8 Fascinating Things to Do in Alwar – Rajasthan’s Hidden Gem

Yellow mustard crops, kissed by the winter sun swaying on either side of the road, and tree canopies playing hide and seek with the foggy morning indeed makes for a gorgeous rustic scene. 166 km from Delhi, Alwar is a lesser known gem in Rajasthan. Often overshadowed by the touristy circuit of Jaipur-Jodhpur-Jaisalmer, Alwar is a perfect weekend destination, providing an offbeat experience.

Distance from Delhi to Alwar	166 km
Distance from Jaipur to Alwar	160 km
Best time to visit	November to February
Where to eat in Alwar	Prem Pavitra Bhojnalay offers excellent local fare at reasonable prices.

Hop into your car and head to this untouristy city for a slice of heritage, architecture, landscapes and more! Here’s what you can see and do when in Alwar.

1. City Palace, now known as the Alwar Court

Start your day exploring a palace, which is now a court! Before lawyers start strutting in and out, enter this rustic palace right in the heart of the city. The yellow jharoka windows and arches will bowl you over but not before the turquoise blue doors treat your eyes. While the hustle and bustle of the daily court activities goes on, I am in another era, imagining how princesses sashayed in and out of the symmetrical corridors. The palace is huge and there are enormous courtyards with pigeons fluttering around. Do not miss the glorious view from the top floor next to the museum.

2. Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri

A monument that narrates a fable of love, faith and sacrifice, the gorgeous cenotaphs of Moosi Maharani are intriguing, to say the least. The marble cenotaphs glisten in the sun as I climb up the stairs marvelling at the intricate arches. The queen who jumped into the pyre of her dead husband is revered, and people pay homage to her with incense sticks and marigold flowers. An enthusiastic watchman shows me around, narrating tales of the queen and the famed marble slab, beneath which flows water which is believed to cure every disease. The work on the cenotaphs is an architectural marvel while the ceilings are breathtaking. I circumambulate the one-storey building overlooking the Gopal Sagar Lake and I know where I am spending the next hour.

3. Gopal Sagar Lake

With minarets and majestic views of the surrounding hills through the arches, Gopal Sagar Lake is a photographer’s delight. With not a single soul in sight, the lake made for some great company in my solitude. Each minaret has a pathway leading to it and the panoramic view of the lake is just wow.

4. Bala Qila

There are two reasons to visit Bala Qila: the view from the top, and the fact that it has been thrown open to the public only recently. The drive to Bala Qila offers you the prospect of getting a bird’s eye view of the city. Chambers, staircases, balconies and doors – the fort may not share the same grandeur as many other Rajasthani forts, but the rustic charm of the place will not disappoint you.

5. Markets

When in Alwar, do not miss the traditional silver shops that give air-conditioned shopping malls a run for their money with their old-world charm. The place is known for its Milk cake, a delectable Indian sweet. Explore the vibrant markets around the City Palace area for traditional jewellery and Rajasthani fabrics.

6. Siliserh Lake

The perfect way to end your Alwar escapade is a short trip to Siliserh Lake, 17 km away from the city on the Sariska Road. This lake, nestled in the Aravalli Mountains, is a gorgeous place to admire the silhouettes of boats and the setting sun. Serene and devoid of crowds, the lake is picturesque against the backdrop of hills.

7. Bhangarh Fort

A haunted Fort, 95 km away from Alwar, is a fascinating place to visit for the legends surrounding it. Make sure you have ample of time for this, as entry isn’t permitted after 6 p.m.

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