Explore Alwar, a quiet and underrated destination in Rajasthan known for Siliserh Lake, City Palace, Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri, iconic Alwar Milk Cake, and its proximity to Sariska Tiger Reserve. A perfect short trip without the crowds.
If you’re looking for a quiet Rajasthan escape without heavy crowds, Alwar might surprise you. Tucked between the Aravalli hills, this small heritage town is perfect for a 2–3 day trip with a mix of lakes, forts, wildlife, palaces, and local food that still feels untouched. Alwar isn’t the Rajasthan you see on postcards. It doesn’t try to impress you with grand entrances or crowded forts at every turn. Instead, it settles in slowly — through calm lakes, faded palaces, forest roads, and food that feels proudly local.
We visited Alwar on a last-minute plan, and honestly—those usually turn out to be the best ones.
Why Visit Alwar?
First Impressions
The town feels lived-in rather than curated. There’s history everywhere, but it isn’t packaged neatly. Old buildings coexist with everyday markets, and life moves at an unhurried pace. Unlike Jaipur or Udaipur, Alwar doesn’t feel like it’s performing for visitors — which, honestly, is its biggest charm.Less crowded than Jaipur or Udaipur
- Perfect weekend getaway from Delhi NCR
- Beautiful lakes, palaces, and forest surroundings
- Affordable destination and amazing food
- Combining with Sariska Tiger Reserve can become an adventurous outing.
Places to Visit in Alwar
1. Siliserh Lake Palace
One of the most peaceful spots in Alwar.
The lake views, calm vibe, and palace backdrop make it ideal for sunset photos and slow coffee breaks. It is run by the government and there are accomodation facilities along with the restaurant. The entry fee is around 100 per person for visit and they give you one beverage at the restaurant complimentary. Boating is also available at additional costs. Even if you’re not staying at the palace, it’s worth coming here just to pause for a while.
A Bit of History
Siliserh Lake is an artificial lake, was created in the late 19th century by Maharaja Vinay Singh to supply water to Alwar city. The lake and the palace around it later became a royal retreat, and today they remain one of the most serene reminders of Alwar’s past.
📍 Don’t miss:
- Sitting by the lake
- Coffee or snacks at the palace café
- Golden hour views (worth every minute)
2. Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri: A Quiet Memorial Near the City Palace
Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri is not a palace, but a royal cenotaph, built in the early 19th century by Maharaja Vinay Singh of Alwar in memory of his queen, Moosi Maharani. According to local history, Moosi Maharani was originally a dancer who later became the king’s consort — a detail that makes the memorial both historically and socially significant for its time.
Architecturally, the chhatri is a beautiful blend of Rajput and Mughal styles, built using red sandstone and white marble. Located close to the City Palace, it feels calm and understated, offering a reflective pause rather than a grand spectacle. It’s one of those places that doesn’t demand attention, but rewards those who slow down and look closely.
Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri
📍 Tip: The City Palace, The Government Musuem and the Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri are located in the same complex very close to each other; so you can visit all three places in one go.
3. Alwar City Palace: Where History Meets Daily Life
Alwar City Palace is one of the most interesting places in the town — not because it feels grand or preserved, but because it feels alive. A part of the palace complex currently houses government offices, so as you walk in, you’ll see lawyers, officials, and locals going about their everyday work.
At first glance, you may genuinely wonder if you’ve entered a tourist attraction or an administrative building — and that contrast is what makes it fascinating. The palace doesn’t separate history from the present; instead, both coexist in the same space, making it one of the most authentic experiences in Alwar.
A Local Insight We Found Interesting
While walking through the City Palace, a local guide shared an interesting update. According to him, the palace has been taken over by the Taj Group, as the government lease has come to an end. The plan, he said, is for the palace to undergo renovation, after which the administrative and legal offices currently functioning within the complex will be shifted elsewhere.
If this happens as planned, the City Palace is likely to see a significant transformation in the coming years. Visiting it now offers a rare chance to see the palace in its current, working-state form — where heritage and everyday administration still exist side by side.
P.S. I am attaching a picture of ID card of the guide who was an intresting and dedicated person.
4. Government Museum: A Must-Visit for History Lovers
Located within the City Palace complex, the Government Museum is easy to miss — and shouldn’t be. It houses a solid collection of artifacts, weapons, manuscripts, sculptures, and royal memorabilia that help put Alwar’s history into context. It is located on the top floor of the city palace.
This is one place where taking a little extra time pays off. The museum adds depth to everything you see around the city and is especially worth visiting if you enjoy understanding why a place looks the way it does today.
5. Bala Quila (Alwar Fort)
The iconic hilltop fort dominates Alwar’s skyline.
