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.

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. 

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. 

• 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. 

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. 

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

• 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.