Various rulers have built as many as 9 forts in Delhi over the centuries. Some forts are in tip-top condition while a few are in complete ruins.
- Red Fort or Lal Qila
- Salimgarh Fort
- Old Fort or Indraprastha
- Siri Fort
- Qila Rai Pithora or Quila Lal Kot
- Tughlaqabad Fort
- Adilabad Fort
- Feroz Shah Kotla Fort
- Nai ka Kot
The Red Fort in the heart of old Delhi is the numero uno fort and one of the iconic landmarks of Delhi. The entry ticket can be purchased online by scanning the QR codes available to scan at the entrance. So it is advised to install apps like PayTM or GPay.
I figured out that the access route is from the left side of the fort where a well-paved and wide passage leads to the first grand entrance and also the huge fortification walls are entirely made in red sandstone hence the name Red Fort.
There are cannons on both sides of the entrance and moats can also be seen around the huge walls of the fort. The moats were originally 3 feet deeper than what is seen today and were filled with water with crocodiles roaming freely in them according to the tourist guide that I hired for INR 300.
The first gate opens up to a great open space that has stairs to climb up to a platform where the prime minister of India hoists the Indian tricolor flag and addresses the nation every year on August 15 the Independence day of India.
Opposite this is yet another magnificent gate made in Red sandstone that leads to a square called Chhatta Chowk meaning the covered square.
The path leading to the square is lined up on both sides with dozens of shops selling fascinating Indian novelties ranging from jewelry and gems to carpets and shawls to silverware as souvenirs. The market is known as Meena Bazar and even the kings and emperors who ruled from the fort frequented the Bazars for shopping.
The first major monument on entering the fort past the Bazar is the Naubat Khana or the Drum House. It was customary in medieval times to welcome the King returning from expeditions outside the fort and also any royal guests or dignitaries visiting the fort with music. The Naubat Khana hosted a dozen or more musicians and singers.
The Naubat Khana is 3 storied and decorated with beautiful carvings all over which tells about the immense importance of music in medieval times. Unfortunately, two ruling kings were also murdered in this place according to the plaque installed nearby.
Next is the main building of the fort called Diwan-I-Aam meaning the hall for the public audience where the king would hear the grievances from the public. This hall has 9 arches on the front and 3 alleys making a total of 27 impressive Bengal roofs covering the entire hall. The throne of the emperor was inlaid with gems and multi-colored precious stones most of which were looted or stolen in the raids by other kings.
Behind the public court is the Diwan-I-Khas or the kings’ palace along with the Rang Mahal that was the king’s harem. This is completely made in white marble and ornately decorated with carvings embedded with precious stones, gold, and silver, and much of it is still seen today.
Canals with water diverted from the nearby Yamuna river flowing through them the fountains surround the palace to keep it cool during the summer. The canal is called Nahar-I-Bishit. The naming conventions are derived from the Persian language whereas the Kings themselves pledged loyalty to the Khalifa in faraway Baghdad.
Also adjacent to it is the Khas Mahal or the king’s extended harem. There is a huge open space that was used to organize fights between elephants and lions in medieval times for extended entertainment.
The next monument on the tour is the Moti Mosque that was the king’s private place of worship. The special features according to the plaque installed near the entrance are the copper-plated door and a carved window grill made out of a single piece of stone. Adjacent to this place is also a chamber for resting called the KhwabGah literally meaning ‘place to dream’. The doorstep to the Motimahal is made of a piece of marble and the king would daily rub his feet over it so much that over the years the marble has worn out as seen clearly in the photo collage below.
There are also several other places like the Hamman or the royal bath and the tour guide would tell that the king would take all strategically important decisions in the royal bath. This royal bath has wardrobe rooms, changing rooms, dressing rooms, fountains, rose water sprays, separate hot and cold water basins and the water storages were embedded in the massive walls to serve as insulation thus maintaining the cold or hot water all day long.
The water was maintained cold by transporting ice from far away Kashir by special fast-moving horse carts.
Finally, there are two mandaps or huge covered platforms called Sawan and Bhadon that was a gathering place for the concubines of the royal family to enjoy their day gazing at the garden.
Quick Facts:
- Timings: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm.
- Closed on: Friday.
- Ticket: INR 60 for adults and INR 20 for children.
- Metro Stations within 1 km of the fort:
- Lal Quila on the Violet line.
- Chandni Chowk on the Yellow line.
- Kashmiri Gate on the Red Line.
Have you been to a fort recently or in the past that had a glorious past and is still well-preserved? I’d be interested in knowing your experiences. Until then… Happy guiding 
Accessibility Features
Being a UNESCO World Heritage site, accessibility for the differently-abled has been taken care of right from the parking throughout the fort premises by way of ramps and accessible toilets except for historic places which were not built accordingly.
Ramp Access.
A wheelchair-accessible Entrance.
A wheelchair-accessible Parking.
A wheelchair-accessible Restroom/Toilet.
What Else To Do In Delhi
While you are in Delhi, these are the top-recommended places: