About Red Fort
Red Fort or Lal Quila as it is more popularly known is a
masterpiece of architecture and one of the most haunting
spots for tourists from both India and abroad. This colossal
fort on the banks of the river Yamuna, built by Shahjahan as
the citadel of the 17th Century Delhi is a significant link
between the past and the present, for it is from here that
the prime minister of India addresses the people on the
Independence Day (August 15th).
Mughal Emperor Shahjahan started construction of the Red
Fort in 1638, which was completed in 1648. The fort contains
- halls of public and private audience, domed and arched
marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque and
elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the fort continues
to be an impressive evidence to Mughal grandeur.
The
Architecture
The Red Fort with thick red sandstone walls, bulging with
turrets and bastions is one of the largest and oldest
monument in Delhi India. The Fort rises above a wide dry
moat in the northeast corner of the original city of
Shahjahanabad, now Old Delhi. Its walls extend from 2 kms
and vary in height from 18 m on the river side to 33 m on
the city side.
The Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public
Audiences where the Emperor would sit and hear complaints of
the common folks. The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private
audiences where the Emperor held private meetings. This hall
is made of marble and its centre-piece used to be the
Peacock Throne, which was carried away to Iran by Nadir Shah
in 1739.
The other attractions within this monument are the Royal
Baths or hammams, the Shahi Burj, which used to be
Shahjahan's private working area and the Moti Masjid or the
Pearl Mosque, built by Aurangzeb for his personal use. The
Rang Mahal or the "Palace of Colours" housed the Emperor's
wives and mistresses. This palace was crowned with gilded
turrets, delicately painted and decorated with an intricate
mosaic of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold and
silver that was reflected in a central pool in the marble
floor.
Tourist Information
Visiting Time : The Red Fort is open daily from
Tuesdays to Sundays from sunrise to sunset, between 9.30 am
to 4.30 pm.
Entry Fee : Entry tickets to the fort cost Rs 10 per
person (for Indian nationals) and Rs 150 per person (for
foreign nationals). Entry to the fort is free on Fridays.
Went to Visit : Best time to visit Delhi is between
October and March, when the weather is very pleasant.
Other Attractions Near the Red Fort
Lotus Temple
Shaped like a Lotus, the Lotus Temple also know as the Bahai
Temple is the most wonderful modern marvel of 20th century
India. Open to all, the Lotus Temple is an ideal place for
peace and meditation.
Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar was the first Islamic structure Built in India.
One of the most visited tourist spot of Delhi, Qutub Minar
was built in 1199 by Qutub-ud-Din. . It is 72.5 metres high
and one has to climb 379 steps to get to the top. The
diameter of the base is 14.3 metres while the top floor
measures 2.7 metres in diameter.
India Gate
India Gate is a majestic high arch, 42 meters high, built as
a memorial to the Indian soldiers killed in the World War I.
The surrounding area is an ideal place for spending sometime
with family and friends.
Getting There
Air : The temple is located in New Delhi so reaching
it won't be a problem.
Rail : Delhi has two railheads - New Delhi Railway
Station and Old Delhi Railway Station, both of which is
connected to rest of India by several trains.
Road : Delhi has well defined road and can be reached
from nearby place very easily.
