Red Fort Delhi: History, Timings, Entry Fee & Travel Guide

Overview 

The Red Fort, also popularly known as Lal Qila across the country, is a historical fort located in Delhi. It stands as a symbol of India’s rich cultural heritage. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century, the Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is an architectural marvel that symbolises Mughal grandeur. 

About Red Fort 

The Red Fort for more than two centuries was the home to Mughal kings and to this day remains an important landmark of the country’s political and cultural fabric. The iconic red sandstone structure houses many marvellous structures, lush green gardens and museums that recite the glorious history of India. During the Independence Day celebrations, the Prime Minister unfurls the tri-colour Indian flag here making Red Fort a site of national pride.

Related Information

Timings (Operation Hours): 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Red Fort Light & Sound Show Timings:

HindiEnglish
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (May to Aug)9:00 PM to 10:00 PM (May to Aug)
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Sep & Oct)8:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Sep & Oct)
6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (Nov to Jan)7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (Nov to Jan)
7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (Feb to Apr)8.30 PM to 9.30 PM (Feb to Apr)

Red Fort Entry Fee:

  • Foreign Visitors – ₹500
  • Indian Adults – ₹35
  • Indian Kids (below 15 years) – Free
  • Light and Sound Show (Adults) – ₹80 on weekends and ₹60 on weekdays 
  • Light and Sound Show (Children) – ₹30 for weekends and ₹20 for weekdays.

Time Required – 3 to 5 hours

Best Time to Visit – November to April 

How to Get There

By Bus – The Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) provides scheduled services from all parts of the city to the Red Fort.

By Metro – The best way is to get to the Yellow Line going to the Chandni Chowk Metro Station, from there the fort is only a 15-minute walk away.

By Taxi/Auto – There are plenty of app-based taxis and local autorickshaws available for a ride to the Red Fort from anywhere in the city. 

Nearest Restaurants

Karim’s – A renowned restaurant serving mouthwatering traditional Mughlai cuisine as its speciality. Karim’s is an institution set deep in the social fabric of Delhi. 

Moti Mahal Delux – Famous for butter chicken and regional Indian food. Tandoor (clay oven) based food is its speciality. 

Nearest Markets

Chandni Chowk – It is a labyrinth of narrow lanes and timeless stores in the soulful Delhi.  Chandni Chowk is a popular market for hawker foods, textiles and authentic local ornaments.

Daryaganj Sunday Book Market – A bustling Sunday book market that provides an assortment of textbooks at relatively cheaper rates. It is a must-visit for the bibliophiles.

Hotels – Best Places to Stay

The Lalit, New Delhi – Comfy and cosy rooms with outstanding facilities.

Hotel Broadway – An affordable accommodation located close to the Red Fort.

History of Red Fort 

Built in 1638 the Red Fort was commissioned by the fifth Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to serve as the political and ceremonial capital of the empire. It stands on the left bank of the Yamuna River to ensure the fort is placed in the most defensive location. Red Fort has seen many ages from the Mughal Empire to British rule up to the Indian freedom struggle and now a democratic India.

Main Attraction/Must-See

  1. Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas – These public and private halls were for the emperor to receive his audience. The best of Mughal architecture and craft is evident here in the carved work and ceilings studded with gold.
  1. Rang Mahal – Floral paintings and a beautiful central pool in the Palace of Colors, which served as a women’s royal residence during the Mughal Era are a must-see.
  1. Mumtaz Mahal Museum – A converted section of the fort turned into a museum which displays artefacts, costumes, and relics of the Mughal Empire.

Travel Tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes as a Red Fort tour involves a lot of walking around.
  • Go as early as possible in the morning to avoid massive crowds.
  • Pay special attention to the evening light and sound show which is quite interesting in terms of the history of the fort.

About Red Fort’s Architecture 

The Red Fort is a splendid example of Mughal architecture, blending Persian, Timurid, and Indian styles. Its massive red sandstone walls stretch over 2 kilometres and rise to 33 meters. The Red Fort from the outside seems massive but you only truly get a glimpse of the true immensity of the structure by going inside. 

There are gorgeous gardens and you can easily get lost here because there’s so much to see after entering. The fort also features stunning structures like the Lahori Gate, the Chatta Chowk (covered market), and the Rang Mahal. The intricate floral designs, marble inlays, and symmetrical gardens exemplify the artistry of the Mughal era.

Conclusion

Red Fort is not just a monument but a symbol of India’s resilience, not just a structure but the story of the nation’s strength and glory. The art on its walls speaks of emperors, invaders, freedom fighters and of course, victory in independence. You can feel the history under your feet, stepping on the site carries history with it. 

History lover, architecture freak or, simply, an explorer who is eager to get a touch closer to the Indian spirit – Red Fort has something for everyone. It is the lasting testimony of how history is created and how the buildings with souls are constructed.