Delhi’s renowned Red Fort is the most incredible tourist attraction that has stood the test of time and fascinates travellers all year long. This historic fort is also known as Lal Qila with over 370 years of history that reminds you of the Mughal-era grandeur. This makes it a prime attraction to add to your itinerary as you plan your Delhi Tour Packages with family or friends.
If you want to know what makes Red Fort a prime tourist spot in Delhi, then just look into the insights of this article. Here’s everything that you must know, like history, timings, entry fee and other details about the Red Fort in Delhi.
History of Red Fort
The Red Fort in Delhi was built by the renowned Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to serve as the palace for his capital Shahjahanabad. He commissioned the construction of this fort amid the banks of the Yamuna River when he decided to shift his capital. Though, it took 8 years to complete. Originally the structure was named as Qila-i-Mubarak which means the “Blessed Fort”. During its history of over 3 centuries, the fort witnessed many occupants, including Aurangzeb, Jahandar Shah, Muhammad Shah, and Bahadur Shah II.
Red Fort’s Architecture
The enormous fort complex is sprawling 255 acres, features a blend of architectural styles like Islamic, Hindi, Timurid and Persian. It’s a massive 2.5 kms long enclosing walls made of red sandstone and that’s where the monument got its name. Some parts of the fort are also made of red sandstone while the remaining ones were built with marble. The structure is in an irregular octagon shape and incorporates garden design elements as well.
Things to see in the Red Fort
Delhi’s Red Fort is located right next to the historical Salimgarh Fort. The two of its forts together form the Red Fort complex with several attractions within it, like –
- Lahori Gate is the main entrance
- Delhi Gate is the public entrance at the southern part
- Chatta Chowk is a long passageway with a bazaar
- Mumtaz Mahal is a palace housing Red Fort’s Archeological Museum
- Rang Mahal is a palace complex where the emperor’s wives and mistresses were housed
- Khas Mahal is the emperor’s apartment
- Diwan-i-Aam is for the public audience
- Diwan-i-Khas is for the private audience
- Hira Mahal is a marble pavilion built by Bahadur Shah II
- Prince’s quarters were used by the members of the royal Mughal family
- Tea House is one of the Prince’s quarters which is currently a working restaurant
- Naubat Khana is the drum house and now the Indian War Memorial Museum
- Nahr-i-Bihisht is a canal that runs through the pavilions
- Hammam the imperial baths
- Baoli is a unique stepwell
- Moti Masjid was the private mosque of Aurangzeb
- Hayat Baksh Bagh is the garden within the fort
Light and Sound Show in Red Fort
The most important attraction of the fort is its light and sound show held in the evening. Touted as one of the best light and sound shows in India, the Red Fort’s show takes you through the history of the monument in an interesting and visually alluring way. The show ends with a short speech by Jawaharlal Nehru. One can book the show tickets online or buy ticket booths.
Duration – 60 minutes
Timings – May vary slightly based on the season
- For Hindi – 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
- For English – 9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Tickets –
- On Weekdays – 60/- for adults; 20/- for kids
- On Weekends or Public Holidays – 80/- for adults; 30/- for kids
Unknown facts about the Red Fort
- The Red Fort’s structure was designed in red and white because those were the most loved colors of Shah Jahan.
- The Archeological Survey of India stated in 2018 that the fort must be illuminated with lightings for night viewing.
- The fort is also featured on the back of the new 500 rs. Currency.
- The PM of India inaugurated five more museums in Red Fort in 2019, namely – The Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, the Yaad-e-Jallian, Drishyakala and Azaadi ke Deewane.
Now that you know everything about the Red Fort in Delhi, are you all set to explore this heritage monument like a pro? Go ahead and take a sneak peek through every inch of the fort, and soak in its architectural grandeur.
