Unveiling The Majesty Of Bala Quila: Alwar’s Ancient Sentinel

The epic hidden city of Alwar is close to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Aravalli range in Rajasthan. Lying across its more prominent jewels is the formidable Bala Quila, popularly known as the Alwar Fort. An icon of this country, this commanding fortress high above the city, is a living witness to numerous centuries of royal heritage, strategic brilliance and architectural wonder. An absolute must for all those into a trip back into Rajasthan’s storied past, a visit to Bala Quila is an immersive experience into this ancient past of the feudal Rajput kingdom.

A Glimpse into Bala Quila’s Storied Past

The story behind Bala Quila in Alwar is itself as tangled and entailing as its architecture. Ironically, despite its name, meaning ‘Young Fort’, it is one of the oldest structures in Alwar, probably being built in 928 AD by the Nikumbh Rajputs. But much of its imposing structure is Hasan Khan Mewati, who turned it against the Lodi Sultans and invaded it in 1550 AD and significantly fortified and expanded it.

Bala Quila has over the centuries seen an ebb and flow of power, changing hands with the Mughals, Marathas, Jats and, of course the Kachwaha Rajputs. Every ruler left an imprint on this fort, which gives a one-of-a-kind blend of architecture. It is said Babur, the Mughal emperor, spent a night here and interestingly, his son Jahangir was reportedly banished to this very fort by Akbar. Founded by Maharao Raja Pratap Singh, the founder of Alwar city, Bala Quila was eventually captured by him in 1775 AD, which announced a new era for the region. Ruled by a series of rulers and home to numerous events, it is a treasured site, filled with countless tales of valour, intrigue and royal splendour, which makes Alwar’s history well served with this fort.

Planning Your Visit to Bala Quila

To make the most of your trip to this magnificent fort, consider these practical tips:

• Best Time to Visit: The best time to come to Bala Quila is the cooler months, from October to March. This season is a nice one to visit, with temperatures varying between 10°C and 25°C and there are perfect conditions for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Monsoons (July to September) consist of moderate to heavy rainfall, but they make the landscape lush green. Summers or April to June, are extremely hot.

• Timings and Entry Fees: Usually, Bala Quila is open between 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM (some sources say it opens between 8:00 AM and 4 PM or 9 AM and 5 PM, so it’s best you go and verify this information locally). Early in the day is recommended, as you’ll arrive before the masses of tourists for cooler weather. For Indians it is nominal, approx. INR 10-15, whereas for foreign tourists it is INR 100 – INR 200. There might be additional charges for carryg vehicles inside (e.g., INR 20 for a two-wheeler).

• Accessibility: Situated advantageously at a distance of around 6-10 km from the centre of Alwar city, Bala Quila is easily approachable by road. From Alwar you can hire a cab or an auto rickshaw.

Beyond Bala Quila: Exploring Alwar and the Sariska Region

Bala Quila is the only monument we hear about in Alwar, which is often called ‘The Tiger Gate of Rajasthan’ but there is much more to it than Bala Quila.  

• Alwar City Palace and Museum: Beautiful palace merging Rajput and Mughal architecture, housing a museum with a wide range of artefacts.
• Moosi Maharani Ki Chhatri: And then, a beautiful cenotaph dedicated to Maharaja Bakhtawar Singh and his queen, Moosi Maharani.
• Siliserh Lake and Palace: A beautiful lake with peaceful palace characteristics, offering boating as well.
• Sariska Tiger Reserve: A well-known wildlife sanctuary where you’ll see tigers, leopards and plenty more. It also can come as an added advantage to the guests of Fort Dadhikar which specialises in organising jungle safaris for its guests in the Bala Quila Eco-Tourism Zone.
• Bhangarh Fort: One of India’s most haunted places, known for its different kinds of historical intrigues.

Your Ideal Retreat: Fort Dadhikar, The Best Stay Option Near Bala Quila

Coming back after a day of exploring the grandeur and history of Bala Quila, you need a comfortable and luxurious retreat. If you are looking for a stay in Alwar that fuses heritage and modern hospitality in one place, then the ideal option has to be Fort Dadhikar.

Standing close to Bala Quila (6-10 km), Dadhikar Fort is a historic property (at least the building is more than 1100 years old). This luxury hotel in Alwar has beautifully crafted rooms that channel all the regal charm with its splendid views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Fort Dadhikar gives you a place to rest in tranquillity and comfort, all whilst being surrounded by the rich cultural tapestry of Rajasthan. Located close to the roads that lead to Bala Quila, Sariska and other tourist places in Alwar, it’s the perfect base from which to explore!