Red is the colour of love, hatred, passion, jealousy, resistance, resilience, and it is also the colour of a fort that stands as a silent witness to the changing times of Old Delhi.
Entwined in history and emotions, the Red Fort (or Lal Quila) in New Delhi has become synonymous with India’s heritage. Built as the palace fort for Shah Jahan from 1638 to 1648, it is a phenomenal example of Mughal architecture in India.
The significance of the fort continues today, as the Prime Minister of India hoists the national flag and delivers a speech from its ramparts on Independence Day. This enhances the value of Red Fort sightseeing.
Spanning 254.67 acres, the fort is octagonal in shape and situated along the Yamuna River, with bastions up to 18m high. The fortification, made of red sandstone, once housed exquisite ornamentation including the famous Kohinoor diamond. Previously called 'Quila-e-Mubarak' (“blessed fort”), it was originally white, as per Archaeological Survey of India findings.
Main Attractions of Red Fort:
Lahori Gate
The main entrance to the fort, historically used by caravans from Lahore and Punjab. Although the original gate and walls no longer exist, the area retains the name Lahori Gate and Lahori Bazaar.
Delhi Gate
Located on the southern wall, this three-floored gate was built by Shah Jahan with the front barbican added by Aurangzeb. It is adorned with square, rectangular, and angular arched panels, flanked by semi-octagonal towers capped with white stone pavilions.
Rang Mahal
Also known as the Palace of Colour, this palace was part of the royal quarters. During British occupation, it served briefly as a mess hall. A central canal, the Stream of Paradise, once flowed into a marble basin engraved in the floor.
Chhatta Chowk
A historic market alley lined with two-story flats containing 32 arched bays that served as shops. Trading of silk, brocade, gold, silver, and velvet occurred here. Inspired by a marketplace in Peshawar, it exemplifies Mughal open-air markets of the 17th century.
Diwan-i-Aam
A rectangular hall where the emperor heard citizen petitions. It has three aisles and nine arches that once housed the royal throne.
Diwan-i-Khas
Known as the Hall of Private Audience, it was adorned with precious stones and hosted imperial conferences. The legendary Peacock Throne was presumably kept here.
Nearby Attractions
Chandni Chowk (1.1 km), Salimgarh Fort (2 km), Purana Quila (6 km), and Humayun's Tomb (8.8 km).
Shopping at Red Fort
The historic Meena Bazaar offers Pashmina shawls, jewellery, utensils, carpets, hand-woven bedspreads, and local delicacies like dum biryani, phirni, gulab jamun, and jalebis.
Timing
October to March is ideal. The fort is open all days except Monday from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. A Sound and Light show in English and Hindi starts at 6:00 pm.
How to Reach
Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest major airport. Chandni Chowk Metro station is the closest metro. Taxis, cabs, buses, and autos are available for easy access to the fort.
Visit the Red Fort to immerse yourself in the history, grandeur, and cultural legacy of Delhi’s Mughal era.
