Bala Quila Fort Alwar is one of the magnificent fortresses in Rajasthan, the desert state of India. It is also called as the Alwar Fort. By the virtue of its location in the Aravalli mountain range just above the city, it is also referred to as the guardian of the Alwar city. Bala Quila fort is a standout amongst the most notable tourist destinations in Alwar. Indeed, a number of visitors come in for their vacations to Alwar and they make sure that Bala Quila is not missed when they are in this Rajasthani city. Spanning over an area of 5 kilometres, this huge fort stands stern at a stature of 1000 feet.
Bala Quila Fort implies the young fort. However, looking at the humongous size, it is nothing short of a goliath of a structure made by man. This huge bala quila was first built in the year 1550 by Hasan Khan Mewati, but this fort has seen different royal houses rule over. Bala Quila Fort Alwar was passed on from one dynasty to another. It has seen the control of Mughals, Khanzadas, Marathas, Jats, Yadavas and Pathans. Despite all that, the fort still stands as tall as ever. This fort is an incredible site to visit amid evenings.
The timings for the fort are from 10 am to 5 pm and it is open seven days a week. Aside from its rich history, it also gives an astounding view of the Alwar Tour from a height of more than 300 meters. This fort is really massive and covers an area of 1.6 kms from east to west and 5 kms from north to south. There are six doors in the fort standing as a statement to the boldness and valour of the Rajputs which is extremely outstanding.
HIstory of Bala Quila Fort
Nikumbh Rajputs were the original occupants of Bala Quila. Bala Quila Fort was won from the Nikumbh Rajputs by Khanzada Alawal Khan in the year 1492. He wanted to stop the practice of human sacrifice. The fort was reconstructed by Hasan Khan Mewati, the son of Khanzada Alawal Khan, in the 1500s. The fort then went to the Marathas, Yadavas, Kachwahas and even the Mughals.
The fort was used by Mughals as the base for attacking Ranthambore even before they starting ruling. Mughal emperors Babur and Akbar had an overnight stay, whereas Prince Salim (later Emperor Jahangir) was exiled for three years in Salim Mahal as the outcome of banishment by Emperor Akbar.
Architecture of Alwar Fort
Alwar Fort is counted among the largest forts in Rajasthan which extends in the range of 5 kms. The fort has 6 entrance gates and is known by the name of Pol.
The 6 gates of the fort are Chand Pol, Suraj Pol, Krishna Pol, Laxman Pol, Andheri Gate, and Jai Pol. Each of these gates is named after some rulers and narrates their chivalry.
The fort is built in a number Style and the walls of the fort have beautiful scriptures and sculptures carved in them.
Besides these beautiful carvings, the fort also has a number of other notable buildings like Suraj Kud, Salim Nagar Pond, Jal Mahal, and Nikumbha Mahal Palace.
Best Time to Visit Bala Quila
The best time to visit the fort is between the months of September and February, when the weather is quite pleasant. Also, one needs prior permission from the Superintendent of Police to enter the fort premises.
How To Reach Bala Quila Fort
The distance between the city and the fort is of about 12 km. The foothill of the cliff is easily reachable by auto-rickshaws or private cabs. From the foothill, there is a 7 km steep path which has to be covered on foot.
By Road: Alwar Fort is located on Bala Quila Fort Rd, west of Alwar city at a distance of 7 km. One can easily reach here by taking rickshaws or simply by walk (Take permission before).
Follow Vinay Marg and Alwar-Jaipur Rd to Housing Board, Rundh Bhakhera. At the roundabout, continue straight and At Killa Circle Auto Stand, continue onto Bala Quila Rd.
You will pass by a Shiva temple on the left. Turn right to stay on Bala Quila Fort Rd from here it is about 5 km.
By Rail: Alwar Fort is well connected through nearest Alwar Railway station to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Bikaner, Pali, Jaipur, Ahmedabad.
By Air: Alwar Fort can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (157 km) and IGI Delhi Airport (147 km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.