From the ramparts of Bala Qila you look down on a city of flat rooftops, and on a clear day the Aravalli ridges run away in every direction. Alwar rewards travellers who are already heading between Delhi and Jaipur and want a stop that mixes a lived-in old city with easy access to forest and water.
It suits people who prefer forts, lakes and wildlife to shopping streets, and who are happy to arrange permissions and transport in advance. This guide covers the sights and experiences the sources describe, in the order worth doing them, plus a single-day plan built only from those places.
Top things to do in Alwar
1. Bala Qila
Bala Qila, also known as Alwar Fort, sits on the Aravalli Range roughly 300 metres above the city. It is one of the few forts in Rajasthan built before the rise of the Mughals, and it runs long and narrow, with turrets, a large gate, a temple and a residential area inside its walls.
Permission from the superintendent of police is required before visiting, though this is easy to get. Note that as of October 2022 it was closed until 2023, so confirm access before you build a day around it.
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Sariska Tiger Reserve is a national park and tiger reserve in the Aravalli hills a few kilometres from Alwar. It was declared a wildlife reserve in 1955 and a national park in 1982, became part of Project Tiger in 1978, and was the first reserve in the world to successfully relocate tigers. It also protects rare birds and plants, and holds ancient temples and historical ruins within its boundaries.
Because Pandupol lies inside the jungle, you can combine a wildlife visit with the temple stop below in a single outing.
3. Pandupol
Pandupol is a site in Sariska jungle where, by tradition, the Pandavas stayed during their agyatvaas. Its Hanuman temple has a distinctive idol shown in a relaxed posture, and the setting is in the middle of the forest.
Treat it as part of a Sariska visit rather than a separate trip, and plan your transport around the reserve's entry arrangements.
4. City Palace Complex
The City Palace, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, was built in 1793 CE by Raja Bakhtawar Singh and blends Rajputana and Islamic architectural styles, with marble pavilions on lotus-shaped bases in its courtyard. The palace once belonged to the Maharaja and now houses a District Administrative office and the District Court.
Pair it with the Government Museum, which is at the former city palace, so you see the building and its collections in one stop.
5. Government Museum
The Government Museum is housed at the former city palace and holds manuscripts, including one depicting Emperor Babur's life, Ragamala paintings and miniatures, historic swords that once belonged to Muhammad Ghori, Emperor Akbar and Aurangzeb, and a golden Durbar hall.
Entry costs ₹3 and is free on Mondays. Check the day of your visit, since the free day is also the busiest reason to go.
6. Siliserh Lake
Siliserh Lake is a 19th-century lake created by Maharaja Vijay Singh of Alwar, situated 8 miles southwest of Alwar. It is about 14 km from the railway station, and there is a government hotel here, the RTDC hotel also known as Silliserh Hotel, with restaurant and boarding facilities.
Boating is available round the year except during the rainy season, so time your visit accordingly if you want to get on the water.
7. Bhangarh Fort
Bhangarh Fort is a 17th-century fort built by Bhagwant Das for his younger son Madho Singh I. It is protected by the Archaeological Survey of India and is known for its association with legends and paranormal activities, which draws visitors from across the world.
Go with a clear plan for your return transport, as the fort is a standalone stop rather than part of a walkable cluster.
8. Hill Fort Kesroli
Hill Fort Kesroli is a 14th-century fort that has been converted into and is conserved as a heritage hotel. Visiting means staying or dining rather than touring a ruin, so it works best as an overnight base if you want the fort experience without a climb.
Build it into your accommodation plans rather than a sightseeing slot.
9. Bhartrihari Temple
Bhartrihari Temple is described as a famous TapoBhumi of Raja BhartriHari. It is a religious site rather than a monument, so approach it as a place of worship.
Combine it with the City Palace Complex and Government Museum, which sit in the same part of your day.
10. Jaisamand Lake
Jaisamand Lake is a lake constructed by a King of Alwar. It is a straightforward stop for a walk and a view rather than a full excursion.
Use it as a relaxed half-hour between the fort and the palace, or as an evening pause.
11. Fairy Queen
The Fairy Queen is a national treasure and cultural artifact of India, and the world's oldest working locomotive engine, dating to around 1855 CE. It operates as a tourist luxury train between Delhi and Alwar, runs on the same route as the Palace on Wheels, and was listed in the Guinness Book of Records in 1998 as the world's oldest steam locomotive in regular service.
If your trip coincides with its run, treat the journey itself as the experience and plan your Alwar days around the arrival.
If you only have one day
Morning: Start at Bala Qila, since it needs police permission arranged in advance and the climb and walls take time. Come down into the city and continue to the City Palace Complex and the Government Museum at the former city palace, which sit together.
Afternoon: Head out to Sariska Tiger Reserve, and include Pandupol inside the jungle while you are there. Keep the afternoon flexible, as reserve access and transport set the pace.
Evening: Finish at Siliserh Lake, roughly 14 km from the railway station, where the RTDC hotel, also known as Silliserh Hotel, has a restaurant and boarding facilities. Boating is available except during the rainy season.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need permission to visit Bala Qila?
Yes. Permission from the superintendent of police is required prior to visiting, though this is easy to get. As of October 2022 the fort was closed until 2023, so confirm before you go.
When is the Government Museum free?
Entry is ₹3 and free on Mondays.
Can I go boating at Siliserh Lake?
Boating is available round the year except during the rainy season.
Where can I stay near Siliserh Lake?
There is a government hotel, the RTDC hotel also known as Silliserh Hotel, with restaurant and boarding facilities.
Check the current status of Bala Qila and the Fairy Queen's schedule, then start mapping your days around the fort, the palace and Sariska.