sense the taste. The palace stands 304 m above the city and 595 m above sea level. Babur, the Mughal emperor, rested here for one night and took away with him all the concealed treasures of the palace to gift them to his son, Humayun. Akbar's son Jahangir too dwelt here for a short span of time during his deportation.

Vijaymandir Palace :
Vijaymandir Palace is another charming palace complex located on the outskirts of Alwar town. Built by Maharaja Jai Singh, the palace has 105 rooms, well laid gardens and a lake flowing in the foreground. Some lovely carvings could be seen on the walls and floors of the palace.

What To Do

Shopping in Alwar :
Alwar and its adjoining areas are popular for traditional art and craft items. The potteries of Alwar are among the best buys of the place. Kagzi-a wafer thin pottery is exclusive to Alwar. Kagzi is ideal for gifts and and souvenir. The metal jewellery of Alwar is also very attractive. Other than the specialities of the place, the exquisitely made traditional handicrafts and handlooms of Rajasthan are easily available in Alwar markets.