Red Fort is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Old Delhi. This was actually called Qila-e-Mubarak or the blessed fort. One of the interesting fact about this is “Red Fort was originally white! The British painted it red. As per the Archaeological Survey of India, most parts of the building were made of lime stone.
As a part of repair and maintenance, the building was painted red by the British. Since the first Independence Day, our PM gives a speech from the Red Fort and this continues every Independence Day. As per history Red Fort was built to provide maximum security to the royals.
This is well constructed in red stone and bricks and British called it Red Fort. Later natives translated it to the Lal Qila. Red Fort was built when the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. It took 10 years for the complete construction of fort.
The pioneering architects of Shah Jahan’s time, Ustad Hamid and Ustad Ahmed started the construction in 1638 and finally completed it in 1648. The world famous Kohinoor diamond was actually part of Shah Jahan’s throne. This is Made of solid gold and studded with precious stones.
The world’s largest diamond used to keep in Diwan-i-Khas (the hall of private audience). The Red Fort has two main gates, one is Delhi gate and the another is Lahore gate. The main entrance of the fort is called the Lahore gate. The Lahore gate got the name because of its orientation towards Lahore. There is also a third minor exit to the fort. This is one the riverbank and made to ensure easy access to the river Yamuna.
The red Fort is huge and spread over 256 acres. From a bird eye, we can say this is octagonal in shape. The British took over the fort at the end of the Mughal rule. Then they stripped all valuables and sold them, but also damaged monuments too. This is a UNESCO world heritage site as UNESCO has named the Red Fort as in 2007 for its historical and cultural importance.
You can see that the Red Fort is an amazing example of architectural splendor. There are well planned public halls, marble places, a mosque and beautiful gardens to enjoy. The Red Fort housed the famous “Rang Mahal”, meaning Palace of Colors. It was home to the wives and mistresses of the Emperor.
Inside the Rang Mahal only the Emperor allowed to spent time with his wives. Other men were prohibited from entering there, except one of the princes. The British tied the last Mughal Emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar in the Diwan-i-Khas of the Red Fort on the charges of treason.
If you are planning to visit the Red Fort, keep in mind that New Delhi is well connected by air, rail and road networks. You can choose sightseeing trips to the monument by Delhi Tourism buses. The nearest metro station for Red Fort is Chandni Chowk. From there just get an auto or a cycle rickshaw. Carry water with you, no eatables are allowed inside the fort.
How to Reach and when to Visit the Red Fort ?
- Opening Timings: All days of the week except Monday – 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM
- Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
- Entry Fee: Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (Foreigners)
- Photography: No Charges
- Video Filming: Rs. 25
- Light and Sound Show: starts at in both, English and Hindi from 6 pm
- Ticket Price for Show Rs. 80 (Adults); Rs. 30 (Children)