Alwar Fort

The Alwar Fort is an ancient monument located in the city, on a steep hill at about 308 meters high. It is built of magnificence and is one of the most famous landmarks in the city it was built in 16th century, before the Mughal period. The fort stretches across 5 kilometers from North to south. The various architectural features like the 15 large and 51 small towers add to the beauty of the fort. The beautiful gates bear different names. One can spend time gazing at the intricate and exquisite architectural features of the fort.

Bala Quila meaning the young fort is Alwar's oldest structure. It was built by Hasan Khan Mewati in 1550 AD. In the following centuries it went into the hands of Mughals, Marathas, Jats and Kachwaha Rajputs. Babur, the Mughal emperor had spent a night here and also taken away sizeable amount of treasure to gift his son Humayun. Later Jahangir stayed there for some time when he was banished by his father, Akbar for planning to kill one of his courtesans Abul Fazal. The place where he stayed came to be called Salim Mahal. In 1775 AD, Kachwaha Rajput Pratap Singh captured it and laid the foundation of Alwar city.

The fort is 5 km long and is about 1.5 km wide. The Fort has 6 gates, namely Jai Pol, Laxman Pol, Suraj Pol, Chand Pol, Andheri Gate and Krishna Gate. The fort has 15 large and 51 small towers, which are surrounded by 8 enormous citadels. Built in a typical Indo - Islamic style of architecture, the walls of Bala Quila are adorned with beautifully crafted ancient sculptures and scriptures. The fort also houses many other stunning structures such as Nikumbha Mahal Palace, Suraj Kund, Salim Sagar Pond, Jal Mahal and 15 striking temples including Chakradhari Hanuman Temple and Sita Ram Temple. Surrounded by the majestic Aravalli Hills, each structure inside the fort represents the opulence of the bygone era, especially the Nikumbha Mahal Palace, which is built using Bengal caned marble pillars along with large latticed balconies. Bala Quila is now in dilapidated condition and houses the radio transmitter station. One can still see the huge gates, arches and battlements.