The Red Fort is a historical fortress depicting the magnificence of a bygone era. It was built by Shah Jahan in 1639 when he shifted the capital from Agra to Delhi. Since then, it has been the seat of Mughal rulers who held sway over a major chunk of undivided India. In addition to housing the Mughal emperors and their families, it served as the Mughal state’s ceremonial and political center and the site of major regional events.
Today, this monument is home to several museums that house a diverse collection of priceless antiquities. More importantly, the monument serves as a site for the Indian Prime Minister to hoist the national flag on Indian Independence Day annually. As a side note, the structure derives its name from the impenetrable red sandstone walls.
A Brief Overview of Red Fort
The Red Fort, also known as Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort, is located on the banks of the Yamuna River, whose waters supply the fort’s moats. It was a component of Shahjahanabad, the ancient city that is now known as “Old Delhi.” In 2007, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Archaeological Survey of India was in charge of the monument’s protection and maintenance for a long time. In 2018, the Dalmia Bharat Group adopted the Red Fort as part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Adopt A Heritage” initiative.
The building of the Red Fort began on May 13, 1638, during the month of Muharram. Under Shahjahan’s supervision, the fort took nine years to build and was finished on April 6, 1648. The walls were an unusual asymmetrical structure, retaining the older Salimgarh Fort.
It was the center of Imperial Mughal rule till the Great Revolt of 1857. It includes many structures erected during Shah Jahan’s reign and those of succeeding monarchs. When his son and successor, Aurangzeb, ascended to the throne, following a bloody succession war, he and his brothers erected the Pearl Mosque/Moti Masjid next to the fort.
After Aurungzeb’s reign ended, the fort began to deteriorate. Farrukhsiyar, a later king, substituted the silver ceiling with copper in 1712. The Persian Emperor Nadir Shah attacked Delhi in 1739 and plundered the Red Fort, taking the prized Peacock throne with him. Between 1739 and 1857, the Fort was seized, looted, and assaulted by Ahmad Shah, the British, Sikhs, and Marathas.
The Marathas sold the silver ceiling of Diwan-e-Khas in 1760 to raise funds for their forces’ defense against Ahmad Shah Durrani. For 200 years, the Fort served as the Mughal capital, but following the 1857 uprising, Bahadur Shah II, the last Mughal emperor, was exiled to Rangoon. He was the last Mughal resident of the fort and a symbol of the Shahjahanabad citizens’ 1857 uprising against the British.
The fort was attacked by British Colonial Rulers, who took several valuable items, including Bahadur Shah II’s crown, Shah Jahan’s Jade Wine Cup, and the Kohinoor diamond. Except for the white marble structures, they devised a plan to demolish the fort and were successful. When Lord Curzon was appointed Viceroy of India in 1899, he oversaw the building’s renovation and the restoration of the grounds.
Fantastic Facts about Red Fort
There is little information about this place that can amuse anyone.
- The primary entrance is the Lahore Gate, which gets its name because it faces Lahore.
- In ancient days, it was known as the Qila-E-Mubarak, which means “blessed fort”.
- People claiming to be heirs of Emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar have fought for the Red Fort.
- According to legend, the Chatta Chowk market area was created on Shah Jahan’s orders in the mid-seventeenth century to meet the shopping requirements and aspirations of Mughal ladies of rank who lived within the fort but did not want to leave. This explains the odd little market of 40 businesses that line the fort’s covered passageway.
Highlights
| Best time to visit Red Fort | You can reach Red Fort by a cab or bus from the Chandni Chowk metro station. But you can also reach from the Red Fort metro station. |
| Other attractions near Red Fort | India Gate, Raj Ghat, Jama Masjid, Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-i-Alam, and more |
| Rivers around Red Fort | The Yamuna river |
| For Indians, the entry fee is ₹ 35, but foreigners will pay ₹ 550 | The population of Red Ford |
| How to visit Red Ford? | 46,899 as of 2018 |
| What is the Entry Fee? | For Indians, the entry fee is ₹ 60 but foreigners will have to pay ₹ 550 |
Why should you visit the Red Ford?
The Red Fort, or Lal Quila, has a history in India’s national development. On August 15, 1857, the Red Fort, or Lal Quila, was built., 1947, Jawahar Lal Nehru hoisted India’s national flag for the first time in history. Every year on that day, Lal Quila is the place where the flag is first hoisted. And that is the best reason why everyone who visits Delhi should come to see the Red Fort. But apart from being an important part of the national movement, the Red Fort also serves as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also a Persian and Indo-Islamic architectural style.
The elegance of the Red Fort can only be enjoyed with bare eyes while standing still in front of the great architecture.
