As we could not spend long time away from home due to ill health of mother we planned a short visit to nearby places i.e. Alwar city and Sariska Wild-life Sanctuary in Rajasthan, around 200 km from Delhi.  We decided to go by own car. 

Alwar is a district in the State of Rajasthan, located in North-Eastern Rajasthan. It is environed by the lofty Aravali Hills and housing the famous Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary and the Bala-Quila, among other lovely tourist hotspots. 

We started at around 8 am and reached around 1 pm in the Alwar city.  In between we took two breaks – one for light refreshments and another to pick up a friend to guide and help in our tour.

After having lunch, we visited Bala Quila, Karni Mata’s Temple, Bhartihari and finally reached Forest Rest house in Sariska at around 4.00 pm.  Bala Quila or Alwar fort is located at the top of 300 mtr steep cliff.  This fort was built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550 A.D. Alwar fort is 5 km long and 1.5 km wide and has six historical entrances - Chand Pol, Suraj Pol (named after Raja Suraj Mal of Bharatpur), Jai Pol, Kishan Pol, Andheri Gate and Laxman Pol. From here one can have the view of whole city of Alwar. 

While sitting in the courtyard of the Forest Rest House in the evening, we were welcomed by many types of birds, Sambhar deer, monkeys etc.  Owl sitting on the tree in the courtyard was the special attraction as Seema saw the live owl for the first time.

Next day we went for Jeep Safari in the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary.  Forest officials helped us in hiring the jeep and guide.  The total cost for this was Rs.3500/-.  We started at 6 am and came back around 10.00 am.  During the safari we saw deers, wild rabbit, female neelgaye, wild pig, etc.  Plenty of Peacocks were also sighted.  We had started with the dream of watching tiger, but could not locate any.  Notwithstanding, we were not at all upset as we saw many other wild animals and enjoyed the beauty of the jungle very much, especially peacocks.  We saw peacocks in all their possible poses and positions, some running, some dancing, some on ground while some on trees.

On our way back home, we visited Siliserh lake.  As it was March ending, the contractors for fishing in the lake had their targets and had laid net underneath all along the lake, thereby making it impossible for the paddle boat.  For some time we were in a fix because the other boats were comparatively costly.  No one knows when one would visit the same place again.  Thus, not to miss the experience, we hired an electric water scooter for a round of the lake.  After the first few moments, which were quite frightening, it being our first experience on such a water scooter, it was a memorably enjoying ride.

 

On reaching Alwar, we had our lunch, bought a few packets of milk cake, a speciality of Alwar, and bid goodbye to Alwar for our way back to Delhi.  Except for dropping the friend on way, we did not take any break and reached Delhi around 5.00 pm.