A tour to New Delhi cannot be considered complete without visiting the Red Fort. India is the land of old forts and monuments, which portray its profound noticeable precedent.
Red Fort in New Delhi has been declared by UNESCO as a world heritage site. Its vast, 2.5-km-long surrounding walls are finished of red sandstone, and that’s how the monument obtained its name.
History of Red Fort
Red Fort is the most famous monuments in Delhi constructed by the fifth Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan when he determined to relocate his capital from Agra to Delhi. It was built in the year 1639. There are enough evidences to support it, as it was the place of residence of the Mughal emperors for nearly 200 years until 1857.
This Fort is a living proof of brilliant craftsmenship. It is made of different jewels and artworks. The majority of the ornaments and artworks of the Fort were plundered and stolen at the time of Nadir Shah’s attack of 1747 and yet again after the unsuccessful Indian Rebellion of 1857 against the British.
They were now in the Albert Museum, British Library and the Victoria and British Museum. The jade wine cup of Shah Jahan, the Koh-i-Noor diamond, and the crown of Bahadur Shah II are at present kept in London. Requests for restitution have so far been discarded by the British government.
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The Architecture of Red Fort
The whole Red fort complex is said to personify the architectural creativity and vividness of Mughal structural design.
The palace was intended according to Islamic archetype; every pavilion holds architectural fundamentals characteristic of Mughal structure that replicates a blend of Tiberian, Persian, and Hindu customs.
The Fort’s original architectural technique, as well as its garden plan, influenced construction and gardens in Delhi, Punjab, Rajasthan, Kashmir, etc. afterwards.
Sound and Light Show at Red Fort
Tourists visit Red Fort because of it’s the noteworthy historical significance that it holds. This red sandstone fort of ancient times has another attraction which brings the visitors to the Fort that is – Light and Sound Show.
The light and sound show held all evening apart from Mondays, is a one-hour fest of lights and sounds which takes place within the building of the Fort. There’s no superior alternative to learn about the past of the Fort.
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Red Fort Entry Fee
Red Fort ticket price for Indians is Rs 35 and for foreigners it is Rs 500. The entry ticket for the Light and Sound show is Rs 60 for adults and Rs 20 for children. The ticket price inceases on weekends. The weekend ticket rates are Rs 80 for adults and Rs 30 for kids.
Red Fort Timings
Red Fort remains open from Tuesday to Sunday and remains closed on Mondays. The timings for Red fort light and sound show are 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM for Hindi show and from 9 PM to 10 PM for the english show. These timings are for the months from May to August. During the months of September & October, the timings for the show are 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).
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Best Time to Visit Red Fort
The best time to visit Red Fort in New Delhi is in the months of September to March when the weather is enjoyable.
How to Reach Red Fort
As New Delhi is the capital city of India, it is well connected through local transport. The nearest metro station is Chandini Chowk on Yellow Line which is 1.5km away from the Fort.
Even you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw from the metro station. You can go to the Fort by boarding public buses from any part of Delhi that frequently plies on this route.
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Places to Visit Near Red Fort
Red Fort Archaeological Museum
This museum has lots of paintings; artefact, wall painting and figurine that belong to the Mughal period. It was built in 1974, and the primary purpose of this museum was to preserve and showcase delicate pieces of art redolent of the splendid Mughal period, but later it was developed into a museum exhibiting different things from other records of Indian history as well.
Mumtaz Mahal
The Mumtaz Mahal is a palace facing the Yamuna River. There were six palaces which were joined by the Stream of Paradise. This palace was created with white marble.
Khas Mahal
The Khas Mahal was used as the personal dwelling of Mughal emperor in Delhi. The building is situated within the Fort, which is a massive fort complex placed within the city.
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Raj Ghat
Raj Ghat is commemorative of our Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. A fire continuously burns at one end of the place. I would highly recommend to add this places to your bucket list of places to visit in Delhi.
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Old Fort
It is another important heritage and notable site in India. People believe that this Fort is made on the remains of the early state of Indraprastha.
The structure work of the Purana Qila was started by Mughal emperor Humayun and was finished by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri.
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Places to Eat Near Red Fort
There are lots of restaurants near Red Fort. There you can get both veg and non-veg food. They are -Wok in the Clouds, Planet Eateries, Shahi Biryani Centre, Harry’s Karaoke Lounge etc. Adarsh Bhojanalaya is the only pure veg restaurant.
FAQs
Who built the Red Fort?
The Red Fort (Lal Qila) was built in 1638 by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. The Fort is situated in the centre of Delhi, India. It is finished of red stone and marble.
Which is the main entrance gate to the Red Fort?
The Lahori Gate is the main entrance to the Red Fort till now.
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