@ Akash's Rider Trail: Delhi to Alwar & Sariska on My Bike
Riding from Delhi down to Alwar via the new Delhi-Mumbai Expressway (150 km) on my bike takes just under 2.5 hours. The smooth tarmac transitions into exhilarating Aravalli hill twisties as you approach Sariska National Park. Rider Warning: Watch out for wild sambar deer and peacocks darting across the forest road when riding through Sariska at dawn!
Complete Travel Guide to Alwar
Nestled dramatically amidst the ancient Aravalli Range, Alwar is one of the oldest cities in Rajasthan, acting as the gateway to the royal state. Rich in Rajput heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, and ghost legends, Alwar is a favored weekend getaway from both Delhi and Jaipur. If you are planning a broader circuit, combine Alwar with birdwatching in Bharatpur, royal forts in Bundi, and tiger trails in Sawai Madhopur (Ranthambore).
During my motorcycle road trips across Eastern Rajasthan on my bike, Alwar stood out for its raw, untouched character. From riding up the steep switchbacks to the formidable Bala Quila fort to savoring warm, melt-in-the-mouth Alwar Kalakand, Alwar is a dream destination for heritage lovers and adventure seekers alike. Official state tourism info can be found on the Rajasthan Tourism Portal.
Top 10+ Places to Visit in Alwar
1. Bala Quila (Alwar Fort)
Perched high on a 300-metre cliff face in the Aravalli hills, Bala Quila (meaning "Young Fort") extends 5 km long with 51 large and 115 small towers. Built originally in 1550 AD by Hasan Khan Mewati, it served as a vantage fort for Mughal emperors Babur and Akbar.
Akash's Insider Tip: Take the winding forest road up on your bike during early morning. You'll get sweeping 360-degree views of Alwar town shrouded in morning mist.
2. Sariska Tiger Reserve
Spanning over 800 sq km of dry deciduous forests and rocky gorges, Sariska Tiger Reserve is world-famous as the first national park to successfully relocate Royal Bengal Tigers. Book an early morning 4x4 Jeep Safari to spot tigers, leopards, striped hyenas, and four-horned antelopes.
3. Siliserh Lake & Lake Palace
Commissioned in 1845 AD by Maharaja Vinay Singh for his queen Sheila, Siliserh Lake covers 10 sq km surrounded by dense forest hills. The 19th-century royal hunting lodge perched on its edge is now a RTDC hotel offering speedboating, motorboat rides, and lakeside tea breaks.
4. Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri
Located adjacent to the City Palace, this double-storey cenotaph constructed in 1815 features white marble elephant arches, red sandstone pillars, and intricate mythological frescoes on its vaulted ceiling dedicated to Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his queen Moosi.
5. Alwar City Palace (Vinay Vilas Mahal)
Constructed in 1793, the Alwar City Palace blends Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. Its upper floor houses the Government Museum of Alwar, displaying rare Sanskrit manuscripts, Emperor Babur's sword, and exquisite Rajput miniature paintings.
6. Neemrana Fort Palace
Located 66 km from Alwar city along the Delhi highway, Neemrana Fort Palace is a restored 15th-century heritage resort built into an Aravalli hill face across 14 levels. It's famous for zip-lining over ancient ramparts and sunset high teas.
7. Bhangarh Fort ("India's Most Haunted Fort")
Located 85 km from Alwar, Bhangarh Fort is an infamous 17th-century ruined fort enveloped in dark legends. The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) strictly prohibits entry between sunset and sunrise!
8. Hope Circus & Authentic Alwar Milk Cake (Kalakand)
Alwar is globally celebrated for Kalakand (Alwar Milk Cake) ā a caramelized, slow-cooked, grainy sweet milk dessert. Head to the bustling round market at Hope Circus to taste hot, freshly prepared Kalakand from legendary sweet makers Baba Thakur Das.
Best Time to Visit & Practical Travel Tips
- Best Season: October to March for cool 12Ā°Cā24Ā°C winter weather, ideal for tiger safaris and hill climbing.
- Sariska Safari Booking: Book your safari online in advance on the official Rajasthan Wildlife portal to secure Zone 1 & 2 slots.
- Food Must-Tries: Alwar Milk Cake (Kalakand), Pyaaz Kachori, and Rajasthani Gatte ki Sabzi.
- Rider Tip: Riding on two wheels through the Sariska forest pass toward Bharatpur or Dholpur offers incredible scenery.
Frequently Asked Questions
