Beyond the City Limits: The Best Places to Visit near Delhi for a Weekend Escape

Why Alwar is One of the Best Places to Visit near Delhi

At the northern tip of the Aravallis, Alwar marks the intersection of rocky hills, lush forests, and open plains. It rarely tops the weekend shortlist from Delhi, which is exactly what makes it worth the visit. While many travellers focus on the monuments in Alwar city, the Sariska–Tehla side of the district offers a quieter experience centred on wildlife, temples, and Aravalli forest landscapes. A few useful facts:

• Distance from Delhi: approximately 220 km.

• Drive time: 3.5 to 4 hours by road.

• Nearest railway station: Alwar Junction, well-connected to Delhi.

• Best time to visit: October to March.

• Sariska Tiger Reserve: The highlight of the region. Spread across nearly 900 sq. km., this reserve is home to Royal Bengal tigers, leopards, sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, and over 200 bird species. Safaris from the Tehla Gate offer direct access to some of the reserve’s most scenic forest zones.

• Aravalli Boulder Landscape: The Tehla region is known for its dramatic granite boulders, forest trails, and birdlife-rich wilderness walks.

Day 2: Sariska National Park Safari and Heritage Exploration

• Early morning: Set out for a Sariska Tiger Reserve safari via the Tehla Gate, when the forest is most active with wildlife such as sambar deer, nilgai, wild boar, and diverse birdlife.

• Late morning: Return to the camp for breakfast and some time to relax amid the Aravalli landscape.

• Afternoon: Visit the Neelkanth Temple complex, a remarkable cluster of 10th-century Shiva temples located within the forested valleys of Sariska.

• Evening: Continue to Bhangarh Fort, a 17th-century ruined city known for its historic temples, palace remains, and atmospheric streets.

• Night: Drive back to Delhi, concluding your 2-day wilderness and heritage escape from the city.

• Accommodation: Stone Cabins (900 sq. ft.), Forest Bungalows (1,000 sq. ft.), and Forest Villas (1,800 sq. ft. duplex). All rooms have private outdoor seating, modern amenities, heaters for winter, and air conditioning for summer.

• Experiences: Sariska National Park Safari by jeep, Boulder Sundowner, Starlight Bush Dinner, guided birding tours, wilderness walks, al fresco breakfast, High Tea at Baithak, and spa treatments.