Royal palace · Alwar

Vinay Vilas Mahal, Alwar

Alwar's City Palace, an 18th-century blend of Rajput and Mughal styles set against the Aravalli hills.

LocationAlwar city, 150 km from Jaipur

Built1793, Raja Bakhtawar Singh

TodayMuseum and offices

Time needed1.5 hours

The story

A little history.

Raja Bakhtawar Singh built the City Palace of Alwar, also known as Vinay Vilas Mahal, in 1793. It combines Rajput balconies with Mughal arches and pavilions, and looks over a large tank framed by temples and ghats.

Much of the palace now houses government offices, while the upper floors hold the Government Museum, with miniature paintings, manuscripts, weapons and royal objects of the Alwar rulers.

What to see

Don't miss.

Government MuseumMiniature paintings of the Alwar school, illuminated manuscripts and royal weapons.
Sagar tankThe stepped tank behind the palace, surrounded by small temples.
Moosi Maharani ki ChhatriA graceful cenotaph of red sandstone and marble beside the tank.
Bala QuilaThe older hilltop fort above the city, with sweeping views.