If living in a hilltop fortress and indulging in delicious Rajasthani cuisine is on your list, then Alwar is the perfect destination for you! This charming town in Rajasthan, just a few hours’ drive from Delhi, is renowned for its mouthwatering doda, crispy kadi kachori, stunning hilltop forts, and serene lakes.
We wanted this to be a leisurely getaway, so we kept our itinerary relaxed and flexible. However, I’ll also share a few more must-visit spots that you can explore if you have additional time each day.
How to Reach Alwar from Delhi?
Alwar is a 4-hour drive from Delhi, via National Highway 8, offering a scenic route with stunning views of the Aravalli desert mountains, lush farmlands, and small rivers. Alternatively, you can take a train from Delhi Cantonment station to Alwar Junction, which takes just 2 hours and 10 minutes.
Once in Alwar, getting around is convenient with options like electric rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, and local taxi services.
I’m sharing my complete 2-day itinerary covering everything we did during our stay in Alwar city and Sariska National Park. This blog post focuses mainly on our experiences in these areas. On one of the days, we spent our entire time relaxing and exploring Dadhikar Fort, which I’ve covered in a separate blog post.
Day 1: Stay at Dadhikar Fort, Alwar
We started our journey early in the morning around 8 AM and reached Dadhikar Fort by noon. The drive offered a mix of tranquil countryside views and rocky roads during the final stretch near the fort. Overall, it was a fun experience, and I was thoroughly impressed by the smooth highways and how easy it was to navigate the route.
Our royal stay at the fort was an absolute delight and offered great value for money. The stay included lunch, evening snacks, and breakfast, ensuring we didn’t need to step out for anything. While the fort wasn’t too large, it had everything we could have asked for to make our experience memorable. In the evening, we enjoyed a mind-blowing cultural show, and the next morning, we woke up to a gorgeous sunrise over the Aravallis.
You can read more about our stay here and watch our experience at Dadhikar Fort on YouTube.
Day 2: Visit to Sariska National Park & Alwar City
On the second day, we explored the city of Alwar, indulged in delicious local food, shopped to our heart’s content, and visited some of the top attractions nearby, including an exciting safari at Sariska National Park’s buffer zone. Here’s a rundown of all the places we visited and the experiences that made our day truly memorable.
Morning: Sariska National Park
Jungle Safari at Sariska National Park Buffer Zone
We started our day at Sariska National Park’s buffer zone, which was just a 20-minute drive from Dadhikar Fort. Our initial plan was to head to the park’s main area, but since it was 1.5 hours further south, we opted for the buffer zone instead. Plus, we were eager to visit the hilltop fort, Bala Quila, which is located within the buffer zone.
Sariska National Park, nestled in the lap of the Aravallis, features a diverse landscape of mountains, grasslands, dry deciduous forests, and cliffs, spanning over 800 square kilometers. The park is home to a variety of wildlife, including tigers, leopards, sambar deer, and an array of bird species such as sandgrouse, harbor quails, and crested serpent eagles.
Although visitors can drive their own cars to Bala Quila, we wanted to add an element of adventure to our trip. So, we opted for a jeep safari through the Sariska National Park buffer zone. The safari felt like a thrilling roller coaster ride, navigating through unpaved trails and winding roads leading up to the hilltop fort. Along the way, we spotted various bird species, including shrikes, bee-eaters, and majestic peafowls. The jungle echoed with the calls of unseen animals, adding an air of mystery and hinting at the presence of larger predators such as leopards or tigers.
Karni Mata Temple
Our first stop during the safari was at Karni Mata Temple, a revered shrine dedicated to Goddess Karni Mata, an incarnation of Goddess Durga. The temple holds historical significance, having been founded by Bakhtawar Singh, the second ruler of the former Alwar princely state, between 1792 and 1815, following the fulfillment of his personal wish.
The temple is surrounded by the rugged beauty of the Aravalli Hills, adding to its serene ambiance. We made a quick stop to pay our respects and were captivated by the temple’s simplicity and spiritual aura. To our delight, the surroundings were teeming with wildlife—we spotted a variety of species, including Sambar deer and mongoose, making the visit even more memorable.
Bala Qila (Alwar Fort)
Next, we made our way to the Bala Qila, also known as Alwar Fort, perched majestically atop the Aravalli Hills. The fort, built in the 15th century, offers a panoramic view of Alwar city and stands as a testament to Rajasthan’s glorious past. As we drove up the winding roads leading to the fort, the surrounding landscape of lush greenery and rugged hills added to the charm of the journey.
The fort is an architectural marvel with massive gates, bastions, and watchtowers, reflecting a blend of Rajput and Mughal influences. We explored the fort’s many sections, including hidden passageways, grand halls, and scenic viewpoints. The serenity of the fort, combined with its historical significance, made it a perfect spot for photography and soaking in the grandeur of Rajasthan’s heritage.
Forest Cafe
After getting dropped off at the main gate, we made our way to the Forest Café for a much-needed refreshment break. The scorching heat had us craving something light and satisfying, so we opted for a comforting bowl of Maggi noodles, paired with some cool fizzy drinks to beat the heat.
The café, nestled amidst the lush surroundings, provided a relaxing spot to unwind before we continued our adventure. Sitting there, sipping our drinks and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere, it felt like the perfect pause before diving back into our exploration of Alwar.
