Interesting Facts About Red Fort (Lal Qila) In Delhi The Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a spectacular symbol of Mughal power. Commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639, it took nearly ten years to complete, serving as the residence of Mughal emperors for almost two centuries.
Its original name was Qila-i-Mubarak (The Blessed Fort). The fort’s design is credited to Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the chief architect of the Taj Mahal, showcasing a brilliant blend of Persian, Timurid, and Hindu architectural traditions.
A fascinating, lesser-known fact is that the fort was originally white, built primarily of limestone. The British later painted its aging and chipping stone red for maintenance, giving it the name it’s famous for today.
The fort once housed the famous, jewel-encrusted Peacock Throne, which included the legendary Kohinoor diamond, both of which were later plundered during foreign invasions. Every year, on India’s Independence Day (August 15th), the Prime Minister hoists the national flag and addresses the nation from the ramparts of the fort’s Lahore Gate.
Location: Old Delhi, India
Built By: Shah Jahan
Built in the Year: 1648
Purpose: Main residence of Mughal emperors
Area: 254.67 acres
Architect: Ustad Ahmad Lahauri
Architectural styles: Mughal, Indo-Islamic
Current Status: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Open: Tuesday-Sunday; Monday closed
Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Sound & Light Shows: 6 pm onwards in English and Hindi
Would you like to know more about the Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience) or the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) within the Red Fort?
Key Features of Red Fort –
Entrance Gates: The fort has two main gates — the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. The Delhi Gate is the main entrance and is known for its imposing structure. The Lahori Gate, facing the city of Lahore, is more intricately designed and was the ceremonial entrance used by the emperor.
Diwan-i-Aam (Hall of Public Audience): This hall is where the emperor would meet his subjects and hear their grievances. It is an open structure with arches and beautifully decorated columns, where the emperor would sit on a marble throne and hold court.
Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience): This hall was reserved for private meetings between the emperor and his court members. It is famous for its exquisite marble inlay work, including the Peacock Throne, which was one of the most renowned symbols of Mughal grandeur.
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque): This mosque, built by Emperor Aurangzeb, is a beautiful example of Mughal architecture with its delicate white marble interiors.
Shah Burj (Shah Jahan’s private residence): This area of the fort was the emperor’s private quarters, featuring lavishly decorated rooms with stunning views of the Yamuna River.
Nahr-i-Bihisht (Stream of Paradise): This is a beautiful water channel that runs through the fort, connecting several gardens and courtyards. The water channel was designed to create a serene and tranquil environment, symbolizing paradise.
Red Sandstone Walls: The most prominent feature of the fort is its towering walls made of red sandstone. The walls rise to a height of 33 meters (108 feet) and are punctuated with imposing gates and intricate carvings.
Architectural Splendor and Design
The Red Fort complex spans a massive area of approximately 255 acres and is defined by its colossal defensive walls of red sandstone, which reach heights between 18 and 33 meters. Its overall plan is an irregular octagon, a key feature of its complex integration with the older Salimgarh Fort nearby.
The Gates and Entrance
The fort is entered primarily through two majestic gateways:
- Lahori Gate: The main entrance, facing the busy Chandni Chowk. It is from the ramparts above this gate that the Prime Minister addresses the nation.
- Delhi Gate: The southern public entrance, flanked by two large stone elephants, adding to its ceremonial grandeur.
Upon entering the Lahori Gate, visitors pass through the Chatta Chowk (Covered Bazaar), a vaulted passage lined with shops that historically housed the royal merchants and provided a covered marketplace for the ladies of the court.
Entry fee and timings
The Red Fort is closed only on Mondays. The time for the fort is from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The entry fee for Indians is ₹35 and for foreigners is ₹500. For a video camera, you have to pay ₹25.
For the light and sound show, the price for adults is ₹80 on weekends and ₹60 on weekdays while for children it is ₹30 on weekends and ₹20 on weekdays.
The timing for the light and sound show varies with season.
- February to April: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (English), 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Hindi)
- May to August: 9:00 pm to 10:00 pm (English), 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (Hindi)
- September to October: 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm (English), 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm (Hindi)
- November to January: 7:30 pm to 8:30 pm (English), 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm (Hindi)
Red Fort Light & Sound Show
One of the major attractions of Lal Qila Delhi is the light and sound show. The Red fort sound and light show is conducted in Hindi and English languages. Started in 1996, this show became immensely popular among visitors soon after its start. Here, the modern technologies are combined to present a peek into the historical grandeur of ancient India.
One of a kind, this show is around 1 hour long. The shows are organised in the evening, with an interval of one hour between them. As the shows starts, with the lighting and accompanying sound, Red Fort gains an impressive appearance. The emphasis is majorly on the history of the Mughal reign and its role in the construction of Red Fort.
Tickets for the light and sound show can be bought from the ticket booth at the Red Fort. Tickets are available till 1 hour before the show starts.
Nearby places of attraction from red fort:
Jama Masjid:
Located just a short distance from the Red Fort, Jama Masjid is one of the largest and most renowned mosques in India. Its impressive architecture, serene ambiance, and panoramic views from the minarets make it a must-visit attraction.
Chandni Chowk:
Situated adjacent to the Red Fort, Chandni Chowk is one of Delhi’s oldest and busiest markets. Explore its bustling lanes filled with shops offering a wide array of textiles, jewelry, spices, street food, and traditional Indian goods.
Raj Ghat:
Raj Ghat, a memorial dedicated to Mahatma Gandhi, is a tranquil spot located near the Red Fort. Pay homage to the Father of the Nation at this serene and picturesque location surrounded by beautiful gardens.
Humayun’s Tomb:
A short drive from the Red Fort will take you to Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This architectural marvel is the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun and showcases the precursor to the grandeur of the Taj Mahal.
Qutub Minar:
Qutub Minar, another UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a stunning minaret located within easy reach of the Red Fort. Marvel at its intricate carvings and ancient Islamic architecture, surrounded by the fascinating ruins of the Qutub Complex.
India Gate:
A visit to India Gate is highly recommended when exploring attractions near the Red Fort. This iconic war memorial pays homage to Indian soldiers who sacrificed their lives during World War I. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the lawns and soak in the patriotic atmosphere.
How to Reach Red Fort –
By Metro: The closest metro station to the Red Fort is the Chandni Chowk Metro Station, which is just a 5-10 minute walk from the fort.
By Bus: The fort is well connected by the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses, with several bus stops near the entrance.
By Taxi/Auto: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available in the city and can take you directly to the fort.
By Car: There are parking facilities available near the fort, but it can get crowded, especially on weekends.
