4.1 / 5

Red Fort

📍 National Capital Territory of DelhiView map ›

🗓 Best Time To Visit:October to March, during the cooler months

⏰ Open Hours:9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, closed on Mondays

🎒 Things To Do:Explore the historical architecture, visit museums inside, witness the light and sound show

💰 Budget:INR 35 for Indians, INR 500 for foreigners, Light and Sound Show - INR 60 for adults, INR 20 for children

🧭 Distances:4.5 km from New Delhi Railway Station, 16 km from Indira Gandhi International Airport, 1.5 km from Chandni Chowk

👥 Traveller Types:History buffs, Photography enthusiasts, Family, Solo travellers

🏆 Known For:Mughal architecture, Historical significance, Museums, Light and Sound show

♿ Accessibility:Wheelchair accessible with ramps and lifts

📷 Photography:Allowed, but no tripods and professional equipment without permission

🍽 Nearby Eateries:Karim's, Al Jawahar, Paranthe Wali Gali

📌 Tips:Wear comfortable shoes, stay hydrated, hire a guide for better understanding of history

Have questions about Red Fort?Ask the Tripoto Community ›
How to Experience the Red Fort: A Guide for History and Culture Lovers

Imagine stepping into a time machine and traveling back to the era of the Mughal Empire, when Delhi was the capital of a vast and glorious realm. Imagine walking through the gates of a majestic fort, where emperors, queens, nobles and soldiers lived, worked and played. Imagine witnessing the beauty, splendor and drama of a place that has witnessed centuries of history, culture and heritage.

Sounds exciting, right? Well, you don’t need a time machine to experience all this. You just need to visit the Red Fort, one of the most magnificent and iconic monuments in Delhi. The Red Fort, also known as Lal Quila, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the rich history, architecture and culture of India. It is a must-see attraction for anyone who wants to learn more about India’s past and present.

In this article, we will take you on a virtual tour of the Red Fort and tell you everything you need to know about this amazing monument. We will also give you some tips and suggestions on how to plan your trip and make the most of your visit. Whether you are a history buff, a culture enthusiast or a curious traveler, you will find something interesting and informative in this article. So, let’s get started and discover how to experience the Red Fort: a guide for history and culture lovers.

The Story of the Red Fort: A Brief History

The story of the Red Fort is a fascinating one that spans over three centuries and involves several rulers and regimes. Here are some of the key events and personalities that shaped the destiny of this monument:

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Shah Jahan: The Builder of the Red Fort

Shah Jahan was the fifth Mughal emperor who ruled India from 1628 to 1658. He was known for his love for art, architecture and his wife Mumtaz Mahal, for whom he built the Taj Mahal. He also decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi in 1639 and commissioned the construction of a new fort and city on the banks of the Yamuna river. He named it Shahjahanabad, meaning “the city of Shah Jahan”. The fort was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also designed the Taj Mahal.

The fort was built with red sandstone, which gave it its distinctive color and name. It took nine years to complete and cost about 10 million rupees at that time. The fort was not only a military stronghold but also a palace and a city within a city. It covered an area of about 256 acres and had two main gates: the Lahori Gate on the west and the Delhi Gate on the south. The fort complex consisted of several buildings and structures that served various purposes, such as administrative offices, royal residences, audience halls, mosques, gardens, bazaars, etc. Some of the most notable features of the fort complex were:

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The Lahori Gate: The main entrance to the fort complex, which was adorned with octagonal towers and elephant statues.

The Chatta Chowk: A covered bazaar inside the fort complex, where merchants sold silk, jewelry, carpets and other items.

The Diwan-i-Aam: The hall of public audience, where Shah Jahan used to receive his subjects and listen to their petitions. It had a red sandstone hall with 60 pillars and a marble throne.

The Diwan-i-Khas: The hall of private audience, where Shah Jahan used to meet his ministers and nobles. It had a white marble hall with a silver ceiling and a peacock throne.

The Rang Mahal: The palace of colors, where Shah Jahan’s wives and mistresses used to live. It had colorful decorations, a lotus-shaped fountain, and a gold and silver ceiling.

The Moti Masjid: The pearl mosque, which was built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. It had a white marble structure with three domes and a prayer hall.

The Hayat Baksh Bagh: The life-bestowing garden, which was added by Shah Jahan to the fort complex. It had a geometric layout with water channels, pavilions and fountains.

Aurangzeb: The Expander of the Red Fort

Aurangzeb was the sixth Mughal emperor who ruled India from 1658 to 1707. He was known for his religious zeal, military conquests and strict administration. He also expanded and beautified the Red Fort by adding new buildings and structures, such as the Moti Masjid, the Zafar Mahal and the Nahr-i-Bihisht (the stream of paradise). He also imprisoned his father Shah Jahan in the Agra Fort after defeating him in a war of succession. He also moved the peacock throne from the Diwan-i-Khas to the Zafar Mahal, where he used to hold court.

