Alwar, located in the northern part of Rajasthan, is a city rich in history, culture, and stunning architecture. Known for its ancient forts, palaces, and serene lakes, Alwar offers a perfect mix of historical exploration and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or a nature lover, this budget travel plan will guide you to make the most of your 2-Day Budget Travel Plan for Alwar.
Day 1: Explore Forts, Palaces, and Lakes
Morning: Visit Alwar Fort (Bala Qila)
Start your day by visiting Alwar Fort, also known as Bala Qila, which is located on a hilltop offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscape. The fort has a rich history, with remnants of old structures, temples, and gates.
The entry fee for the fort is ₹20–₹30, and it’s a great spot for photography and exploration. The short hike to the top is also quite rewarding.
Breakfast: Local Café or Street Food
After your visit to the fort, head to a local café or street food vendor for breakfast. You can enjoy poha, paratha, or a warm samosa with chai for around ₹50–₹100.
Mid-Morning: Visit the City Palace (Alwar Palace)
Next, make your way to the City Palace or Alwar Palace, which stands in the heart of the city. The palace is an exquisite blend of Mughal and Rajput architectural styles. While the palace is not as grand as some of Rajasthan’s other palaces, it offers a calm and historical experience.
The entrance fee is around ₹20–₹30.
Lunch: Traditional Rajasthani Thali
For lunch, try a Rajasthani thali at a local restaurant like Hotel Safari or Bikanerwala. These restaurants offer a variety of vegetarian dishes like dal baati churma, gatte ki sabzi, and roti. Expect to spend ₹150–₹250 per person.
Afternoon: Visit Siliserh Lake
After lunch, take a short drive to Siliserh Lake, located about 12 km from Alwar city. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, making it a perfect spot for relaxation or a boat ride.
You can enjoy a peaceful walk around the lake or opt for a boat ride, which typically costs ₹100–₹200.
Evening: Explore the Local Markets
Head back to Alwar city and spend some time exploring the local markets. The markets in Alwar are perfect for picking up souvenirs like:
- Handicrafts
- Traditional jewelry
- Rajasthani textiles
- Spices
You can bargain for a good deal and expect to spend ₹100–₹300 depending on your shopping preferences.
Dinner: Local Dining Experience
Finish your day with a relaxed dinner at Rangoli Restaurant or Pind Balluchi. These places offer local and North Indian dishes for ₹200–₹300, with great ambiance for an enjoyable meal.
Day 2: Temples, Wildlife, and Scenic Views
Morning: Visit the Hindu Temples
Start your second day with a visit to the Brahma Temple or Shiva Temple in Alwar. Both temples are tranquil spots for reflection and offer insights into the city’s spiritual side.
Entry is free, but donations are accepted.
Breakfast: Street Food or Café
You can stop by for some kachoris and jalebi or enjoy fruit chaat at one of the local food stalls for ₹50–₹100.
Mid-Morning: Visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve
Next, embark on a safari to the Sariska Tiger Reserve, located about 20 km from Alwar. This wildlife sanctuary is home to tigers, leopards, and a variety of other wildlife species.
Entry to the reserve is around ₹50, while the safari costs ₹1000–₹1500 depending on whether you take a jeep or a shared vehicle.
Spend your morning exploring the reserve and spotting wildlife in the natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the elusive tiger!
Lunch: Simple Local Lunch
After your wildlife exploration, have lunch at a simple local restaurant like Kailash Restaurant or Saffron Restaurant. These places serve budget-friendly North Indian food like dal fry, roti, and sabzi for ₹150–₹200.
Afternoon: Visit the Bala Qila Garden
Post-lunch, head back to Alwar and visit Bala Qila Garden, located near the fort. This is a peaceful garden perfect for a relaxing afternoon stroll. You can also enjoy a small picnic here, surrounded by beautiful flowers and greenery. Entry is usually free.
Evening: Visit the Vinay Vilas Mahal
Wrap up your trip by visiting Vinay Vilas Mahal, a beautiful palace built in the 19th century. This palace is not as crowded as the other attractions in Alwar, making it a great place to explore and enjoy the calm surroundings.
The entry fee is ₹30–₹50.
Dinner: Final Meal in Alwar
For your final meal in Alwar, try Bikanerwala or Shiv Shakti Restaurant for some delicious vegetarian dishes or chaats. Expect to pay ₹200–₹300 for a satisfying dinner.
Budget Tips for Alwar:
- Stay: Budget hotels and guesthouses are available from ₹500–₹800 per night.
- Food: Stick to local restaurants and dhabas for affordable meals. You can enjoy full meals for ₹150–₹250.
- Transport: Alwar is a small town, so most places can be visited by walking or with a short rickshaw ride (₹20–₹50).
- Attractions: Many of the attractions, including temples, parks, and markets, are free or have minimal entry fees (₹20–₹50).
Final Thoughts:
Alwar is a fantastic destination for those looking to explore Rajasthan’s royal history, natural beauty, and cultural depth. With its forts, lakes, and temples, it’s a place where you can dive into history, enjoy peaceful landscapes, and experience the charm of Rajasthan without overspending. You can easily explore Alwar on a budget, with the entire trip costing you around ₹3000–₹4000.