Siliserh Lake
Distance : 13km from Alwar
Siliserh is just the place for an idyllic stopover before you move
on to Sariska Tiger Reserve. But you'll be so enchanted by its
Arcadian ambience that you'll want to stay on for some more time. and
for that, you have the lovely Siliserh Palace Hotel overlooking an
even more beautiful lake which is a good 10.5 square km of twinkling
ripples, surrounded by low, wooded hills. The chhatris (cenotaphs) of
the palace have been converted into comfortable hotel rooms. One could
spend hours by simply watching the waterfowl from the hotel's terrace.
¤ Formation of Grand Reservoir
The reservoir was created by Maharaja Vinay Singh in 1844 so that the
water could be channeled to Alwar, transfusing life into its
barrenness. and true enough, Alwar's landscape bloomed with luxuriant
gardens. Vinay Singh named this new lake Siliserh in honour of his
queen Seela, and also built her a small white palace set high upon a
rise overlooking the waters. Siliserh grew into a favourite resort of
the Alwar kings, particularly of the whimsical Maharaja Mangal Singh
(1874-92).
¤ A Tale Attached To Siliserh Region
A beautiful spot like this would have a charming story bound to it.
Once when Mangal Singh went hunting, he wandered into the nearby
village of Kishanpur. There he fell in love with the beautiful Silika,
daughter of the village chief. Mangal Singh and Silika were immersed
in deep conversation when the girl's father came back. He was
infuriated at the sight, and insisted that Mangal Singh marry his
daughter. The king protested, but on a little more pressing he agreed.
Rani Silika lived happily at the City palace in Alwar for sometime.
But after the death of her child at birth, she wanted to go back to
her parents in Kishangarh. The king thus prepared the Siliserh Palace
for his queen to live near her parents. Silika lived in Siliserh for a
few months, but soon died of a broken heart.
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