Red Fort

About Red Fort Delhi


Red Fort and Delhi go hand in hand. Red Fort is also known as the Lal Qila or Lal Kila and it is the epitome of India. “Qila-I-Mubarak” was the original name given to the Red Fort that means Residence of the Royal Family. Until the British took over in 1857, this Red Fort was home to the Mughal Emperors. Red Fort is a symbol of the magnificence of the Mughal era, it also withstood India’s most historical times and events that laid the foundation of the country.  

Red Fort is situated at the Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi and it is one of the most famous tourist attractions in India. In recognition of its Significance, UNESCO declared the Red Fort a world heritage site in 2007. With an impressive red sandstone structure, the Red Fort is one of the most celebrated monuments in India. 

Emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort, built as a palace of Shahjahanabad the capital city of the fifth Mughal emperor. This 17th-century monument has a total of three gates named Khizrabad, Delhi, and Lahore gate. In this octagonal monument, only Lahore and Delhi gates are now open for the tourists and locales. Red Fort is an architectural and historical wonder.

 

Red Fort

Weather : 19° C

Timings :9:30 AM to 4:30 PM

Time Required : 2-3 hours

Entry Fee : For Indians- INR 35, For Foreigners- INR 500

Contact Number: 011 2327 7705

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History


In 1638, Emperor Shah Jahan decided to leave Agra to create a new Mughal capital Shahjahanabad and hence commenced the construction of the Red Fort. The Shahjahanabad is currently known as the Old Delhi. Ustad Ahmed Lahouri was the main architect behind this marvelous wonder. It is said that Shah Jahan was impressed with Lahouri’s work in Agra fort so he asked him to do the same work for the Red Fort in Delhi.

The construction of the Red Fort took almost a decade to complete. Another fort named Salimgarh adjoins the red Fort which was built by the second emperor of the Sur Dynasty named Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The history of Red Fort is not only associated with the Mughals but is also a significant symbol of an important part of India’s past. 

The Red Fort history starts with the royal family started declining after the Aurangzeb ruled the last phase. In 1739, the Persian ruler Nadir Shah attacked the fort and looted several valuables like the Kohinoor diamond and Peacock Throne after the attack. During the battle fought between the Marathas and Mughals in 1752, Red Fort Delhi was undertaken by the Marathas.

Architecture


Behind the Red Fort Delhi architecture, there were two architects named Ustad Ahmad Lahouri and Ustad Hamid Lahouri. With its arranged layout and unique structure, the Red fort commonly called Lal Kila overtakes many monuments of the world. If the layout of the Red fort Delhi has to be compared then it is planned structurally better as compared to the Red Fort in Agra. 

The first thing that comes to your mind after watching this massive structure is its red color and the aura it has. Red sandstone is used in the construction of the Red Fort Delhi. The Red Fort is in the shape of an octagon along with two main gates on the southern and western sides and the tallest structure of the fort is around 33 meters high. The walls of the Red Fort are constructed with red sandstone in major parts while marble is used in the construction of the rest of the parts. 

Major areas of the Red Fort that will leave you mesmerized are Diwan-i-khas, Nahir-i-Bihisht, Diwan-i-Aam, Tasbih-Khana, Mumtaz-Mahal, Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh, Moti-Masjid, Delhi Fort Museum, Hammam, Rang-Mahal, Chhatta-Chowk, Zafar-Mahal, etc. Later, the British took over the Lal Kila or the Red Fort in the year 1857 and it was their army base till the independence of India. 

Activities


Light and Sound Show

To portray the history of Delhi as well as the Red Fort, the famous one-hour light and sound show commenced. The show starts with the tale of Mughal Dynasties emperor Shah Jahan, how he chose this place and build this fort. This show also portrays the Indian Freedom movement, speeches of Mahatma Gandhi, Subhash Chandra Bose, and ends with the speech of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru’s speech. 

Do visit Delhi Fort Museum

The Red Fort Archaeological Museum is located in the Mumtaz Mahal of the Red Fort Delhi. The museum dates back to 1911 originally known as the Palace Museum and it was located at the Naubat Khana. The Artifacts, Calligraphy, Paintings, Fabrics, and other objects from the Mughal Era are kept here. 

 Witness the Republic Day’s Parade

If you are visiting the Red Fort Delhi during a national occasion like Republic day then witness the glorious parade by the armed forces of the country. The Prime Minister of the country hosts the National Flag and addresses the Country. This is one of the proudest moments to witness the Armed Forces and the ceremony.

Visit the Mahal and Palaces

Many mahals and Palaces like Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Aam, diwan-i-Khas, and Moti Masjid are worth visiting. You’ll get to know the rich cultural history and lifestyle of the Royals. 

