Exploring the Magnificence of the Red Fort: A Symbol of India's Heritage

Red Fort, also known as the Lal Qila, is a historic Mughal fort in Delhi, India, which served as the major residence of the Mughal emperors. Famous Mughal ruler Shah Jahan commissioned the construction of the Red Fort on 12 May 1639. Following his decision to relocate the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. Originally, it was adorned in red and white, and the red fort design is attributed to Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who is also the architect behind the Taj Mahal. The Red Fort represents the height of Mughal architecture during Shah Jahan’s reign, blending the Persian palace influences with Indigenous Indian architectural traditions. 

Architecture of Red Fort

The World Heritage Convention describes the Red Fort as embodying “the zenith of Mughal creativity.” This fort synthesizes Islamic palace structure with local traditions, resulting in a confluence of “Timurid, Persian, and Hindu architecture.” The fort showcases a high level of ornamentation, and the Kohinoor diamond was also reportedly part of the furnishings. The artwork of the Red Fort integrates Persian, European, and Indian artistic traditions, culminating in a distinctive Shahjahani style which is characterized by its richness in form, expression, and color. It is one of India’s significant architectural complexes, having a rich history and diverse artistic traditions. The major structures of the Red Fort include its walls and ramparts, the main gates, the audience halls, and the imperial apartments found along the eastern riverbank. 

Some facts about Red Fort

There are also some interesting facts you must know about as you will love knowing them. So you can read the following facts which will help you to know more about the Red Fort:

• When the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the fort in 1648, it was first white and built with sandstones. Then, not only the name but also the color of the fort was changed to red. The fort was originally made of limestone. When the white stone started chipping off, the British had to paint it red. 
• It was first originally known as the “Qila-e-Mubarak” then this name was simplified to “The Blessed Fort”. 
• Many people do not know that the Kohinoor diamond was actually a part of the royal throne of Shah Jahan, which is located in the Diman-i-khas. After years, the priceless stone was then robbed by the Nadir Shah (‘Persian Napolean’). 
• The Red Fort was also listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2007 for its historical and cultural importance. 
• After having acquired the Red Fort, the British went on a destroying spree. They continued to demolish the several parts of the fort. Most of the valuables were sold, and nothing remained in the massive and splendid fort that was once the residence of the Mughal emperor. 

Red Fort Timings 

Yes, there are some times for Red Fort, and you must know the timing to get to know when you must visit the place so that you do not have to face any inconvenience regarding the timings. So, the Red Fort times are 09:30 AM to 04:30 PM, and it remains open six days a week, i.e. Tuesday-Sunday, and on Mondays, it remains closed. The Red Fort is open from sunrise to sunset, and the average visit time is 60-90 minutes. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is recommended to avoid the crowds and noise. 

What are Red Fort's modes of transport?

After determining the time, you must now know about the various modes of transport through which you can visit Red Fort. All the available transport methods are mentioned below, so you can read about all of them and then choose one according to your preference:

Metro train: To reach the Red Fort in Delhi by metro, you can get off at the Lal Qila station on the Violet line of the Delhi Metro, which is the nearest metro station. In addition, the Chandni Chowk metro station is also near the Red Fort, so you can also go there by this metro station. 

Auto Rickshaw: There is also this option of going via the Auto Rikshaw, which is present there. Yes, several auto rikshaws are also available there that you can take and can reach Red Fort. 

Bus: Bus services are also available to get to the Red Fort. So, you can also choose this option to visit Red Fort accordingly. This is also the cheaper way to reach the Red Fort and can be an amazing experience there. 

Cab taxis: Yes, they are also available, and you can book cab taxis via applications like Uber and Ola. This is the best option if you want private transport. 

What are the ticket prices for Red Fort?

This is also very important to know that you also have to buy the ticket for entry to Red Fort. Yes, the ticket is also needed there. The prices for the tickets are different depending on the ticket type, mode of payment, and more. So read the information regarding the prices for the same, which are as follows:

• The entry fee for the (Indian, SAARC, BIMSTEC) is Rs. 50 if you pay via cash and Rs. 35 for cashless/Debit/Credit Card.
• The entry fee (Indian, SAARC, BIMSTEC) Red & Museum) Red Fort & Museum costs around Rs 80 if you are paying cash, and if you are going cashless, then you will have to pay Rs.56. 
• The entry fee for foreigners and only for Red Fort is Rs. 600 via cash. On the other hand, if paying online, you have to pay Rs 550.
• For the foreigner's entry fee to the RedFort and Museum, you will have to pay Rs. 950 if you pay via cash. On the other hand, if you pay via the online method, you will have to pay Rs. 870.

What things you can do in Red Fort?

You can do many things if you are visiting Red Fort in Delhi so that you do not run out of ideas about what you should do there. Here is the information regarding the various things that you can do in Red Fort, which are as follows:

Explore the architecture: The Red Fort is a monument made of red sandstone with intricate carvings and a rich history.

Attend the light and sound show: The light and sound show comes alive at sunset with a show about India’s past. So you can visit and have an amazing time there in Red Fort, and it is also the best place to hang out at night. 

Walk through the gardens: Yes, there are also well-kept gardens here, which are a good place for nature lovers. Visitors can relax in the garden of the Red Fort. 

Take Photos: you can also take photos of this remarkable place. So take your phone there and have a memorable time and keep it by capturing on your camera. 

Visit the museum: This is one of the best parts of Red Fort which is present is the Red Fort Archeological Museum it is a place to learn more about India’s past. So you must also visit the museum if you are going to Red Fort. 

Can we visit Red Fort at night?

Yes, you can visit the Red Fort in New Delhi at night. The Archeological Survey of India illuminates the Red Fort and hosts a light and sound show daily after 6 PM. The show is about the Mughal era and is also inexpensive. Some say that the Red Fort is even more beautiful at night with the lights. The Red Fort is a nice place to hang out with family and friends in the evenings. 

Is mobile allowed in Red Fort?

Yes, you can carry a mobile phone in Red Fort, but you cannot take photos inside the museum. So you can carry your phone and then click pictures there to have a great memory. 

What things are not allowed in Red Fort?

A few things are not allowed to be carried in Red Fort, including large bags, backpacks, and suitcases are not permitted. Weapons and firearms are not allowed; explosive materials, drugs, and narcotics, alcohol, cigarettes, bidis, cameras, binoculars, handycam, radios, digital diaries, ipads, iPods, mobile charges are not permitted. Other than this, there are matchboxes, lighters, toy guns, and other flammable objects are not allowed in Red Fort. So, you must carry things accordingly as per the rules and restrictions to avoid any inconvenience for the entry and more. 

Can we take food inside Red Fort?

Yes, you can bring food inside the Red Fort in Delhi, India, but there are also some other food options present inside. You should also bring a packed lunch or eat before visiting. So yes, you can bring food and small bags inside. Yes, multiple cafeteria options are also provided inside. You must also bring a water bottle and snacks and then you can enjoy the inside and can make your visit memorable.