Nadir Shah: The Looter of the Red Fort

Nadir Shah was a Persian ruler who invaded and plundered India in 1739. He attacked and sacked Delhi and looted and destroyed many buildings and structures in the Red Fort. He also took away the peacock throne and other treasures from the Diwan-i-Khas and carried them to Iran. He also killed thousands of people in Delhi and left the city in ruins.

Ahmad Shah Abdali: The Destroyer of the Red Fort

Ahmad Shah Abdali was an Afghan ruler who attacked and raided India several times between 1748 and 1761. He also attacked and damaged many buildings and structures in the Red Fort, such as the Chatta Chowk, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Rang Mahal, etc. He also destroyed some of the gardens and water channels in the fort complex.

Marathas: The Restorers of the Red Fort

The Marathas were a powerful Hindu warrior clan who rose to prominence in India after the decline of the Mughal Empire. They captured and controlled Delhi and the Red Fort from 1771 to 1803. They also repaired and restored some parts of the fort complex, such as the Lahori Gate, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hayat Baksh Bagh, etc.

British: The Occupiers of the Red Fort

The British were a colonial power who ruled India from 1757 to 1947. They recaptured Delhi and the Red Fort from the Marathas in 1803 after defeating them in the Second Anglo-Maratha War. They also occupied and modified some parts of the fort complex, such as adding barracks, gardens, museums, etc. They also damaged and demolished some buildings and structures in the fort complex, such as the Chatta Chowk, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Rang Mahal, etc.

The Red Fort played a crucial role in the First War of Independence or the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857, which was a rebellion against the British rule in India. The rebels captured and declared the Red Fort as their headquarters and proclaimed Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, as their leader. However, the British forces soon recaptured and besieged the Red Fort and arrested Bahadur Shah Zafar. They also executed many rebels and supporters of the uprising.

Indians: The Liberators of the Red Fort

The Indians were the people who fought for their freedom and independence from British rule in India. They finally achieved their goal on August 15, 1947, when India became a sovereign nation. The Red Fort became a symbol of Indian independence and nationalism after 1947. The Red Fort also witnessed some important events and ceremonies that marked the birth of a new nation. Some of them were:

The flag hoisting by Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India, on August 15, 1947, at the Lahori Gate. This was followed by his famous speech “Tryst with Destiny”, which announced the dawn of a new era for India.

The trial and execution of Nathuram Godse, the assassin of Mahatma Gandhi, in 1949, at the Red Fort. Godse was hanged at the Ambala Jail, but his trial took place at the Red Fort.

The annual celebration of Independence Day on August 15, when the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag at the Lahori Gate and addresses the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort. - The annual celebration of Republic Day on January 26, when a grand parade passes through Rajpath, a ceremonial boulevard that connects the Rashtrapati Bhavan (the President’s residence) to the India Gate (a war memorial). The parade ends at the Red Fort, where a cultural program is held.

Also check out: How many of you knew Red Fort has a name? Here's a guide for the skeptical and the misinformed!

Timings and Entry Fee for Visiting Red Fort

The Red Fort is open for tourists from Tuesday to Sunday, from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The fort is closed on Mondays and national holidays. The entry fee for visiting the Red Fort is Rs. 35 for Indian citizens and Rs. 550 for foreign nationals.

The entry fee also includes access to the museums and galleries inside the fort complex. You can pay the entry fee by cash, debit card, credit card or online payment. You can also get an exemption or a discount on the entry fee if you belong to certain categories, such as children below 15 years, students, senior citizens, etc.

Attractions and Activities to Enjoy at Red Fort

The Red Fort offers various attractions and activities for tourists to enjoy and learn more about its history, architecture and culture. Some of the things to see and do at the Red Fort are:

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Exploring the Various Buildings and Structures:

You can explore the various buildings and structures inside the fort complex, such as the Lahori Gate, the Chatta Chowk, the Diwan-i-Aam, the Diwan-i-Khas, the Rang Mahal, the Moti Masjid, etc. You can admire their design, style, features and decorations and learn about their purpose and significance.

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Watching the Sound and Light Show:

You can watch the sound and light show that takes place at the Red Fort every evening and depicts the history and culture of Delhi and the Red Fort. You can enjoy the colorful lights, music and narration that tell the story of the Red Fort from its inception to its present day. You can also book your tickets online or buy them at the ticket counter near the Lahori Gate.

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Visiting the Museums and Galleries:

You can visit the museums and galleries inside some buildings, such as the Indian War Memorial Museum in the Naubat Khana (the drum house) and the Archaeological Museum in the Mumtaz Mahal (the jewel palace). You can see various exhibits, such as weapons, armors, paintings, coins, etc., that showcase the history, art and culture of India.

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Shopping at the Chatta Chowk:

You can shop at the Chatta Chowk, which is a covered bazaar inside the fort complex, where merchants sell various items, such as silk, jewelry, carpets, souvenirs, etc. You can buy some unique and authentic products that reflect the Mughal and Indian heritage.