Tips for visiting


  • If you want to explore the rich tradition, history, and heritage of this marvelous Mughal monument then you have to follow these tips during your visit to the Red Fort. 
  • Except on Mondays, the fort opens every day at 9:30 AM. To avoid the crowd and have enough time to visit all the corners of this monument, reach early to the site. 
  • Have a water bottle and an umbrella with yourself, if you are visiting this monument during the summer season. The summer in Delhi is unbearable even in the morning time. 
  • The Red Fort has sufficient markings, so generally, a tourist doesn’t require any guide. But if you have a keen interest in history then go for the registered guides only. 
  • There is no point in missing out on the light and sound show if you are visiting the fort for the first time. Arrange your timing accordingly, so you will make the most out of your visit. 

Best time to visit


Red Fort remains open through all the seasons, So, whenever you want to visit you can. During the summer season, the heat and temperature remain quite high and sometimes unbearable too. The best time to visit the Red Fort Delhi is from October to February as the weather remains chilly and moderate. 

Nearby Atractions


  • Jama Masjid
  • India Gate
  • Chandni Chowk
  • Raj Ghat
  • St. James Church
  • Ghalib ki Haveli
  • Indian War Memorial Museum

Nearby market/ shopping places


Some of the nearby shopping places are mentioned below.

  • Chandni Chowk- Chandni Chowk is the primary commercial center that is specked with slows down of handiworks, furniture, garments, dress materials, food, gems, keepsakes among other such things. The spot is only a couple of meters from Red Fort. A visit to Delhi will stay inadequate on the off chance that you don't cover this shopping center point.
  • Omaxe Mall- Omaxe Mall is arranged in an excellent business area and closer to significant tourist spots and areas, this Omaxe project in Chandni Chowk is remarkably associated all through the city. 
  • Paharganj Market- The vast majority of the shops in the market are discount vendors, here you can undoubtedly observe remarkable items and numerous foreign items at a lower cost. It is only a 5-minute drive from Connaught Place, so it's extremely helpful to arrive. Paharganj Market has a few truly cool bistros, bars, and cool hotels. 

Nearby Hotels


  • Comfort Inn the President
  • Hotel Wall City
  • Maidens Hotel
  • Hotel Bukhara Inn
  • Haveli Dharampura

Interesting Facts About Red Fort


  • UNESCO has designated Red Fort as the world heritage site. Once it was the home to many Royal families.
  • Red Fort has three main gates named Lahore gate, Delhi Gate, and Khizrabad Gate. The Red Fort has an octagonal shape.
  • The original name of the Red Fort was “Qila-e-Mubarak” or “The Blessed Fort”. It took over a decade to construct this fort. 

Nearby Restaurants


  • Haldiram’s 
  • Bikanerwala
  • Karim’s
  • The Yellow Bowl
  • Nazeer foods
  • Berco’s
  • Sagar Ratna

Red Fort location Map

How to Reach & Infographic

Getting In delhi

BY AIR

From the Indira Gandhi Airport in New Delhi to the Red Fort, the distance is around 21 km. So, you can either use the metro to the Chandni Chowk, hire a cab, or reach there by using DSTC.

BY ROAD

From the ISBT Kashmiri Gate, the distance to the Red Fort is around 4 km only. You can reach the Red Fort at your convenience.

BY RAIL

From the New Delhi Railway Station, the distance to the Red Fort is around 8 km. You can hire a cab service, or reach there by Metro, or by using DSTC services.

BY Car

Infographic of Red Fort

Customer Reviews

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  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
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Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

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Hoteldekho.com Reviews

  • ( 5 - Excellent Based on 1 review )
  • jeevanc207
  • Jaipur
  • ( On january 10, 2022 )
  • 5 - Excellent

Great service and friendly team

Our Rajasthan trip was very unorganized and from day 1 we need to argue for each committed hotel and details. Driver and hotel were not informed in advance and we need to pay 12000/- for the forceful event at the hotel which was never informed to us.

  • hoteldekho.com review
  • hoteldekho.com review
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People Also Ask About Red Fort

The Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan built the Red Fort as he was moving his capital city from Agra to Shahjahanabad

The hotels near Red Fort are mentioned below.

  1. Comfort Inn the President
  2. Hotel Wall City
  3. Maidens Hotel
  4. Hotel Bukhara Inn
  5. Haveli Dharampura

The construction of the Red Fort Delhi was started in the year 1638 and was completed in the year 1648. This fort took almost 10 years to complete. 

The Red Fort was famous for its massive enclosed walls and its octagonal shape. Also, it is famous for its inside palaces, courtyards, and Market.

The attractions near the Red Fort are listed below.

  • Jama Masjid
  • India Gate
  • Chandni Chowk
  • Raj Ghat
  • St. James Church
  • Ghalib ki Haveli
  • Indian War Memorial Museum

Yes, the cameras like DSLRs are allowed in Red Fort, Delhi.

Here are some of the unknown facts about the Red Fort Delhi.

  • UNESCO has designated Red Fort as the world heritage site. Once it was the home to many Royal families.
  • Red Fort has three main gates named Lahore gate, Delhi Gate, and Khizrabad Gate. The Red Fort has an octagonal shape.
  • The original name of the Red Fort was “Qila-e-Mubarak” or “The Blessed Fort”. It took over a decade to construct this fort. 

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