A mere 3 hours away from New Delhi, Alwar Bagh offers a secluded escape from the hustle bustle of the maddening city life. It was incredible for me to see the culture, food, costume of an entire population change just after 3 hours of leaving Delhi by train. As I entered the sprawling premises of Alwar Bagh, I was stunned by its grandeur and aura. The peacocks foraging in the undulating lawns in the property made it all the more endearing.
Sariska National Park
You can indulge in a wildlife safari nearby. Though Tigers have good presence in the forest reserve, its is not easy to spot one here. Never mind, it is compensated by the fact that one can spot other wildlife easily and of course appreciate the beauty of the landscape.
Bhangarh Fort:
Just 3 hours drive away from the Alwar Bagh, it makes a perfect day trip from the resort. I recommend that one should start early morning so that one can easily return by evening.
Alwar City:
I was surprised to discover that Alwar has so much to offer to the discerning traveler. There is so much to see in Alwar which is just half an hour away from Alwar Bagh. Be it Moosi Maharani ki Chatri or pristine Siliserh lake or the many cenotaphs that dot the landscape, Alwar stunned me with its understated beauty.
About the property:
Alwar Bagh exuded warmth and positive vibes the moment I entered it. The extraordinary service extended by each member of the staff who interacted with me is valuable. No wonder, Aamod resorts are known to be the epitome of hospitality.
The architecture of the property is the first thing that charmed me. Built in the traditional architectural style of Rajasthan, it reflected the local aesthetic sense. It mirrored the architectural style of the havelis still found in the traditional corners of Rajasthan. The most charming part of the Haveli I stayed in was the courtyard or ‘aaangan’ as we call them in India. In fact, while hiking in the hills behind the resort, I came across the ruins of a real haveli, the architecture of which matched with that of Alwar Bagh’s. I realised in that moment that I was actually experiencing what living in a haveli must have felt like. The pool side of the resort is located next to the green lawns. One can even order food next to the pool area.
The luxurious rooms at Alwar Bagh
All the rooms at the property are huge. The sense of space dazzled me. Thankfully, they had not cluttered it with useless knick knacks and decorations. The interiors were traditional, minimalist and classy. The furniture was made in dark wood. Some of the rooms I saw had a view of the Aravali mountain ranges, which is just behind the resort. Boasting 37 rooms and suites across 4 large buildings, some of the rooms had private balcony and well appointed bathtubs. I was amused to see that some of the room had beds which can be turned into swinging beds on demand. It was a romantic idea and ideal for the honeymooning couples.
Rawal, Jaigarh, Bhanwar Villa and Gulab Villa were the names of four buildings where one can stay. I stayed in the Jaigarh building.
Destination wedding venue:
Owing to its huge space, gardens and ethnic grandeur Alwar Bagh is fast becoming the preferred venue for destination weddings. It is also a popular choice for corporate offsites as the management helps in conducting many team building exercises and activities.
Food:
The food at the only restaurant of Alwar Bagh offered multiple cuisines. While my favourite pick were the traditional Rajasthani food Dal Bati Churma and papad ki sabzi, continental, Punjabi and South Indian dishes are also served in the resort. The breakfast buffet was sumptuous and varied. I was delighted to see Upma and Poha, my favourite breakfast. Milk cake which is a speciality of Alwar, was the most popular desert here. It was served with ice cream with a contemporary touch in its presentation.
One also has the option of dining al fresco in the large garden just outside the restaurant.
Cost:
The cost of deluxe room starts at Rs. 6000 plus taxes. It goes up for super deluxe and suits.
Best Time to go:
Winters are the best time to go. Monsoon is also a good time to visit as the rugged mountains come alive with all the greenery.
What to do in and around the property:
Hike behind the Resort:
One can take a short walk just behind the resort and hike in the rugged terrain of the mighty Aravali mountains. I enjoyed exploring in the hills, guided by a locally hired expert. As I maneuvered through the craggy outcrops, spotting peacocks and other birds, local shepherds waved at me. I was surprised when the guide told me that the rocks I was walking on were the ruins of an ancient settlement. On looking closely, I saw pattern in the ground beneath me. I could see the outline of what might once have been a hut or a potter’s workshop.
In House Entertainment:
There is a lot you can do in Alwar Bagh itself. Myriad activities like rock climbing, paintball, shooting, rope course will keep you engaged all day. Indoor sports like carom board and outdoors games like badminton and basketball can also be enjoyed here.
Getting there
By air: Alwar can be reached by either Sanganer airport of Jaipur or via New Delhi
By train: The easiest way is to travel by Ajmer Shatabdi. It starts at 6 a.m. in Delhi and also stops at Gurugram railway station. The management from Alwar Bagh offers pickup from Alwar railway station.
About author- Abhinav Singh is a New Delhi based travel blogger and writer with 18 years of experience in writing. He has been to more than 200 destinations since last 10 years. He writes about his travels on his blogs and social media channels.
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