Red Fort Delhi- Jewel of Mughal Grandeur:
The majestic Red fort located in Old Delhi showcases the architectural heritage of Mughals. It is one of the most popular heritage attractions to visit in Delhi. In this blog we will give you all the necessary details about Red Fort to plan your visit while exploring the popular attractions of Delhi.
Key Highlights:
- Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Famous for its magnificent palaces, mosques, Red Fort is also known as Qila- e- Mubaraq.
- The architecture of Red Fort is a delightful blend of Timurid, Islamic, Persian and Hindu styles.
- Major attractions to see in Red Fort are Diwan-i- khas, Diwan-i- Aam, Drum House, Rang Mahal, Musamman Burj, Hammam, Khas Mahal, Mumtaz Mahal, Chatta Chowk and Hira Mahal.
A Comprehensive Guide to Explore Red Fort, Delhi:
Red Fort or Lal Quila is a landmark monument of Old Delhi, built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. It is a top tourist attraction in Delhi. The astonishing fort is made up of massive red sandstones and encloses an intriguing complex of palaces, balconies, royal baths, indoor canals, entertainment halls, and beautifully-designed geometrical gardens.
| Red Fort Tourist Information | Details |
| Red Fort Location | Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi |
| Red Fort Gates | Delhi Gate, Lahori Gate |
| Nearest Metro Station for Red Fort | Lal Qila Metro Station( Violet Line) Chandni Chowk Metro Station ( Yellow Line) |
| Opening Days of Red Fort | Tuesday to Sunday ( Monday Closed) |
| Timings of Red Fort | 9:30am to 4:30pm |
| Shopping Area | Chatta Chowk for ethnic Handicrafts and Apparels |
| Entry Fee for Red Fort | Indians 35 INR, Foreigners- 500 INR, Children- 20 INR |
| Best time to Visit Red Fort | October to February |
| Famous Attractions in Red Fort | Some of the epic edifices of the fort include the Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal, Rang Mahal, Hira Mahal, and Hammam. It also has an ornate Pearl mosque along with Diwan-i-Am (meant for public gatherings) and the white marble Hall of Diwan-i-Khas (meant for private meetings). Do not forget to visit the Drum House. |
| Famous Attractions nearby Red Fort | Some notable tourist destinations near Red Fort include Shahi Burj, Archaeological Museum, and Delhi Gate. You can also explore the world-famous Meena Bazar, Shish Ganj Gurudwara, Jama Masjid, and Mirza Galib Haweli in Chandni Chowk. |
| Light and Sound Show Timings ( Hindi) | 7:30pm to 8:30 pm |
| Light and Sound Show Timings ( English) | 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm |
| Videography Fee | 25 INR |
| Red Fort visit with Museum for Foreigner Fee | 870 INR |
| Light and Sound Show Ticket Price | 60 INR for adults and 20 INR for Children |
| Independence Day Significance | Its main gate named Lahori Gate witnessed the dawn of Independent India, and every year, a huge crowd assembles in front of the Gate to attend an address by the prime minister on Independence Day. |
What to See in Red Fort:
- Delhi Gate of Red Fort- Also known as Delhi Darwaza, the Delhi Gate of Red Fort was built during Shah Jahan’s period. It has three stories with arched panels and semi-octagonal towers.
- Lahori Gate of Red Fort- Situated on the western wall, Lahori Gate serves as the main entrance to the Red Fort. This gate is popular for hosting the Independence flag hoisting ceremony by the Prime Minister of India.
- Chatta Chowk in Red Fort- Located behind Lahori Gate, Chatta Chowk is a covered bazaar featuring a long arched passage with 32 arched bays. It leads to Naqqar-Khana (Drum House) and Diwan-i-Aam.
- Diwan-i-Aam of Red Fort- Known as the Hall of Public Audience, Diwan-i-Aam is a rectangular hall. It is a place where the Mughal emperor met his subjects.The marble canopy, stucco work, and pietra dura designs, surrounded by a large courtyard will blow your heart away.
- Rang Mahal of Red Fort- Rang Mahal, or Palace of Colors, was used as a mess hall by the British.The intricately painted interiors, mirrored ceilings, and a marble basin with an ivory fountain,the central water channel, Nahr-i-Bihisht makes it worth your time for exploration.
- Diwan-i-Khas in Red Fort- Diwan-i-Khas, the Hall of Private Audiences, is a place where the Mughal emperor held private meetings. It has a historical significance linked to the famous Peacock Throne.
- Khas Mahal of Red Fort- Khas Mahal, or Special Palace, served as the private abode of the Mughal Emperor. It has various rooms like a sitting room, wardrobe room, and prayer chamber, adorned with colorful floral designs and partly golden ceilings.
- Red Fort Museum- Located in Mumtaz Mahal, the Red Fort Museum displays artifacts of the Mughal era from across six galleries. You will see manuscripts, paintings, jade items, and portraits of historical figures like Bahadur Shah Zafar and Mirza Ghalib.
Best Time to Visit Red Fort
Although Red Fort is open for public visits all year round, from sunrise to sunset. Its juxtaposition in Old Delhi makes it suitable to explore during evenings and early mornings because of the high temperatures and scorching sun heat during afternoons. You can visit Red Fort from Tuesday to Sunday between 9:30 am to 4:30 pm and may need to pay a minimal entry fee.
Note- Red Fort is closed on Mondays. The light and sound show begins at 7:30 pm. You need to purchase additional tickets for the same.
Best Month to Visit Red Fort
The best months to visit the fort are during the winter season when the mornings are pleasant and evenings are rejuvenating. Even the afternoons are not so hot to take a stroll through the edifices and lanes of the fort. October to February is the best time to enjoy the massive sandstone fort at its best, without the scorching heat of the sun and unbearably hot temperatures.
Things To Do in Red Fort
- Explore a zenith of Mughal artistry reflecting a perfect fusion of Timurid, Persian, and Hindu traditions.
- Take epic pictures of the pavilions, palaces, gathering halls, and serene gardens of the Red Fort.
- Enjoy a mesmerizing light and sound show in the evening that outlines the glorious history of the Mughal Era and recreates the events that led to their downfall.
- Explore the vaulted arcade called Chatta Chowk. Its artistic arches are memerizing and telltale the fineness of Mughal craftsmenship. You can also explore the connected bazaar for trinkets and souvenirs. Explore the veritable treasure trove of ancient structures that lead to a huge fort compound.
Conclusion:
Red Fort has kept centuries of history within its majestic walls. Indeed it is one of the best places to experience Finesse of Mughal Era. If you are planning to visit Delhi, you must explore Red Fort. Exploring Delhi without seeing Red Fort will always be an incomplete trip to Delhi.
