Red fort is the most iconic landmark and historical fort in Old Delhi. It was built by Shah Jahan in the 17th century when he decided to move his capital from Agra to Delhi and was home to Mughal emperors for next 200 years. The Red Fort complex was built as the palace fort of Shahjahanabad the new capital of the 5th Mughal emperor Shah Jahan. The Construction of this massive walled citadel started in 1638 and took 10 years to complete. The fort was designated a UNESCO world Heritage site in 2007. The architecture of the Red forts is a fusion of Persian and Hindu arcitechtecture. Red fort is one of the must visit places during the Delhi city tour in Golden Triangle itinerary.
How to arrive Red Fort
The Nearest Metro station is Chandni Chowk and there are many buses from different parts of Delhi come to this area and nearest bus station is Kashmiri Gate.
Details
The Red fort is Open from Sunrise to Sunset from Tuesday to Sunday
It is closed on Mondays
Monument entrance fees for Indians and SAARC visitors is Rs 35
Monument entrance fees for foreigners Rs 550
Light and Sound show Rs 80 per person on Weekends
Light and Sound show Rs 60 per person on Weekdays
Travel Tips
Wear comfortable footwear while looking around the place as there is a lot of walking involved.
Carry hats and water during the summer
Places to Visit in Red fort
The view from the outside is the most important spot to take the picture and get mesmerised by its view.
Get inside from Lahori gate, its direction is towards Lahore city of Pakistan.
Chatta Chowk will offer you the glimpse of Meena Bazar. Back in time the best produce from the world used to come here as it was the private royal bazar.
Next is Drum house from where the announcement of the guest was announced and every guest used to dismount from their horses here, only Royals could go inside with their horses. Above drum house there is a museum showcasing some weapons and dresses.
Coming out from Drum house you will find Diwan e Khas (Hall of Public Meeting). The architecture of the building is outstanding, especially the place where emperor used to sit for hearings.
After visiting walk behind and you will find the beautiful laid out Garden and Nahar I Bishist or Stream of Paradise which is connected with the center of each Pavillion. The water was drawn from the River Yamuna, from a tower, the Shahi Burj at the north eastern side of the fort.
Explore the various settings like Bath area, Pearl mosque, Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal and the Rang Mahal.
Khas Mahal was designed as an imitation of paradise as it is described in the Quran a couplet inscribed in the palace “If there be a paradise on earth it is here it is here”. The khas Mahal served as the Mughal emperor’s private residence in the fort. It consist of three parts Tashbih Khana (Chamber of telling beads), Khwabgah ( Slepping Chamber) and the tosh Khana sitting room.
Places to visit Nearby: Digambar jain Temple, gauri Shankar temple, Gurudwara Sis Ganj , Spice market, Jama Masjid , Chandni Chowk,