Read Important Information About Red Fort
One of the most well-known structures in India both politically and historically is the Red Fort, which is located in Delhi. The fort is named after the red sandstone that was used in its construction, which gives the structure a red tint. It is well known for its outer walls, which extend for almost 2 kilometers.
This building, which the emperor Shah Jahan built back in the 17th century, served as the hub of his Mughal government as he moved his capital from Agra to Delhi. The structure has a number of museums, the regal palace, a lovely garden, and many other amenities. Its architecture is a fusion of Mughal and Persian styles. It has quite a few gates, with the Lahore gate being the most notable as it is the location in front of which the national flag is raised by the Prime Minister before his speech at each Independence Day celebration.
The Indian capital of Delhi has grown to be a popular travel destination. Numerous visitors come for various reasons, but one of the main ones is the location’s rich history. The center of India is there. You can choose from a wide variety of options because it is a large city, including galleries, museums, shopping malls, and historical sites.
The city is largely made up of forts and monuments, combining historical and contemporary elements. The Red Fort, Humayun’s Tomb, Qutub Minar, and other forts are among the many. Which very beautifully depict our nation’s historical legacy. Large, made of red sandstone, and with a long history, the Red Fort in Delhi is a fort.
The famous fort, also referred to as Lal Quila, is situated in Chandni Chowk, an area of Old Delhi. It is a magnificent example of the imposing power, brilliant architecture, and pompous style of the Mughal emperors and was built out of red sandstone. Crowds gather there, especially on Independence Day, to view its magnificent Main gate, also known as Lahori gate.
It leads into the sizable compound and a veritable treasure trove of magnificent structures, such as the Drum House, Peral Mosque, Royal Baths, Palace of Color, and white marble halls. Experience an exciting sound and light show that recreates historical occurrences related to the Red Fort in India.
The 255-acre fort features a diverse architectural style that combines elements of Islamic, Hindi, Taimur, and Persian design. Its substantial, 2.5-km-long partitions are constructed of red sandstone, which is also the source of the monument’s name. Red stone is also used in the construction of some parts of the palace, but marble has been used extensively in many other locations. The building, which is unusually shaped like an octagon, includes furniture, bastions, pavilions, two gates, and various separate sections in addition to parts of the lawn layout.
HISTORY
Shah Jahan, the Mughal emperor, chose to leave Agra and found Shahjahanabad, which is now known as the Old Delhi, in 1638. This decision sparked the beginning of the Red Fort’s construction. Shah Jahan was so impressed by the work of architect Lahori on the Agra Fort that he requested that he also work on this fort.
Nevertheless, despite having elaborate and opulent decorations in its early years, the Red Fort’s shine and glory eventually faded when Shah Jahan became ill and had to return to Agra to recover. Shah Jahan’s power-hungry son Aurangzeb, who assumed control of the fort in 1658, kept his father incarcerated at Agra Fort for more than 8 years until his death.
The splendor of the Red Fort and the fortunes of the royal family began to decline as Aurangzeb oversaw the turbulent, treacherous, and uncertain final years of his rule. The Peacock Throne and the Kohinoor diamond were among the valuables stolen from the fort during an attack by the Persian king Nadir Shah in 1739. The Maratha kings who engaged the Mughals in battle in 1752 were in control of the fort.
To raise money to defend the capital against an assault by Afghan invaders led by Ahamd Shah Durrani, the Marathas were forced to melt down the silver ceiling of the Diwan-e-Khaas hall. The Red Fort served as the British army’s base in 1857, during which time they looted additional valuables. The Red Fort was selected as the primary location for the general celebration of independence in 1947.
INTERESTING FACTS
Shah Jahan’s favorite colors, red and white, were used to design the fort.
The fort was illuminated for nighttime viewing in 2018 at the initiative of the Archaeological Survey of India.
The new 500-rupee note has a picture of the fort inscribed on the back.
The Subhash Chandra Bose Museum, the Museum of 1857, Yad-e-Jalian, Drishkala, and Ajadi Ke Deewane were the fifth set of museums in the Red Fort to be opened by the Prime Minister of India in 2019.
HOW TO REACH
By Road: You can use auto rickshaws, taxis and local buses to reach the fort.
By Metro:- Metro trains also run in the city and the nearest metro station to the fort is Chandni Chowk on the Yellow Line which is 1.5 km away from the Red Fort.
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The Red Fort in Delhi is best visited during the colder winter months of November to March. You will be protected from Delhi’s heat during these months because they are cooler.
You can travel to Delhi during the months of April and May if you’re looking for a trip that won’t break the bank. In Delhi, however, be sure to take precautions against the heat.
THINGS TO DO
Admire the exquisite architecture and the pavilions’ intricate design.
Take a break in the lovely garden, which is kept up well and creates a tranquil atmosphere.
Explore the various settings inside, such as the bathroom, the bedroom, and the various halls where the royalty used to host personal guests.
There are many interesting mahals to investigate, including the Mumtaz Mahal, Khas Mahal, and Rang Mahal.
In the evenings, take in the show, which is planned especially for guests.
Shop at the neighborhood markets or purchase souvenirs from the hawkers there.
There are many different types of food available, from fast food to regional cuisine.
TIMING OF RED FORT LIGHT SHOW
Red fort light and sound show timings are 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM for Hindi show. For show in English language, the timings are from 9 PM to 10 PM. This is from the month of May to August.
During the months of September and October, the timings for the show are 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English).
During the months November to January, timings are 6 PM to 7 PM (Hindi) and 7.30 PM to 8.30 PM (English) while from February to April it is from 7 PM to 8 PM (Hindi) and 8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (English)
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 ATTRACTIONS
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- Agrasen Baoli
- Jama Masjid
- Dili Haat
- India Gate
FAQs : RED FORT
How much time is enough for Red Fort?
The Red Fort is open every day of the week. E. Tues. Through Sun. It’s still shut down on Mondays. A typical visit to Delhi’s Red Fort lasts two hours.
What is the best time to travel in Red Fort?
All days except Mondays are open for visiting Red Fort. The hours of operation for the Red Fort are 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The best months to travel are from October to February because this is when Delhi is at its most picturesque. Come here to Post 6 in the evening for the bilingual light and sound show.
What is the entry fee at Red Fort?
Indian nationals, SAARC citizens, and BIMSTEC nationals must pay INR 35 to enter the Red Fort. The cost of the ticket is INR 500 for foreigners. Red Fort does not impose an entry fee on visitors under the age of 15. On certain nights, the fort hosts a Light and Sound Show.