The Red Fort, which is also known as the Lal Qila, was constructed by one of the most famous Mughal emperors, Shah Jahan. Built on the banks of river Yamuna, the fortress-palace was designed by architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri. It took 8 years and 10 months to build the magnificent fort. The fort served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors from 1648 to 1857. It took over the honor of royal residence from the famous Agra Fort when Shah Jahan decided to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi. The Red Fort derives its name from the red-sandstone walls, which make the fort almost impregnable. The fort, which is located at Old Delhi.
The Red Fort was built by the legendary architect Ustad Ahmad Lahauri, who is believed to have built the world famous Taj Mahal. The fort is considered a creative structure and as the pinnacle of Mughal inventiveness. Red Fort has many structures that serve as fine examples of Islamic architectural style and Mughal architecture, which fuses the architectural styles of the Timurids and the Persians. The Red Fort is known for its gardens (most of which were destroyed by the British) and a water channel called the Stream of Paradise. This water channel connects many pavilions, an architectural style owned by the Mughals. This kind of architecture went on to inspire the construction of many edifices and gardens in the post-independence era. The fort was also embellished with floral decorations and precious ornaments. It is said that the Kohinoor diamond was part of the decoration that made the interiors look ostentatious.
By Metro - board from any DMRC station and reach Red Fort station and then follow rail map to reach the minar; by DTC buses; by Hop On Hop Off Sightseeing Bus Service offered by Delhi Tourism.
The Red Fort is open for visitors from sunrise to sunset, or from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Indian citizens – Rs. 50/- and for foreign nationals: Rs. 250. Entry is free for children up to 15 years of age.
October to March is the best time to visit New Delhi. Summers are very hot here in Delhi and should be avoided as much as possible as the temperature might rise upto 45 degree Celsius. Temperatures fall a little during the monsoons, but rains might hamper your sightseeing plans.
