Travel to Red Fort in Delhi

About Red Fort

The octagonal Mughal monument, Red Fort or Lal Quila was built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in 1648. Constructed with a huge sum of around 1 Crore Rupees, this marvelous fort is built within an area of 2.41 km. One of the oldest and largest Heritage monuments in Delhi, this fort was built by Emperor Shahjahan after shifting his capital from Agra to New Delhi then called Shahjahanabad.

Red Fort Architecture

RED FORT (LAL QUILA)

Decorated with Persian, European and Indian art forms the fort is one of the brilliant pieces of architecture. 

The fort was used by Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar as his military camp during the British rule. 

The magnificent fort was also notified as the monument of national importance in 1913 and UNESCO World Heritage in 2007 and is now one of the heritage sites in the world.

The Red Fort has many magnificent palaces and buildings into which it is divided:

The Diwan-i-am: This Diwan for the public audiences was painted with gold and there were gold and silver railings separating the Royalty from the general public. It had a courtyard on its front and was richly ornamented.

The Diwan-i-Khas: The pavilion in complete marble and decorated with floral carvings and semi-precious stones; this hall was the hall of selective audience during the rule of Shahjahan.


Hamam: The Hamam (Bathroom) is decorated with multi-colored stones and it lies next to Diwan-i-khas. It is a set of apartments interconnected by corridors.

Moti masjid: Also called The Pearl Mosque, this mosque lies to the west of Hamam, and it used to serve as a prayer- hall for the royal family. This is the reason of it being constructed on an elevated level. It has its floor designed in the form of 'Mussallas' (small carpets for prayers).

Nahr-i-Beshisht: 'If there is paradise on the Earth, it is here, it is here.' These popular words were used in connotation to the Nahr-i-Beshist. Also known as the 'Stream of Paradise' Nahr-i-Beshist is a continuous water channel which draws water from the river Yamuna. This stream flows through the imperial private apartments. 

Zenana: Zenana or the women's quarters had a marble pool into supplied by the Nahr-i-Beshist. This is the place where the royal ladies used to take their bath.

Hayat Baksh Bagh: The official royal garden also called 'The Life Bestowing Garden' lies to the north of the Red Fort.

Naubat Khana: Also known as the Drum House, the Naubat Khana is situated at the entrance of the palace. The music used to play here five times a day during the royal era. It also had a gate called Hathi pol (Elephant gate) where visitors used to get down from their elephants.

Major Attractions of Red Fort

The Red fort or Lal Quila, today stands as an important Indian heritage monument. There is a museum of 'blood paintings' depicting the young Indian martyrs of the 20th century and the story of their martyrdom. There is also an archaeological museum and an Indian war museum in the Red Fort. Every evening 6 pm onwards a sound and light show depicting the history of the Mughals takes place within the premises of the Red Fort.

Entry Ticket to Red Fort

Indians and residents of SAARC countries- Rs. 10
Others- Rs. 250

Ticket Costs for the light and sound show in Red Fort

Adults- Rs. 80
Children- Rs. 30

Other tourist attractions near Red Fort

Chandni Chowk often referred as 'Shopper's Paradise' is one of the major tourist attractions and fortunately it is located right next to the Red Fort. Once lined with beautiful fountains, Chandni Chowk today is famous for some very good shopping places and eating joints. Some very popular sacred temples are also located in the market. If heading towards Chandni Chowk, don't miss venturing to:

Karim's: Synonymous with excellent Kebabs ever since its establishment, Karim's is equally popular among locals as well as tourists.

Paranthevali Gali: f you want to have excellent paranthas then head to Paranthevali Gali is the place for you. This place is known to offer delicious Paranthas with loads of butter Aloo (potato), Gobi (cauliflower), Palak (spinach) are some of the many varieties you will find there.

Silver Street: This place is known to offer all kinds of utensils in all varieties of silver.

Chor bazaar: Chor Bazaar (Thief's Market) is known to offer almost everything you can ask for. From basics like shoes and bags to laptops, you can find it all at throw away prices.

Last Updated on 7/31/2013