Red Fort, Delhi (must see)
The historic Red Fort in Delhi was once home to the Mughal emperors of India. It was commissioned by Shah Jahan in 1638 when the capital moved to Delhi from Agra. It is so named due to the red sandstone walls that surround the structures.
The Red Fort architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who was also architect of the Taj Mahal. It was designed in Indo-Islamic architectural style, but many of the buildings have Mughal influences that combine Hindu, Persian and Timurid styles.
The fort has suffered from theft and destruction over the years. For example, the Diwan-i-Khas once had a ceiling made from silver, but it was removed and melted in 1760. Most of the marble structures in the fort were destroyed during the Revolt of 1857.
Red Fort once held a large amount of jewels and artwork. Nearly all of these valuables were stolen and now belong to private collectors or reside in British museums.
Despite all of the plundering and warfare that has taken place over the years, the defensive walls have remained mostly intact. The Red Fort Complex has now been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it is the largest monument in Delhi, it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The structures still standing at Red Fort are Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Chhatta Chowk, Naubat Khana and a number of halls, homes and apartments. There is also a bath house, a step-well, a reservoir and the Pearl Mosque.
There is a light and sound show displayed each evening that describes Mughal history. The show takes place at 6 PM and is in both English and Hindi.
Why You Should Visit:
- To see Delhi's largest monument
- To explore a historic fort that still has many building intact
Tips:
Red Fort is open from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee is 950 rupees (approximately $13 USD), though this amount may fluctuate. There is an additional, nominal fee for the light show. Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
The Red Fort architect was Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who was also architect of the Taj Mahal. It was designed in Indo-Islamic architectural style, but many of the buildings have Mughal influences that combine Hindu, Persian and Timurid styles.
The fort has suffered from theft and destruction over the years. For example, the Diwan-i-Khas once had a ceiling made from silver, but it was removed and melted in 1760. Most of the marble structures in the fort were destroyed during the Revolt of 1857.
Red Fort once held a large amount of jewels and artwork. Nearly all of these valuables were stolen and now belong to private collectors or reside in British museums.
Despite all of the plundering and warfare that has taken place over the years, the defensive walls have remained mostly intact. The Red Fort Complex has now been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As it is the largest monument in Delhi, it is also one of the most popular tourist destinations.
The structures still standing at Red Fort are Lahori Gate, Delhi Gate, Chhatta Chowk, Naubat Khana and a number of halls, homes and apartments. There is also a bath house, a step-well, a reservoir and the Pearl Mosque.
There is a light and sound show displayed each evening that describes Mughal history. The show takes place at 6 PM and is in both English and Hindi.
Why You Should Visit:
- To see Delhi's largest monument
- To explore a historic fort that still has many building intact
Tips:
Red Fort is open from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee is 950 rupees (approximately $13 USD), though this amount may fluctuate. There is an additional, nominal fee for the light show. Red Fort is closed on Mondays.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Delhi. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Red Fort on Map
Sight Name: Red Fort
Sight Location: Delhi, India (See walking tours in Delhi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Delhi, India (See walking tours in Delhi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Delhi, India
Create Your Own Walk in Delhi
Creating your own self-guided walk in Delhi is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Old Delhi Walking Tour
Old Delhi, as a walled city, was founded in 1639 under the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, who decided to move his domain's capital here from Agra. The construction of the city was completed in 1648, from which point on Delhi had remained the capital of the Mughal Empire until its fall in 1857.
Once filled with mansions and havelis (traditional townhouses) of the nobles and members of the royal... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
Once filled with mansions and havelis (traditional townhouses) of the nobles and members of the royal... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.3 Km or 2.1 Miles
New Delhi Introduction Walking Tour
Delhi is the second largest city in India and one of the world's oldest metropolitan areas, continuously inhabited since the 6th century BC. Due to its location, for years this place has been coveted by numerous empires and dynasties, starting from the ancient ruler of the Kuru Empire to the British Raj, who have fought for and seized control of it.
Although Delhi has more than two... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Although Delhi has more than two... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.2 Km or 3.2 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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