India is renowned all over the world for its incredible tourism, historical monuments and cultural civilization. One such monument which promotes and boosts the culture and historical values in the hearts of people is the Red Fort of Delhi. Located on the bank of the Yamuna River, Red Fort is the most historical and architectural brilliance of India. Constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan from 1638-1648. As all the enclosed walls of the fort are made of red sandstones, though named as Red Fort and popularly known as Lal Quila (लाल किला). Red Fort Complex consists of many heritage structures of the Mughal Era. Now, this 17th-century architectural beauty is the most iconic landmark of Delhi.
Red Fort has witnessed the struggle of Indian freedom from Britishers. Though every year on Independence Day, Prime Ministers hoist the Indian flag at Red Fort. Due to its historical significance, the Red Fort has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. Every year many tourists from all over the world visit this remarkable beauty and thus link Indian culture with other countries.
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Let’s discuss interesting facts, small details, historical importance, things to do and other aspects of Red Fort.
General Information
Yes, it is situated in the center of Delhi but many new people and foreigners are not aware of the exact location, when to visit and when not to, what is the entry fee? Therefore we are providing you small bites of information so that you won’t find any difficulty while reaching Red Fort. Apart from this, we recommend you that early morning or in the evening to get the mesmerizing view of the Lal Quila.
Learn about the history of the fort during the light and sound show go in the evening when a one hour sound and light show details the fort’s history.
- Proper Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
- Total Area: 254.67 acres
- Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 4:30 AM
- Visiting Days: Tuesday to Sunday, Monday Closed
- Entry Fees: For Indians: Rs 35/- & For Foreigners: Rs 550/-
- Light & Sound Show Ticket: Rs 60/- For Adults and Rs 20/- For Kids
Fact – The best time to visit Red Fort is from October to February
History
The name of Red Fort is written in golden letters everywhere in the pages of history. The construction of Red Fort started in the year 1638, when the 5th ruler of the Mughal Empire- Shah Jahan decided to live in the newly walled city- Shahjahanabad. Today people know Shahjanabad as Old Delhi. Almost after 10 years of construction, Red Fort is completed. Also known as Qila e Mubarak, the chief architect Ahmed Lahauri designed the Red Fort. The architecture of Red Fort was quite similar to Agar Fort. But after Shah Jahan’s death, Aurangzeb was the last effective Mughal ruler. Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal rulers for nearly 200 years. After that British, conquered fort. The last Mughal Emperor to have lived at the fort was Bahadur Shah Zafar.
With the Mughals left the fort, the British captured that fort in their control & started destroying it. They painted the whole fort red. They looted its valuables, destroyed many elegant structures and gardens, transformed it into an army base then hoisted their flag on it.
Fact – Kohinoor was part of the famous peacock throne of Shah Jahan.
Later when India got independence from the Britishers. The Red Fort was chosen as the main center for celebration as people could connect to the fort emotionally. It was the dream of the Indian Army to raise the Indian flag above it. That is how the Red fort had become an icon in India’s struggle for freedom.
The first Prime Minister of India, Jawahar Lal Nehru, hoisted the national flag of India at the Red Fort on 15th August 1947. After that every year on Independence Day, the existing Prime Minister hoist the Indian Flag at Red Fort and delivers a speech to the nation from the red rampart.
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Things to see near the Red Fort of Delhi
There are many notable things which you can watch at Red Fort. Lahore Gate is the entrance gate of Red Fort which opens out at Chhatta Chowk. The passage of Lahore Gate to Chowk resembles the authentic artwork of Mughal from the 17th century.
Beyond Chhatta Chowk, Naubat Khana located, it is that place where the royal musicians played drums on special occasions. Later some part of it was converted into a War Memorial Museum which displays numerous weapons from the Mughal era. Naubat Khana leads to the pillared Diwan-i-Am.
Diwan-i-Aam
This is the Hall of Public Audiences. it was decorated with stuccowork and had golden columns. There is a huge railing at Diwan-i-Aam which separates the Emperor and the common people at the time of visiting. At that time, the Emperor listens to all the complaints, suggestions and problems of people in that hall.
Diwan-i-Khas
As its name suggests, Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private people where confidential meetings were held by the Emperor. Diwan-i-Khas have complex decor carved on the wall which is worth watching.
Moti Masjid- The Pearl Mosque
Located close to Diwan-i-Khas, Moti Masjid was built-in 1659 by Mughal Emperor- Aurangzeb. It is made up of pure white marble, situated inside Red Fort Complex and has three domes.
Mumtaz Mahal
It is the palace of Emperor Shah Jahan’s wife, now converted into the Red Fort Archaeological Museum which has the collection of artifacts from the Mughal era.
Along with structures, there were many gardens in the fort. Hayat Bakhsh Bagh, Mehtab Bagh or the Moonlight Garden can also be found inside the Red Fort. Flowering plants and trees of different colors and species were planted here.
More places near The Red Fort of Delhi
If you are doing one day halt at Delhi, then 2-4 hrs are sufficient for visiting red Fort, Apart from it, you can also visit nearby attractions and famous monuments. Qutub Minar, Purana Qila, Humayun Tomb and Tughlaqabad Fort are also worth watching at Delhi. You can also visit Jama Masjid located near Red Fort. Besides this, explore some time at Old Delhi and Chandani Chowk.
Fact: There is a hidden stepwell or ‘baoli’ which is older then red fort & it is still unreachable by the visitors.
Modes of Reaching Red Fort of Delhi
By Airways:
Indira Gandhi International Airport is located about the distance of 18 km is the nearest airport from the Red Fort.
By Railways:
Situated around 2 km from Red Fort, Delhi Railway station is the nearest railhead. Also, if you are thinking to visit the Red fort by Metro then, Chandni Chowk Metro Station is the nearest one.
By Roadways:
Delhi is well connected with all major Indian states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan etc.
Also Read: Famous Monuments Of India