Unfortunately, Bala Quila was closed at the time of our visit, but even viewing it from Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri gives you an idea of how massive and dramatic it is.
👉 If open during your visit, it’s usually known for:
- Panoramic views of Alwar city
- Early morning or sunset visits
- Wildlife spotting as it is located in the buffer zone of Sariska Tiger Reserve.
6. Sariska Tiger Reserve (Optional Add-On)
If you have an extra day, Sariska is just a short drive away and makes Alwar even more special. We explored Sariska as part of our trip and found it to be far less chaotic than many popular wildlife destinations. If you have even one extra day, Sariska fits naturally into an Alwar itinerary.
👉 I’ve written a detailed, separate blog on Sariska Tiger Reserve covering safaris, zones, best time to visit, and booking tips.
You can find the full Sariska guide linked here .
Best for:
- Wildlife lovers
- Peaceful safaris without overcrowding
Walking Through Alwar City
Spending time in the city itself is important if you want to understand Alwar beyond its attractions. Local markets, small sweet shops, and everyday street scenes tell you more about the place than any guideboard can. There is a chudi bazaar which is famous for Rajasthani bangles.
It’s best explored without a fixed plan — stop where something catches your eye, talk to shopkeepers, and give yourself time to wander.
What to Eat in Alwar (This Truly Matters)
Food is where Alwar quietly wins.
Alwar Milk Cake: The Alwar Milk Cake alone is reason enough to stop and pay attention — especially since this is where it originated. One of the most trusted names is Baba Thakur Das & Sons, a legacy sweet shop dating back to 1947, with nine branches across Alwar. We tried both their classic milk cake and the anjeer-flavoured version — rich, slightly grainy, and perfectly caramelised. It’s indulgent, filling, and ideal to take back home.
Kadhi Kachori: Alwar is also known for its kadhi kachori, which is a savoury delight. Crisp, flavourful, and deeply local, it’s the kind of snack best enjoyed between walks through the city.
Rajasthani Delicacies: For a proper meal, traditional dishes like dal baati churma and gatte ki sabzi are widely available, but Zoca Café stood out for a satisfying dal baati churma thali — comforting, well-balanced, and done right.
Coffee: And then there’s coffee by Siliserh Lake. Not traditional, not local — but unforgettable because of the setting.
Where to Stay in Alwar
Alwar has accommodation options across budgets, depending on what kind of experience you want.
If you enjoy heritage stays and scenic surroundings, Siliserh Lake Palace stands out for its location and calm atmosphere. Properties like Dadhikar Fort Palace (often pronounced differently, which adds to the confusion) offer a more immersive experience, especially if you want hill views and a fort setting.
Budget travellers will also find plenty of small hotels that work well for short stays, especially if Alwar is part of a larger itinerary.
Where We Stayed in Alwar
We stayed at The Fern, Alwar-Sariska, which worked well for a comfortable and practical city stay. The rooms were spacious, the service was efficient, and after long days of exploring, it felt reliable and easy. If you prefer staying within the city with good amenities rather than a secluded resort, The Fern is a sensible choice.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Alwar?
The most comfortable time to visit is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor spots like Siliserh and Sariska. Winters are especially good if you’re planning a safari or long walks.
Is Alwar Worth Your Time?
Alwar won’t overwhelm you — and that’s exactly why it’s worth visiting.
If you enjoy destinations that feel unpolished, quieter, and honest, Alwar delivers. It’s ideal for travellers who prefer experiences over checklists and moments over monuments.
Sometimes, the best trips are the ones that don’t try too hard — and Alwar fits that description perfectly.
Alwar is simple, scenic, and still feels real—and sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.
FAQs About Alwar
1. Is Alwar suitable for family travel?
Yes, Alwar works well for families, especially those looking for a relaxed trip. Attractions like Siliserh Lake, City Palace, and Sariska offer open spaces and easy pacing without the rush of bigger tourist cities.
2. Does Alwar feel touristy?
Not really. Alwar still feels like a working town rather than a tourist hub. Places like the City Palace, which also houses government offices, make the experience feel authentic rather than curated.
3. How is Alwar for slow travel?
Alwar is well-suited for slow travel. It’s best enjoyed without a packed checklist — sitting by Siliserh Lake, walking through local markets, and taking unhurried meals are where the town truly shines.
4. Can Alwar be visited without a car?
Yes, you can explore central Alwar on foot or with autos, but having a car makes it easier to visit places like Siliserh Lake and Sariska Tiger Reserve comfortably.
5. Is Alwar good for photography?
Alwar is great for photography if you enjoy understated scenes — lake reflections, heritage architecture, daily life around the City Palace, and soft sunsets rather than dramatic, crowded viewpoints.
This was helpful