Here is a fun fact about Lal Quila and why it is red: Shahjahan’s favorite colors were red and white, which inspired the color of the Quila itself. The Fort is made of red sandstone, the first thing you notice on arrival. As of 2019, before COVID, approximately 3 million domestic and 140,000 international travelers visited the place. The Red Fort is hard to miss if you are exploring the world and want to see every magnificent thing built over centuries.
What is the right time to visit the Red Fort?
Summers in Delhi are quite hot, and it is best to avoid them when visiting the city. During August and September, the monsoon season brings with it a high degree of humidity and good precipitation. The winter months might be foggy at times.
October through March, i.e., during the fall and winter seasons, are ideal times for visiting. This is the best time to visit since the mild temperature makes the journey comfortable and enjoyable.
What does the Red Ford look like?
The Red Fort, a fusion of Indian, Persian, and Timurid architecture, was designed by Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, the architect of the Taj Mahal. The fort is octagonal and has several gates, the most notable of which are the Lahori, Ajmeri, Kashmiri, Mori, Turkman, and Delhi gates. A 2-kilometer-long wall surrounds it. The Red Fort is made up of several structures. The most well-known are the Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khaas, Moti Masjid, and Nahr-i-Behisht. The rectangular “Diwan-i-Am,” also known as the “Hall of Public Audience,” has three aisles and a nine-arched façade.
At one time, there were six marble palaces along the eastern lakefront. The Nahr-i-Behisht (‘Stream of Paradise’) water channel runs through it, featuring an ivory fountain and a center marble basin. The Delhi Fort Museum is presently housed at the Mumtaz-Mahal. The Diwan-i-Khas (‘Hall of Private Audience’) is a pillared hall with a flat ceiling braced by engraved arches. The Peacock Throne is supposed to have been stored here before Nadir Shah took it away.
The Hammam (‘bath’) is divided into three sections by corridors. The entire interior is made of marble with inlaid dyed stones. The Moti-Masjid (‘Pearl Mosque’), built later by Aurangzeb, is located west of the Hamman. Bahadur Shah II built the Zafar-Mahal, a red-stone pavilion in the center of the Hayat-Bakhsh-Bagh, in 1842.
Most of these structures were adorned with expensive stones and exquisite floral motifs. The distinctive cusped arches and twin domes are the most notable features of the Red Fort’s design, which became synonymous with Shahjahani architecture.
A Few Tips to Visit the Red Fort
You should remember a few things before visiting this place.
- The Light and Sound Show takes place every evening except Mondays, is a one-hour light and sound extravaganza hosted within the Fort’s grounds. There’s no better way to learn about the fort’s history than visiting. The programmes are broadcast in both English and Hindi at various
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Hindi
9:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. English
Tickets: Adults pay INR 60 on weekdays, and children pay INR 20.
INR 80 for adults and INR 30 for children on weekends and public holidays.
- The use of video cameras is authorized. You must pay INR 25 for each camcorder.
- Tripods are not allowed.
- On Sundays, the Red Fort is closed.
Attractions Nearby
There are awesome neighboring places for food, like Asaram Foods, Fateh Ki Kachori, Ram Parshad Makhan Lal, Sardar Ji Meat Wale, etc. If someone has time, they can visit The India Gate, the Qutub Minar, Jahanpanah Fort, or the Humayun Tomb.
Best hotels to stay near the Red Ford.
If you are visiting New Delhi and traveling to the Red Ford, there are some places you could stay:
1. Haveli Dharampura
Haveli Dharampura is a UNESCO-award-winning boutique heritage hotel. The hotel received an award for its cultural and heritage restoration. Check out the amenities the hotel provides to the guests.
- Free WiFi
- Terrace
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Room service
- Tea/coffee maker in all rooms
- Location: 2293, Gali Guliyan, Near Gate No. 3, Jama Masjid, Dharampura Chandni Chowk
- Costs ₹ 6,422 for one room
2. Homestay Chateau 39
Homestay Chateau 39 is another nice hotel to stay at for a few nights alone or with someone. If you stay at Homestay Chateau 39, you can visit Jama Masjid, just 3.8 km away.
- Swimming pool
- Free wifi
- Free Parking
- Children’s playground
- Flat-screen TV
- Car rental service
- Only ₹ 3,182 per night
3. Maidens Hotel New Delhi
The Maidens Hotel New Delhi is a famous hotel in the town and is located 2.5 km away from the Chandni Chowk Market.
- Multicuisine restaurants
- Free wifi
- Swimming pool
- Fitness center
- Free Parking
- Bar
- Laundry services
- ₹ 6,000 per room
4. Hotel Mannat International by Mannat
Hotel Mannat International is 2 km from Jama Masjid and provides nice services such as air-conditioned rooms, free wifi, and more.