Partap bandh (Biodiversity Park)
We also took a leisurely stroll along Partap Bandh, a picturesque boardwalk within the Biodiversity Park, offering stunning views of Bala Qila and the surrounding Aravalli peaks. The serene pathway, lined with lush greenery and the occasional chirping of birds, provided a perfect opportunity to soak in the natural beauty of Alwar.
The panoramic view of the majestic Bala Qila, perched high on the hill, was truly captivating. It was a refreshing experience to walk along the boardwalk, taking in the fresh air and enjoying the tranquil ambiance of the park.
Afternoon: Alwar City Tour
Following our exhilarating safari experience, we ventured into the heart of Alwar City and indulged in a self-guided food tour, eager to sample the city’s renowned culinary delights.
Lunch at Prem Pavitra Bhojanalaya
Our first stop was at Prem Pavitra Bhojanalaya, a humble yet popular eatery known for its delicious food at incredibly affordable prices. Despite its modest appearance, the place had a steady stream of locals, which reassured us of its authenticity.
We ordered malai kofta, dal,and dahi bada, all served with huge, butter-slathered rotis. True to its reputation, the food exceeded our expectations, treating us to an explosion of rich flavors and comforting aromas that left our taste buds utterly satisfied.
Desserts at Baba Sweets
Next, we headed to Baba Sweets, one of the city’s oldest and most beloved establishments, to indulge in some sweet treats. We tried their famous Kalakand and were absolutely blown away by its taste. The kalakand was perfectly sweet, tender, and melted in our mouths effortlessly, a true testament to their time-honored recipe.
While savoring the delectable treat, we had the opportunity to chat with the owner, who shared fascinating stories about the shop’s rich history and legacy. This added a personal touch to our gastronomic journey, making it even more memorable.
Before leaving, we couldn’t resist packing a few boxes of kalakand as souvenirs for our family, ensuring they too could relish the authentic flavors of Alwar. We also stopped by a snack shop opposite to Baba Sweets to stock up on traditional Indian namkeen before making our way to our last food stall.
Kanhaiya Sweets Kushalgarh Wale
Our final stop was at Kanhaiya Sweets Kushalgarh Wale, located near the highway. Here, we treated ourselves to Kadi-Kachori, a popular breakfast or snack dish in Alwar. The kachoris, with their crispy exterior and spicy, tangy kadi, were packed with bold flavors that left an indelible impression on our taste buds. It was the perfect way to conclude our culinary escapade, offering a delicious taste of local tradition.
Other landmarks in old Alwar City
While walking around the old city, we stumbled upon a few iconic landmarks. The first was the Clock Tower (Ghanta Ghar Alwar), a prominent structure that stands proudly as the centerpiece of the sabzi mandi. Just beside it was the Hope Circus, the main market area bustling with eateries and shops. What really caught our attention was the Hope Circus roundabout, where a temple dedicated to lord Ram is located right in the middle, adding an intriguing touch to the busy surroundings.
Evening: Heading back to Delhi
We began our journey back to Delhi around 4 PM, enjoying a pleasant drive through the countryside roads, bathed in the beautiful golden hour glow. On the way, we made a final pit stop at Old Rao Hotel, just before Manesar (in Kapriwas). This bustling rest area, conveniently located next to the highway, offered a variety of dining options, shopping outlets, and entertainment facilities, making it the perfect end to our weekend getaway. We treated ourselves to a cup of kulhar wali chai, pani puri, and soya chap to refuel, and picked up a pair of gorgeous juttis before making our final stop at home.
Overall thoughts
Our weekend escapade to Alwar was a symphony of sights, flavors, and experiences, leaving us with cherished memories. It’s a great spot for a quick and easy getaway with family or friends. Moreover, I found this place to be both kids- and senior-friendly. There’s something for everyone, from ample opportunities to relax to historic spots and adventure. I highly recommend adding Alwar to your list, and here are a few more spots you can visit in and around Alwar, Rajasthan.
More Things to do in Alwar
- Siliserh Lake Palace – A gorgeous palace overlooking the serene Siliserh Lake, this spot is perfect for nature and history lovers alike. Boating on the lake is a refreshing activity, offering a peaceful retreat amidst stunning views. The palace’s royal ambiance will transport you back in time, leaving you spellbound by its beauty.
- Alwar City Palace (Vinay Villas Palace) – Situated in the heart of Alwar, this majestic palace is a striking example of Mughal and Rajput architecture. With its expansive courtyards, lush gardens, and ornate interiors, it offers a captivating glimpse into Alwar’s royal past.
- Alwar Museum – A treasure trove of Alwar’s rich history and culture, the museum houses an extensive collection of sculptures, artifacts, and royal memorabilia. It’s the perfect place to delve into Alwar’s fascinating past, spanning ancient to medieval times, and gain insight into the art and history of Rajasthan.
- Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri – This beautiful cenotaph, dedicated to Moosi Maharani and her husband Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh, is set against the backdrop of the Aravalli hills. The picturesque views, peaceful ambiance, and intricate architecture make it a truly memorable visit.
- Sariska Tiger Reserve – A wildlife haven renowned for its dense forests, majestic tigers, and diverse wildlife. You can enjoy a tiger safari in the reserve’s main zones, encountering a variety of species. It’s a must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.
I hope this article will help you plan the ultimate weekend getaway from Delhi! If you’re looking for more such itineraries, check out my Day Trips from Delhi section, where I’ve shared more budget getaway ideas.
