Delhi - Red Fort - Helpful Travel Information

Red Fort also called Lal Qila in Delhi is a large and historic fort complex and is a major tourist attraction in the Delhi area.

In 1638 Shahjahan transferred his capital from Agra to Delhi and made the Red Fort his residence.

This 17th-century fort is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city.

Lal Qila or the Red Fort is a world heritage site in Delhi.

Red fort is located in Central Delhi near the old part of the city known as Old Delhi by the Chandni Chowk area. 

After you purchase your tickets you will enter The Lahore Gate which is the main entrance of the Red Fort.

The Prime Minister of India delivers a speech on Indian Independence Day every year here.  

Once through the gates, you will enter a complex of buildings.

Some notable buildings at Red Fort include:

The Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audiences. This hall was once decorated with stuccowork and had golden columns.

A huge railing separated the Emperor and the common people who would visit him in this hall.  

Here the Emperor would sit on the throne with a canopy and listen to the complaints, issues, requests, and/ or suggestions of his people

The Diwan-i-Khas, the Hall of Private Audience was the hall that confidential meetings with ministers or guests to the state were held by the Emperor.

The rectangular chamber of the halls has intricately carved décor and once elaborately decorated. 

Nahr-i-Behisht are the private apartments that are found at the back of the throne.

These apartments are set up on an elevated level, overlooking the Yamuna River, on the east side of the fort.

Zenana, in the Mughal period, was used as the women’s quarters.

The two quarters are found toward the extreme south of the pavilion.

One is the Mumtaz Mahal, which is now used as a museum, and the other the Rang Mahal. 

Moti Masjid, the Pearl Mosque.

Built-in 1659, it served as the exclusive mosque of Mughal Emperor, Aurangzeb at the Red Fort.

This Red Fort mosque is made of pure white marble and has three domes.

The screen of the mosque has three arches that lead to the courtyard.

Along with structures, there were many gardens in the fort.

The Hayat Bakhsh Bagh or the “Life-Bestowing Garden” was designed around the Red Fort.

Tanks, fountains, tunnels, pavilions, and all other structures that complemented the garden were designed here as well.

Flowering plants and trees of different colors and species were planted here.  

After sunset, the gardens take on a different look as they were brightly lit-up.

Another small garden, Mehtab Bagh or the Moonlight Garden can also be found inside the Red Fort.

Private Old and New Delhi Full-Day Tour including Red Fort - with Hotel Pick-up