A Guide to the Ancient Fort in India: One of the Seven Wonders of the World

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The ancient fort of India, known as the “Red Fort”, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. The red-and-white striped palace situated within the fort walls is a prominent symbol of Indian royalty and remains one of the main sights on any tour of Delhi. The Red Fort was commissioned by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan as a secondary home for his new wife after their wedding at the Taj Mahal. It was also built to act as a military base, which would protect the city from any invasion from outside forces. Constructed in 1658, this historic fort has been besieged twice by enemies: In 1803, when it was conquered by British forces under General Claude ARENDAL (who later became governor general) and again in 1857 when local soldiers rebelled against British rule. You can explore more about the Red Fort in this article to understand its history and significance better!

Introduction to the Red Fort

The Red Fort is one of the most famous attractions in Delhi. The old Mughal fort of Delhi, also known as Lal Qila, was built by Emperor Shah Jahan (1628–58) as his principal residence. The fort is one of the most important architectural monuments in the city. It was built by the royal architect and engineer, Hakim Shah. The Red Fort is situated in the middle of the city of Delhi, within the walled city, south of the New Delhi railway station and Connaught Place. The Red Fort is a symbol of Indian Architecture and Culture. The Red Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007. The Red Fort is famous for its architectural grandeur and beauty. It is also known as Lal Qila and ‘the fort of red sandstone’. It is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. The Red Fort is surrounded by a moat and consists of several palaces, lush gardens, a museum and a mosque.

History of the Red Fort

The Red Fort was built in 1639 and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire for nearly 40 years, from 1648 to 1687. It was also the place where the Mughal emperor, Shah Jahan, imprisoned his son and successor, the 10th emperor, for the rest of his life. The Red Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and remains one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. It was built during the great period of the Mughal Empire and served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1648 to 1687. It’s also the place where the Mughal emperor imprisoned his own son for the rest of his life.

Timing and How to Reach The Red Fort

The Red Fort is open to visitors every day of the week from 9 am – 5 pm. The ticket counter will open at 8 am on all days. The ticket price is INR 300 for Indians and INR 500 for foreign tourists. The nearest Metro Station is Chandni Chowk, which is around a 15-minute walk from the Red Fort. The best way to reach the Red Fort is by taking an auto rickshaw or a cab. The nearest bus stop is called “Lal Qila”, which is very close to the Red Fort. The best time to visit the Red Fort is from October to March. It can get very hot in summers, and you may want to avoid visiting during that time of the year.

Things to Do at the Red Fort

Tourists can visit the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, which is an impressive room with a high roof and a wooden balcony. It was from this balcony that the emperor would address his subjects. The Diwan-i-Khaas, or Hall of Private Audience, is another beautiful architectural attraction within the Red Fort. The roof of this hall is in the shape of a crown, and the walls are decorated with beautiful paintings. A visit to the Shash Mahal, or the Palace of the Crown Prince, is also recommended. The Shash Mahal was the residence of the Mughal emperor’s son, who was later imprisoned at the Red Fort for the rest of his life. The Jahangir’s Palace, Rang Mahal, Hammam, and Pir Ghaib are some of the other attractions within the Red Fort. You can also visit the nearby Gurudwara, which is a Sikh temple, or the Hindu temple called the Bhai Veerji temple, both of which are located within walking distance of the Red Fort.

Conclusion

The ancient fort of India is a popular tourist attraction. The red-and-white striped palace situated within the fort walls is a prominent symbol of Indian royalty. The Red Fort is a blend of Mughal and Rajput architecture. Tourists can visit the Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, which is an impressive room with a high roof and a wooden balcony. The Diwan-i-Khaas, or Hall of Private Audience, is another beautiful architectural attraction within the Red Fort. The Shash Mahal, the Palace of the Crown Prince, is another architectural attraction that is recommended for a visit. You can also visit the nearby Gurudwara, which is a Sikh temple, or the Hindu temple called the Bhai Veerji temple, both of which are located within walking distance of the Red Fort.