Bala Kila, Alwar

The "Bala Kila" or the Bala Fort is perched on the most prominent hill of Aravallis range which explains the tales of the rich history of the city. It is the massive medieval fort with 15 large and 51 small towers, 446 openings for musketry and 8 huge towers and rises about 3000 m above the city. This fort is also known as the Kunwara Kila. This huge fort is famous for its history, which predates the Mughal rulers. It runs 5 km from north to south, and nearly 2 km from east to west. 

Some of the Mughal rulers are reported to have stayed there before it reverted back to the Rajput rulers in the 18th century. The fort is circumscribed with several gates known as Pols. A few of which are named after various personalities. e.g. Jai Pol, Laxman Pol, Suraj Pol.

In this fort the Mughal Emperor Babur decided to make a night halt here, but succumbing to innate greed, he raided the hidden treasures in the toshakhana and took the booty home to shower on his son Humayun. Salim Mahal, which lies in ruins now, is said to have been the palace where Prince Salim — later the Mughal Emperor Jehangir — spent his three-year exile.

Vinay Vilas Mahal, the palace complex is situated just below the fort but some of it has been converted into Government offices. Vinay Vilas Mahal was built by Maharaja Vinay Singh. This palace dates back to the 18th century and is a blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture. 

A part of the complex houses the museum where a rich part of it's history has been preserved. In the gilded Durbar Hall at the City Palace there is a raised platform upon which rests a gold and velvet throne.

On the walls and ceiling you would be able to discover a fabulous wealth of murals and mirror work. The City Museum, located on the upper floors of the Palace has a splendid range of miniature paintings of the Alwar School. The colours in the paintings are as fresh and vibrant as ever. In the museum there is the unusual silver table which used to entertain the nobility of the Rajera and also the vast collection of armoury.