- Free Parking
- Spa center
- Bar
- Restaurant
- Free wifi
- Price starts from ₹ 1,163 per night
5. Hotel Blue Pearl
Hotel Blue Pearl is just 1 km away from Connaught Place. You can also reach it from India Gate or The New Delhi Railway Station.
- Free wifi
- Free Parking
- Non-smoking rooms
- Room service
- Tea or coffee maker in every room
- Only ₹ 3,450 per night
Best Resorts for Luxury
If you want to stay in a more luxurious place with a little more budget, then a resort might be the best option.
1. The Lodhi
The Lodhi in New Delhi has 48 rooms and suites with spacious balconies and stunning natural views.
- Free Parking
- Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi)
- Pool
- Babysitting
- Free airport transportation
- Tennis court
- Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
- ₹ 22,786 for 1 room
2. The Roseate New Delhi
It is located at Nh-08 Samalkha, New Delhi. It offers cozy bedrooms, great hospitality, and dining options. just 12,713 per night.
- Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi)
- Kids stay free
- Bar/lounge
- Free Parking
- Children Activities (Kid / Family Friendly)
- Fitness Center with Gym / Workout Room
- Air conditioning
- Swimming pool
- Costs ₹ 12,713 per night.
3. Tivoli Grand Resort Hotel
This one is a hotel and a resort and a pretty affordable option for anyone. It is located on Main G.T. Karnal Road, Jindpur, opposite the Sai Baba Mandir in New Delhi.
- Pool with view
- Free internet
- Children’s playground
- Spa
- Fitness room
- Air conditioning
- Blackout curtains
- Only for ₹ 2,503 per room
4. Ashok Country Resort
Ashok Country Resort is another resort near Red Ford, located at 30 Rajokri Road, Kapashera, New Delhi. It offers the following features:
- Free High-Speed Internet (WiFi)
- Free breakfast
- Swimming pool
- Children Activities
- Conference rooms
- Free Parking
- Price starting from ₹ 4,200 per room
5. Heritage Village Resort & Spa
At a reasonable cost, Heritage Village Resort & Spa is situated at NH 8, Manesar, and has great facilities.
- Costs ₹ 13,569 for one night
- Free parking available
- Game room
- Restaurants
- Private balcony
- Fitness center
- Swimming pools
Things to do in Red Fort
You will not be bored if you are not a history buff. There are a plethora of things that will delight you.
- Stroll through 450 historic paintings by Raja Ravi Varma, Amrita Sher-Gil, Rabindranath Tagore, Abaniindranath Tagore, and Jamini Roy, among others.
- Relax in the tranquility of the well-kept garden.
- Explore several areas within, such as the bath area, bedroom chamber, and numerous hallways where the monarchy used to entertain private visitors.
- Shortly after passing through the Lahore Gate, you’ll come upon the historic Chatta Chowk “covered bazaar,” immediately within the Red Fort’s passage area.
- One can shop at Delhi’s oldest market for souvenirs such as diaries, shawls, jewelry, memorabilia, etc.
How to reach the Red Fort?
- Air – Air travel connects Delhi to most of India’s and the world’s major cities. The Indira Gandhi International Airport is located 16 kilometers from Delhi at Palam. Both domestic and foreign planes arrive at this airport. Separate terminals are available.
- Rail – Except for Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram, Delhi is connected by train to nearly every area of India. In Delhi, there are several railway stations where trains originate, finish, or stop. The most important are Delhi Cantt, Hazrat Nizamuddin, Delhi Safdarjung, New Delhi, and Delhi Sarai Rohilla.
- Road – By road, Delhi is connected to several cities. Tourists may take buses from ISBT Anand Vihar and ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Sarai Kale Khan. Buses to Ahmedabad, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Udaipur, Jaipur, and other places are available. These terminals have both AC and non-AC buses. A sleeping coach is available on certain long-distance buses.
- Local transport – On the Yellow Line, Chandini Chowk is the closest Metro Station. (This is a ten-minute walk.)From the metro station, you may rent a cab or an auto-rickshaw. One can go to Red Fort from any area of the city by taking one of the DTC buses that run on this route routinely.
Conclusion
With its astounding structure, mysteriously attractive artwork, fascinating interiors, and illustrious history, this spectacular piece of architecture is a must-see for everyone at least once in their lives. Since Emperor Shah Jehan, the Red Fort has served as the seat of the Mughal Empire, symbolizing the strength of imperial Hindustan. With all of this, it truly is the soul and heart of Delhi. We hope that our article makes your visit more enjoyable and memorable.
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