Neelkanth Mahadev Temple: Khajuraho of Rajasthan
Alwar-Sariska belt is an exquisite place for its variety of offerings. Of course, there is Sariska National Park, which remains on top of the list of any visitor or nature lover alike. Then there are famous palaces in Alwar that everybody knows. Surrounded by rugged hills of Aravali. there are many things, which are yet to be explored. One of such place is Neelkanth Mahadev Temple situated in Tehla village, which comes under the buffer zone of Sariska National Park.
Lord Mahavir statue near the temple complex
The following route is highly recommended in order to save time and energy. If you are coming from Delhi then drive via Gurgaon- Dharuhera (Keep looking for left turn at Dharuhera)-Tijara- Kishangarh- Alwar, avoiding rush of NH-8. The entire stretch is properly divided and well built, with only state transport buses or few private vehicles to accompany.
Nearby Siliserh Lake Palace
Have a hot cup of tea here…There is a piece of news about Sariska Natioanl Park. The park is now a properly maintained, with fixed visiting hour, i.e. 7-12 in the morning and 2-6 in the evening; no private vehicles are allowed except Tuesday & Saturday (due to Pandupole Hanuman temple), and can be visited only by authorized vehicles that are very few in numbers. So, advance booking is highly recommended.
Neelkanth Mahadev Temple, Alwar, Rajasthan
It is a nationally protected monument by ASI
Excavation has revealed many secrets here…To reach Neelkanth Mahadev Temple one has to cross Sariska National Park. Since all the construction activity is banned due to forest area, so road condition is real bad. The entire stretch from Sariska to Thana Gazi is so pathetic that one will force to drive in first gear. Then it was ok until 3-4 km and then again, till Bhangarh it is too bad. From Bhangarh, its a straight drive till Tehla village. Further the most challenging part is to cross Aravali hills as the temple is behind the hills. It could be your worst driving experience and it is strongly suggested that without a SUV one should not dare to go on this route.
Around the temple…
The temple will come as a surprise. It is like Khajuraho’s temples replica in Rajasthan. Besides tourists this place is regularly visited by four-footers.
For backward journey one could also take the route of Rajgarh that connects to Alwar. Else drive till Thana Ghazi which directly goes to NH-8.