Things to Do in Alwar

Spread over a large area of 7 square kilometres, Siliserh Lake is an amazing tourist attraction, with Silserh Lake Palace bordering the water reservoir. The lake is a famous picnic spot in the region. Siliserh Lake Palace now serves as an esteemed royal getaway amidst the rolling hills of the Aravalli range and the spectacular Siliserh Lake. Activities such as boating and fishing attract many visitors.

Built by Maharaja Vinay Singh in memory of his father Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his Queen Rani Moosi, this striking monument is located next to the Alwar Museum. Moosi Maharani ki Chhatri is a beautiful red sandstone and white marble cenotaph. The monument has carved floral patterns and gold leaf paintings of mythological scenes.

Bala Quila Fort or the Alwar Fort is situated in the Aravalli Ranges, above the town of Alwar. Built in 15th century by Hasan Khan Mewati, it has been under the rule of the Marathas, Yadavas, and the Kachwaha Rajputs. 'Bala Quila' means Young Fort. Laxman Pole is the only metalled road which connects the Fort to the Alwar city.

Naldeshwar Shrine is an 18th-century temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. This shrine is a little off the town and lies on the Sariska-Alwar highway. Cars and other means of transport will have to be left near the highway and the temple can be reached only on foot. This place of worship is surrounded by thick greenery and is a delight for nature lovers.

Also known Company Garden or Purjan Vihar, Company Bagh is a beautiful and aesthetic garden located in the heart of the city, adjacent to City Palace. Built in 1868 by Maharaja Shiv Dan Singh, the area has splendid lawns, well-trimmed gardens and overall picturesque beauty.

Famous for the historical ruins and the ghost stories, Bhangarh has been regarded as the most haunted place in the country. It is located on the way between Jaipur and Delhi. The Bhangarh Fort is a 17th Century fort in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It was built by Bhagwant Das for his son Madho Singh I.

The Hill Fort Kesroli is one of the rare heritage hotels in Alwar that has been in existence since the 14th century. A wonderful destination to enjoy the barrier sunsets, showing daily since 700 years and discovering the Neemrana heritage hotels in Alwar is this resort.

Nestled in the Aravali Hills over an area of about 800 sq. Km covering the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky landscape, lays the Sariska National Park, now known as The Sariska Tiger Reserve. This area was once hunting preservation of The Maharaja of Alwar. The Reserve is known for its majestic Royal Bengal Tigers.

Located near Sariska National Park, 30 kms away from the main city, Bhartrihari Temple is a venerated Hindu temple in Alwar. Believed to have been named after Bhartrihari Baba- the then ruler of Ujjain, the shrine is built in the traditional Rajasthani style with spacious corridors, exquisite arches, and floral columns of mandaps.

Set amidst the jungle in the lap of the Aravalli Canal, Garbhaji Falls boasts of untouched natural beauty and pristine serenity. The mesmerising cascade of sparkling water falling through a rough terrain beneath several rocky boulders in a glade, is a sight beyond description and speaks for itself. Garbhaji Falls makes for a perfect romantic getaway and an ideal spot for family picnics.

The tomb of Fateh Jang or Faeh Jang ka Gumbad is a memorial dedicated to Fateh Jang, a minister in the court of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The celebrated king is known to patronise exotic arts and astounding architecture. One such example of his virtuosity and architectural finesse is this monument. A classic amalgamation of Indo- Islamic designs and Rajputana style; the tomb reflects brilliance and expertise.

Around 20 kms from the main city of Alwar, there is a hot water spring known as Talvriksha. Nestled in the lap of nature, amidst emerald-green forests with the hills in the backdrop, the place is a cosy picturesque spot to spend a few moments of solitude. The hot water spring is believed to cure many diseases as it has medicinal properties. The place is popular among ornithologists and trekkers.

The magnificent palaces and sturdy forts in Alwar are synonymous with the culture of the city. Guarded by strong fortifications and boasting of striking architecture, these amazing forts are loved tourist destinations not just among the Indians but worldwide. Forts like Bhangarh are ultra-popular and have a plethora of mystery stories attached to it.

The grand Sariska Palace, built in 1892 by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh of Alwar, is truly a sight for sore eyes. The opulent palace spreads across 120 acres of lush green landscapes, compelling the onlooker to fall in love with its grandeur. However, the main reason why the beauty of the palace is greatly multiplied is that it towers right on the edge of the Sariska National Park.

Moti Dungri, Alwar is a unique holy shrine where Hindus and Muslims pray together. Sankat Mochan Vir Hanuman Mandir and Sayyed Darbar are in the same complex without a wall in between. On Thursdays, the loudspeakers play Bhajans in the morning and Qawwali in the evening. The mix of fragrances of camphor, ghee and lobaan are infused together.

Situated in the vicinity of City Palace, the Government Museum in Alwar was established in 1940. Housing a brilliant collection of paintings, frescoes and artefacts, the museum boasts of rich ancient heritage of the royal families. In addition to 234 sculptures, 11 inscriptions, 9702 coins, 2565 paintings, 2270 arms and weapons; the museum also has exotic collections of ivory and lacquered work, Bidri and brass works, pottery, Persian manuscripts and miniature paintings.

Pandupol is a Hanuman temple, located inside Sariska jungles. Legend has it that the Pandavas spent their time in exile ('Agyatvaas') - secret time - here. It is believed that in this site, Bhima, who was the strongest of the Pandavas, defeated the demon Hidimba and earned the hand of his sister Hidimba. The path to the temple has a cascading waterfall at the height of 35 ft.

Neelkanth temple is a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located within the Sariska Tiger Reserve premises. Though it is almost in ruins, locals still hold faith in this temple and many other temples in the reserve. This is actually, a cluster of a few temples together almost 30 km into an isolated hill in the Tiger Reserve.

Located at the centre of the city, Bazaza Bazar is a wholesale market that sells traditional Rajasthani textile and jewellery items. Jewellery crafted from semi-precious stones and zardozi and silk threads saris sell like hot cakes among tourists.

Sarafa Bazar is the jewellery market of Alwar where you find a wide range of precious stones, semi-precious stones and diamond jewellery.

Churi market is the girly shopping market where again you get traditional Rajasthani clothes and accessories for women.

Alwar is the home of Alwar ka mawa (milk cake) and Kalakand. The town's menu comprises of Puri, Dal Bati Choorma, Rabdi, Lassi, Gatte ki Sabzi and much more. While these sweets are unique to the town, it offers you a wide and rich range of popular Rajasthani preparations and snacks.