About Bala Quila Fort
Opening Hours: 10:00 am to 05:00 pm
Prime Day & Hours: Weekends
Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours
Tickets: Offline
Nearest Railway Station: Alwar Junction, about 11 km away
Nearest Airport: Jaipur International Airport, about 185 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Alwar Bus Station, about 8 km away
The Bala Quilla Fort (also known as Alwar Fort) sits on top of the Aravalli hills, rising up to about 300 meters above Alwar city. A winding path through rough ground leads to wide ramparts that are about 5 km long from north to south and 1.5 km long from east to west. Walk through the six massive gates, Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Krishna Pol, and Andheri Gate, each one beautifully carved and holding rich history.
Nikumbh Rajputs built Bala Quila in 928 CE, and Khanzada ruler Alawal Khan took it over around 1492. Over the years, it changed hands many times, first by the Mughals, then by the Marathas and Jats, and finally by Maharana Pratap Singh of the Kachwaha Rajputs in 1775.
Inside, you can witness the ponds like Suraj Kund and Salim Sagar for a serene experience. The Nikumbh Mahal palace, with its marble columns and jharokhas, temples, and an arms museum with swords, cannons, and muskets, adds a sense of antiquity and grandeur. The terraces offer a stunning view over the Aravalli hills and the city below, especially at sunrise and sunset.
Visitors don't just see the fort, they also step back in time to Rajasthan's layered past, experiencing the grandeur and culture that are still alive in these old walls.
Bala Quila Fort Highlights
• Visit Bala Quila Fort, also known as the Alwar Fort, situated on top of the Aravalli Hills, providing beautiful views of the city.
• Learn about the rich history, as the fort has been fought over and ruled by Mughals, Marathas and Jats.
• Discover Nikumbha Mahal with marble pillars and latticed balconies exemplifying the grandeur of the architecture.
• Explore the reservoirs like Suraj Kund, Salim Sagar, Jal Mahal, and other stepwells showcasing historic water conservation.
How To Reach Bala Quila Fort
By car/taxi: Bala Quila Fort is about 12 km away from the Alwar city centre via Bala Quila Road. It will take you about 30 minutes to get there.
Best Time To Visit Bala Quila Fort
1. Peak Season (October to March):
- Weather Insights: Between approximately 5 °C-11 °C (low) and 20 °C-28 °C (high); generally cool and comfortable.
- Things to Do: Explore the fort, visit the Sariska Tiger Reserve
2. Moderate Season (July to September):
- Weather Insights: Rains, high humidity, daily highs around 25 °C-35 °C, lows near 17 °C-24 °C
- Things to do: Learn about the local culture, enjoy nature in its full bloom
3. Low Season (April to June):
- Weather Insights: Scorching: highs between 32 °C-45 °C, sometimes touching 46 °C, with nights rarely dropping below 25 °C.
- Things to do: Morning exploration, indoor sightseeing of Alwar
Bala Quila Fort Other Essential Information
Know before you go-:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as walking and climbing through uneven fort terrain and gated staircases is required.
- Bring water, sunscreen, a hat, and snacks, since amenities inside the fort are limited.
- Respect local customs, dress modestly in areas near temples, and avoid smoking or the consumption of any illegal substances.
- Keep the historical place clean, collect your trash and dispose of it in designated bins, and refrain from littering in this eco-sensitive zone.
- Book a safari in advance if you wish to visit the nearby Sariska Tiger Reserve buffer zone, as the slots might be limited.
Learn about Grand Gateways & Defensive Architecture
Each of the six beautiful gates, Jai Pol, Suraj Pol, Laxman Pol, Chand Pol, Krishna Pol, and Andheri Gate, are beautifully carved and a sight to behold. Learning about how the fort was built, with 15 big towers, 51 small towers, and about 446 musket loopholes show that their defence was very well planned.
Witness Inner Palaces & Reservoirs
Check out Nikumbha Mahal, Jal Mahal, and the water bodies like Suraj Kund and Salim Sagar. The elevated point gives photographers a great view of Alwar city and the Aravalli Hills, especially at golden hours.
Explore the Historic Arms & Artefact Museum
Visit the museum on site to see a collection of cannons, muskets, swords, shields, and other weapons from the time of battle. This will give you a better idea of Rajasthan's martial history.
Embark on Safari through the Leopard Trail
The Sariska Forest Department runs an open-air jeep safari that starts on the Pratap Bandh forest road. This exciting path goes through thick woods, which makes it more likely that you'll see leopards, deer, peacocks, and other animals before you even get to the fort gates.
Tourism Board Alliances
Bala Quila Fort FAQs
What are the visiting hours and the best time to visit?
Bala Quila is open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, daily. October to March is the best time to visit because the weather is between 10 and 25 degrees Celsius, which is perfect for comfortably exploring the architecture, water reservoirs, and viewpoints.
What wildlife might one see en route or nearby?
Bala Quila is located within the Sariska eco-buffer zone, which is known for its diverse wildlife, such as peacocks, sambar deer, leopards, hyenas, porcupines, and even tigers. Jeep safaris can take you past water bodies like Suraj Kund and trails through lush forests, where you can see animals while you explore forts.
Are guided tours or cultural programs available?
No, there are no official guided tours available, but it is suggested to hire a local guide to learn about hidden stories, like Salim Mahal, escape tunnels, and temple legends. The fort grounds sometimes host cultural events, like folk performances. Getting a local guide will make the experience much better by revealing architectural details and local stories.
