The incredible Indian capital of New Delhi is a popular tourist destination, drawing travelers by the drove who wish to experience the rich culture and mysticism of India. Delhi is the perfect amalgamation of the old and the modern and you will find yourself time traveling as you set foot inside the ramparts of the historic Red Fort or Lal Qila. The Red Fort is an architectural marvel built in the mid-17th century by Emperor Shah Jahan. Lying on the banks of the River Yamuna, the Red Fort in Delhi was also called Quila-e-Mubarak or the Blessed Fort. Its moats were filled by the waters of the Yamuna and this fort was the highlight of the city of Shahjahanabad, or Old Delhi, in the medieval times. The erstwhile residence of the Mughals continues to be a popular tourist landmark in the city and it is here that the Indian Prime Minister Hoists the national flag on the country’s Independence Day on August 15. This is followed by his speech from this spectacular spot. Made of red sandstone, this incredible structure is a must-visit for those visiting Delhi. The fort was built in 1638 and its original purpose was to keep out invaders as it guarded old Delhi. The Red Fort has a magical atmosphere and is the perfect way to spend a day in old Delhi. Here’s a guide to Red Fort, to help travelers navigate their way better through this architectural marvel.
Things to do
This UNESCO WORLD Heritage Site is a popular tourist spot and has several museums where you can espy precious artifacts dating back to the Mughal era. Here are the things to do within the Red Fort
Admire the architecture
Travelers will be taken in by the Red Fort’s grandeur and red sandstone walls. It has 14 gates with the important ones being Lahori, Ajmeri, Mori, Kashmiri, and Delhi Gates.
Visit the Naubat Khana
The Naubat Khana comes after Chatta Bazar, near the Lahori Gate. The three-storied Naubat Khana or Naqqar Khana was the ceremonial drum house. This red sandstone building has intricate carvings in floral patterns. The sides and the front of the building are painted white and it has an arched entrance. During the Mughal era, musicians would sit on the upper floor and play somber music whenever the emperor arrived or departed from the Red Fort post a tour of distant territories.
Marvel at the Diwan-i-Am
Diwan-i-Am is the hall where emperor Shah Jahan and his successors sat to hear and address the grievances of the public. The architecture of this building is spectacular and it comprises a front hall, which is open from three sides. The hall is divided into square bays - 27 to be precise! The arches are beautifully engraved and reflect the impeccable craftsmanship of the time.
Explore the Red Fort Archaeological Museum
Located inside Red Fort’s Mumtaz Mahal the museum is a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits dating back to the Mughal era, bearing testimony to the opulence and lavish lifestyle. The museum has three galleries tourists can explore. You will find coins, statues, and stone inscriptions from the Mughal era among other things. There is also a section dedicated to Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor.
Check out the Diwan-i-Khas
The Diwan-i-Khas or Shah Mahal is where Emperor Akbar greeted state dignitaries and important guests. Originally, the ornate ceilings of the building were inlaid with silver and gold, before being looted. Even the famed Peacock Throne once found a pride of place inside the hall. The Stream of Paradise or Nahar-i-Bihisht also flowed through the hall’s center.
Check out the new museum complex
The Red Fort has four new museums from 2019 - Yaad-e-Jallian Museum, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, Drishyakala Museum, and The Museum of 1857. Each museum gives you a deeper insight into Indian history and is a must-visit for tourists.
Watch the Light and Sound Show
Make sure you watch the one-hour Sound and Light Show, which happens in the evening. The show is available in English and Hindi and you need to purchase tickets.
Enlist the help of a tourist guide
Tourists can enlist the help of a local guide or rent an audio guide to learn more about the Red Fort. Signage is also in Braille to aid visitors.
What to eat
If you are looking to grab a bite and want a hearty meal then head to some of the best eateries or food lanes that are located about a 10 minutes’ drive from the Red Fort:
Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk
This popular spot is a short walk from the Red Fort. Sharma Bhojnalaya in this lane serves some amazing rabri and lassi too. It is near the Central Bank of India and the perfect pit stop to recharge your batteries!
Lakhori - Haveli Dharampura
You can also eat delicious Mughlai and enjoy the architecture. Sink your teeth into local favorites as you savor the delicious food.
Fast food chains
If you want some fast food and do not wish to experiment with local cuisine then Mc Donald’s is also nearby.
Special Jaleba
If you have a sweet tooth do not miss the lip-smacking jalebi - its massive version known as the Jaleba! Enjoy the sugary sweetness of this Indian sweet in Chandni Chowk, a short drive from Red Fort!
Things to buy
Delhi is a shopper’s paradise and you can head to Chatta Chowk or covered market inside the Red Fort to indulge in a shopping spree! This market has been around since the 17th century and was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. It was a covered market selling exotic jewelry, carpets, ivory work, stonework, etc.
Buy embroidered shawls
You can take back intricately embroidered scarves or Pashmina shawls from here. Make sure you bargain to get a good deal and save some money!
Purchase a historical map or an idol
You can buy traditional idols, historical maps, and bangles at this market, which is inside Red Fort. India is known for its craftsmanship so you will find a treasure trove of artifacts at Chatta Chowk bazaar.
Travelers tips
When to visit?
The best time to visit is from September to March. Also, avoid going in August as the fort will likely be inaccessible during Independence Day celebrations.
Entry fee and photography
You need to pay 950 INR (14 USD) for entering the fort and extra if you want to record videos. Photography is free.
Plan ahead for Light and Sound Show
Make sure you book the tickets in advance and plan ahead if you wish to see the Light and Sound Show at Red Fort. The timings for the show in English and Hindi differ and change during some months so be mindful. You can book the tickets [here].(http://delhitourism.gov.in/delhitourism/tourist_place/red_fort.jsp)
Is it wheelchair friendly
Red Fort is wheelchair friendly so you can bring your family or friends with such special needs.
Be wary of scammers
Also, be careful of scams where the drivers lure you into going to a shopping destination nearby where he will get a commission. This is under the ruse that Red Fort is closed and will re-open a little later. Again, note that Red Fort is only closed on Monday. Don’t be fooled by an empty parking lot, and don’t get off at the side car park as it is mostly deserted. Instead, insist that your driver drop you at the main gate i.e. the Lahori Gate.
How to get there
Take the Delhi metro
Getting to Red Fort is quite easy by metro and you need to get off at Chandni Chowk metro station stop. You can also avail of the heritage line or the Yellow line.
Take the bus
The nearest bus stop to Red Fort is Kashmiri Gate Bus Station and you can check the bus timetable to get here from your location.
Rent a car
You can also rent a car and drive down the streets of old Delhi to get to Red Fort. Since it has a parking lot it won’t be an issue parking your car.
Take a taxi
You can also take a local taxi or Uber to reach the Red Fort from your location. If you take a local yellow taxi, make sure you fix the price beforehand or tell them to take you by the meter so that you don’t get fleeced. Get off at the Lahori Gate to avoid walking much.
Take an auto
Take an auto to Red Fort and make sure it is not the sharing one so that you have your privacy and don’t have to sit with strangers. Fix the fare prior to the ride with your auto driver to avoid confusion. Make sure you tell them you will get off at Lahori Gate so that you don’t have to walk a lot.
Red Fort information
Red Fort
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Qila, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Official website: Delhi Tourism
Department of tourism: Incredible India
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Mon)
Entry fee for foreigners: 13.35 USD (950 INR)
History
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