Red Fort at Delhi was the official residence of the Mughal Emperors for nearly Two Centuries, from the mid-16th century to the mid-18th century. The 1857 Rebellion against the British saw the British winning the rebellion. The British had destroyed two-thirds of the inner structures of the Red Fort. Later on, under Lord Curzon, Viceroy of India, repairers to the fort walls, gardens, and water channels were made. Heritage buildings, Gardens, Palaces, etc, in the Red Fort Museum complex are now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
On the ramparts of RedFort, the Prime Mister of India hoists the national flag each year on Indian Independence Day, i.e., on August 15th.
Red Fort, Delhi.
Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan constructed the Redfort as the Mughal capital in 1648 and shifted the capital from RedFort Agra to RedFort Delhi. It is made of Red sandstone and hence got its name. The Fort is adjacent to Salimgarh Fort, an older fort built by Islam Shah Suri in 1546. The Palace and other buildings inside the Redfort complex on 254.67 acres of land are connected by water channels (called Stream of Paradise), which used to be fed by waters from the Yamuna River, which flowed next to the Fort during those days. River Yamuna has changed its course slightly afterward.
Information on Red Fort
Red Fort was designed by the same designer who designed the Taj Mahal at Agra. The Red Fort architecture is considered the ultimate Mughal creativity under Shah Jahan. His son and successor, Emperor Aurangzeb, added the Pearl Mosque to the private quarters of the emperor. Persian emperor Nadir Shah defeated the Mughals in 1739 (after the death of Aurangzeb in 1707). He looted most valuables, including the Peacock Throne (which cost twice as much as the construction of the Taj Mahal) and the world’s most expensive diamond, Kohinoor or Koh-i-Noor. Kohinoor Diamond is currently part of Queen Elizabeth II’s Royal Crown.
There is a sound & light show at the fort in the evenings, which describes the Mughal history to the tourists. Most of the original structure is damaged now. The extensive water channels with their fragrant waters are dry. Most of its Marble inlaid flowers were looted by invaders. The tea house now houses a restaurant, even though not in its original form. Pearl mosque and Hamam (Turkish Bath) are now closed to the public.
Redfort is one of the must-see places to visit in Delhi. Delhi sightseeing would not be complete without a visit to Red Fort.
Structures Inside the Red Fort Museum or Complex
Major structures inside the UNESCO World Heritage site of Redfort Museum Complex today are Chawari Bazar, Lahori Gate, Chhatta Chowk, Naubat Khana, Delhi Gate, Water Gate, Diwan-i-Aam, Mumtaz Mahal, Rang Mahal, Nahr-i-Behisht, Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Hammam, Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque), Hira Mahal, Hayat Bakhsh Bagh & Princes’ Quarters.
How do I Go to the Red Fort in Delhi?
Red Fort in Delhi is situated in the heart of the city and is accessible by road. Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station, a major terminal station in New Delhi, is near Redfort. New Delhi Railway Station is another major railway station that connects the city with the rest of the country. There is an International airport in New Delhi.
What are The Entry Timings at the Fort?
The fort is open from 9:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. on all days except Mondays.
Sound and Light show timings are from 6 pm onwards (in English and Hindi). It is charged separately. It costs Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 30 for children for this show.
How much is the Entry Fees at Red Fort Delhi?
There is an entry fee to enter this UNESCO Heritage site. Red Fort Delhi ticket rate is INR 35 for Indian citizens.
Red Fort Delhi ticket charges for foreigners is INR 500. Please confirm the rates mentioned above at your end.