Best Time to Visit Red Fort

The best time to visit the Red Fort depends on various factors, such as weather, crowd, festivals, events, etc. Here are some suggestions for the best time to visit the Red Fort:

Weather:

The best season to visit the Red Fort is winter, from October to March, when the weather is pleasant and cool. The temperature ranges from 10°C to 25°C and the humidity is low. The worst season to visit the Red Fort is summer, from April to June, when the weather is hot and dry. The temperature can reach up to 45°C and the humidity is high.

Crowd:

The best month to visit the Red Fort is February, when the crowd is moderate and the fort complex is less crowded. The worst month to visit the Red Fort is August, when the crowd is high and the fort complex is very crowded. This is because of the Independence Day celebration on August 15, which attracts a lot of visitors and media attention.

Festivals and Events:

The best time of the day to visit the Red Fort is morning, from 9:30 am to 11:30 am, when the fort complex is less crowded and more peaceful. The worst time of the day to visit the Red Fort is evening, from 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm, when the fort complex is more crowded and noisy. This is because of the sound and light show that takes place every evening and attracts a lot of visitors.

You may also like to check out: Trip to the heart of Delhi: Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Connaught Place

Tips and Suggestions for Visiting Red Fort

Here are some useful tips and suggestions for tourists who want to visit the Red Fort:

1. Carry a valid ID proof, such as a passport, a driving license, a voter ID card, etc., as you may need it for security check or entry fee exemption.

2. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes, as you will have to walk a lot inside the fort complex and some parts may not be accessible by vehicles or wheelchairs.

3. Hire a guide or an audio guide, as they will provide you with more information and insights about the fort complex and its buildings. You can also download some apps or websites that offer virtual tours of the Red Fort.

4. Avoid public holidays and weekends, as they are usually very crowded and chaotic. You may also face long queues and delays at the entry gate or the ticket counter.

5. Explore nearby attractions, such as Chandni Chowk, Jama Masjid, Raj Ghat, etc., as they are within walking distance or a short drive from the Red Fort. You can also enjoy some delicious food and drinks at these places.

The Red Fort is a must-see attraction for anyone who loves history and culture. It is a place where you can witness the glory of the Mughal Empire, the struggle for Indian independence, and the diversity of Indian heritage.

We hope you found this article informative and helpful. If you are interested in visiting the Red Fort and learning more about its history, architecture and culture, you should not miss this opportunity.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and get ready to explore the Red Fort: a historical and cultural treasure of Delhi. You will not regret it. Thank you for reading this article and have a wonderful day.

Red Fort Reviews

Next on the agenda was Lal Quila/ Red Fort located in the Chandni Chowk area. 1st tip: board the rickshaw from inside the gate as it is a long 1.5 km walk till the main fort. 2nd tip check the weather in Delhi before venturing out. It was blistering hot in Sept. Carry enough water, shades, head cover, umbrella etc or you'll surely get badly sunburnt. Its a huge fort so be ready for a bit of walking. Quite serene and picturesque. You can get a local guide or audio headphones available at the ticket counter in case you are interested in knowing the history of the fort. 3rd important tip; there's a cloak room there so in case you are backpacking travelers like me and my friend were, you can keep your luggage in that room and roam around freely in the fort.
Red Fort:The Red Fort was the residence of the Mughal emperor for nearly 200 years, until 1857. It is located in the centre of Delhi and houses a number of museums. In addition to accommodating the emperors and their households, it was the ceremonial and political centre of Mughal government and the setting for events critically impacting the region. Constructed in 1648 by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as the palace of his fortified capital Shahjahanabad, the Red Fort is named for its massive enclosing walls of red sandstone and is adjacent to the older Salimgarh Fort, built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546.
The entry ticket for Red Fort is INR 35 and includes entry for a museum. The entry gate is known as Lahore Gate and that is from where the Prime Minister addresses the nation of the Independence Day. There are shops inside the Lahore Gate which sells handicrafts etc. There were shops at the same place during Shah Jahen era as well. I went straight to the museum where Indian Independence is shown in a marvellous way. There are paintings made from blood as well. The museum took 1 hour of my time and skipped Baori inside the Fort.
Simply, Chandni Chowk is occupied, engaged, crowded, energetic, active and Cheerful place which definitely uplifts the moods of a visitor in every possible way. What else a person needs more than a place to Shop and place to eat right. So, what are you waiting for, explore the rawness and reality of Chandni Chowk. Traveler tip: Be aware of your own luggage and belongings. Due to the most crowded and rushy place, some robbers may take advantage of the situation. Keep your wallets safe because there's lots to shop out there in Chandni Chowk !!
Stood as the royal residence of the Mughals for nearly two centuries, the famous Red Fort is an historical building and also a symbolic tourist place in Delhi. The red sandstone walls rising high above the ground up to thirty three meters is a glamorous remainder of the eminent power of the Mughal rulers and was constructed by the famous ruler Shah Jahan.
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