Alwar is a small down in the Rajasthan surrounded by Aravali Ranges yet just 165 kms away from Delhi. An early morning bike or car trip from Delhi would make this trip a comfortable and exiting one. However we thought of exploring it as cheap as possible. We are 7 of us. We booked early morning train from Old Delhi. After such a tedious train journey( 7 of us sat in a seat of 3 yet being scolded by an uncle for not giving him some space), we reached Alwar at somewhere around 8:30. As a ritual, the first thing we had was a cup of Kulladh Chai( Weirdest yet a cute cup) and some chole bhature at a road side shop. With no plan in our mind, we enquired the locals there about the spots to look there in Alwar :P.
We then Walked a kilometre to freshen up in a Sulabh Restroom. Then we started enquiring the locals about any bike rental shop there and ended up with Negative words from everybody. Started asking the shared Autos for rental for a day to take us through Moosi Rani ki Chhatri, Bala Quila, Siliserh Lake and Sariska Tiger Reserve( in the mean time we decided the places to visit). We were later told by a auto driver that 3 wheelers cannot go up the Bala Quila( as it needs to go up the Aravali mountain) and so he called his friend and arranged a Maruti Eeco for Rs 2000 ( Rs 285 for each).
First, We drove to Moosi Rani ki Chhatri which is near by the District Collector Office. It was a monument with a lake and beautiful interiors. Spent around 30 minutes there and started towards Bala Quila.
The entire route is through the locals of Alwar and one can witness the Rajastani culture all around. Alwar is under a military Cantonment area and One has to get a pass( By paying few bucks) from military at the entrance before driving uphill to Bala Quila. The drive uphill is so beautiful and a paradise for Bike riders. One can witness deer crossing the roads every now and then. There won't be much of a traffic and One can witness the beauty of Aravali all through the ride. Since we went during winter everything were mostly dried. Visiting Alwar during the monsoon would be great.
Bala Quila looked more like an abandoned fort. The view of the Alwar city from the top of the Fort is totally worth. It more looked like a minimal of Great wall of China. Bala quila to Siliserh lake is another 20 km ride and we took a small nap before we reached the lake. The lake looked majestic and there were tourist boating through the lake. Siliserh lake is in adjacent to a resort for which one has to pay Rs 250 per head to enter( will be offered Tea and snacks) and it doesn't includes the cost of parking and Boating. We skipped entering Siliserh because we need to reach Sariska Tiger Reserve by 2 pm to buy tickets for safari at 3 pm. We had our lunch at a beautiful lake side cafe near siliserh lake. There are plenty of such restaurants on the way.
It was a long ride from Siliserh and we reached Sariska Tiger Reserve by 1:45 pm. There already was a queue for the Jeep and Canter (20 person) Safari. We bought tickets for canter safari and it costed around Rs 350 per head. Don't get cheated by private agencies. Reach there in time and buy tickets there in counter. There is also Online booking which I am not sure of. One can also buy tickets and use their private vehicles and are allowed only through the main route and not inside deep forests. The 2 hrs 30 mins safari is worth the amount and the experience simply cannot be put through words. Wildlife and Bird Photographers can be seen taking Jeep safari with their huge lenses.
Unfortunately we couldn't trace any Tigers ( the guides who accompanied us has put utmost effort to track one) but the safari is one lifetime experience. A jeep safari through the dense forest during a monsoon season will be dreamy. Driving with personal vehicle inside the reserve could no where near the experience of a safari.
We were dropped at the bus stand and took the bus towards Delhi. Taking Rajastan Road transport bus is surely a better option to reach Alwar than train. A few extra bucks but a comfortable ride. There is busses to and from Alwar all round the clock.
There are few Places like Bhangarh fort, Museum etc. which can be easily covered by taking an extra day. Sariska also has several resorts where one can leisure and spend time. One can visit Jodhpur, Pushkar etc in the similar manner.
Mountains, Forest and Forts - Alwar is a gem to be explored.