Siliserh Lake
Siliserh Lake
Located 13 km from Alwar in Rajasthan, Siliserh Lake combines a 10.5 km² body of water, a royal palace from 1845 converted into a hotel, and the landscapes of the Aravalli range.
Siliserh Lake is an artificial expanse of water covering 10.5 km² situated 13 km from Alwar, in Rajasthan. Created in the 19th century to supply the city with water, it is today bordered by a former royal palace converted into a heritage hotel and surrounded by the peaks of the Aravalli range.
Why visit Siliserh Lake?
The site combines three points of interest rarely found together in Rajasthan: a navigable body of water (boating, pedal boats, fishing), a 19th-century palace converted into a hotel, and a natural environment conducive to bird watching. Half an hour's drive from Alwar, it is a useful stop to break away from the forts and urban palaces that dominate the classic Rajasthan itinerary.
The lake's size (10.5 km²) and its opening onto the Aravalli hills allow for a relatively short visit (1 to 3 hours depending on activities chosen) or an overnight stay at the Lake Palace for those wishing to extend the experience.
History of the site
The lake was created in 1845 at the initiative of Maharaja Vinay Singh, sovereign of Alwar, with the primary purpose of supplying the city with water. Captivated by the setting, the maharaja had a palace built on the shore for his wife Rani Sila. The building served both as a residence and hunting pavilion, a common function among Rajput rulers who often arranged their retreats near bodies of water that attracted game.
The palace has been converted into a heritage hotel under the name Lake Palace. It is now managed by the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation (RTDC), the public tourism development agency of Rajasthan, which operates several historical sites in the state along similar lines.
What to see and do on site
The Lake Palace
The hotel has 12 rooms, a dining hall overlooking the lake, and a restaurant serving traditional Rajasthani cuisine (dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, laal maas depending on the day). A stop at the restaurant or for tea on the terrace is possible without staying overnight and offers the best vantage point over the water.
Water activities
- Motor boat rides operated on site
- Pedal boat rentals
- Leisure fishing
- Picnicking on developed shorelines
Water activity fees are settled on site and remain modest. Bring some cash, as card payments are not always available.
Bird watching
The lake attracts migratory birds in winter that complement the resident species of the Aravalli. Binoculars useful for regular observers; the quieter west and north shores are most conducive to spotting.
When to visit
The most favorable period extends from October to March, with mild temperatures (15–28°C during the day) and clear skies. This is also the season for migratory birds, which peaks between December and February.
April to June should be avoided: temperatures frequently exceed 40°C in this part of Rajasthan. The monsoon (July–September) swells the lake and greens the Aravalli, but water activities may be suspended depending on conditions.
Practical information
- Location: 13 km southwest of Alwar, Alwar district, Rajasthan
- Access: open daily during daytime; exact hours variable, check locally
- Fee: site entry generally free or symbolic; water activities and dining charged separately
- Visit duration: 1 to 3 hours, half-day if activities and lunch included
- On site: Lake Palace restaurant, restrooms, parking
How to get there
The lake is reached from Alwar by taxi, auto-rickshaw, or private car (approximately 25 minutes' drive). To reach Alwar itself:
- By air: the nearest international airport is Delhi, approximately 163 km to the north
- By train: Alwar is served by its own station, on the Delhi–Jaipur line, with daily connections from both cities
- By bus or car: regular services from Delhi, Jaipur, and major cities in Rajasthan
For a combined itinerary, Alwar sits naturally between Delhi and Jaipur, allowing you to include Siliserh without major detours.
What to see around
The Alwar region concentrates several sites that complement a visit to Siliserh: the Bala Quila fort overlooking the city, the City Palace and its museum, the Moosi Maharani cenotaph, as well as the Sariska tiger reserve an hour's drive away. To extend your Rajasthan journey and beyond, also see our page on the Ajit Singh Memorial in Jodhpur, or explore other regions of India with Bandhavgarh National Park and the Alchi Monastery in Ladakh.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
Allow 1 to 3 hours for a visit with a boat ride and a stop at the Lake Palace. Half a day if you combine bird watching and lunch on site.
Yes, the former royal palace operates as a heritage hotel by the RTDC. It has 12 rooms and a restaurant. Booking is recommended, especially during peak season (November–February).
December to February, during the Indian winter, when migratory species stay on the water. Morning temperatures are cool; bring a fleece for early morning observation.
It is justified mainly as part of a stay in Alwar, to which it is connected. On a Delhi–Jaipur itinerary via Alwar, it is a pleasant addition but not a standalone destination from either capital city.
Motor boats and pedal boats are offered in the dry season. During the monsoon, some activities may be suspended depending on water levels and safety conditions.
Plan your journey
Siliserh Lake integrates naturally into a Rajasthan circuit combining Delhi, Alwar, Jaipur, and Shekhawati. To build a tailor-made itinerary including this stop, consult our India trips designed by our local specialists.
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