RED FORT Location : Netaji Shubhash Chowk in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi Original Name : Qila-e-Mu'alla Built By : Mughal Emperor Shahjahan Listed In : World Heritage Site

This Exquisite Poetry In Red Sandstone Is Surely Going To Cast A Spell on You

Red Fort, Delhi

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The Red Fort, set amidst the bustling heart of Old Delhi, with its obligatory share of dust and memories, bears the stamp of a place that has seen much grandeur and knows it. After Mughal Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital to the royal quarters of Delhi, this colossal fort sprouted from the heart of his new city, Shahjahanabad. History traces its way back from the dawn of Mughal power in Delhi, to the times when it was known as Qila-e-Mu'alla or the 'Auspicious Fort'. Still today, if you close your eyes and walk the labyrinthine lanes of the Red Fort, you can hear proud footsteps of Arab horses, you can see an emperor rode out on elephant, a display of pomp and power at its most magnificent. Construction of this stately fort began in 1639 and took 9 years and a huge sum of 10 million to create such magic in red sandstone. Today the fort is adorned in a typically Indian demeanour with hoardes of trained guides leaping forth to offer their cordiality as soon as you enter. Despite this, your weary soul will find a haven of peace somewhere in its solitary walls, if you have just left the frantic streets of Old Delhi.

Many Charms In Red & White

Prepare yourself before you step into the erstwhile pages pf power, now translated into a poetry of dreams. You have to enter the fort through the ornate Lahore Gate, looking up with its proud head towards Lahore, now in Pakistan. This humoungous stone gateway still makes the emotional and symbolic heart of independent India. During the nationalist movement, many have dreamt of seeing the national flag flutter on top of the Red Fort. Today on Independence Day each year, the prime minister addresses a huge crowd and adds colours to the satiated dreams of millions. And not only this. It is said that there were 7 prominent gateways that led the visitor to 7 major destinations right from the fort! Walk east, until you lose yourself amidst the empty niches that once glittered with the eternal radiance of precious stones, at the voluminous Diwan-i-Am, or the Hall of Public Audience. It was where the emperor would sit to hear complaints or disputes from his subjects. Ask the local guides and they will tell you interesting stories about how the judgement was conveyed. Rapidly dispensed, about how the convicted was put to death using myriad tricks - poisonous snakes, the stomp of an elephant's foot or beheading!

To the north-east of this ambrosial courtroom, lies the Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience. Built of chaste white marbles the luxurious hall was once the sanctum for private meetings. Oh! What an amazing alcove it is! Look up and you can see exquisite marble 'chhatris' (small domed canopies) adorning the corners of the roof. The centrepiece of the magnificent hall was the splendid Peacock Throne, until Nadir Shah carted it off to Iran in 1739. The solid gold throne had figures of peacocks standing behind it, their beautiful colours resulting from the intricate mesh of inlaid precious stones. Between them - now you will surely gasp for air - was the life-size figure of a parrot carved out of a single emerald. Today you can only see the marble pedestal on which this regal seat used to sit, the rest augmenting the pride of Tehran and London congrously.

Nestling on the vast courtyard built in the heart of the fort, are a couple of attractions that asks for a visit. Don't miss the royal 'hammams' (restrooms) juxtaposed with an ambrosial fountain (that sprinkled rose water) in the centre - one of which was even set up as a sauna! Ask your guide and he will show you those secret passageways that are said to connect Delhi to Agra! Walk across to the rear periphery and you can have a mind-blowing vista of the lush green Delhi, nestling beside the Yamuna river. If lucky, you can also see local acrobats and magicians performing underneath the ramparts.

Shop For Some Mughal Aroma

Diwan-i-Khas Inside Red Fort

As you will enter the fort, you will immediately find yourself wrathed in a vaulted arcade, famous as the Chatta Chowk. The restless shops in this arcade used to sell upmarket artefacts that the royal blood may fancy. These days they cater to the tourist trade and the quality of the goods is certainly a little less, although some still carry a royal price tag. Known as Meena Bazaar in the Mughal era, the market usually entertained women on Thursdays inside the citadel. While walking, you can still figure out the cusped arches of the original shopfronts, roosting above today's shop signs and colourful billboards. The Chatta Chowk arcade leads to the Naubat Khana, or Drum House, where musicians used to play five times a day. Indeed that created a perfect, and royal background music! Walk a few more steps to reach the grassed open courtyard beyond the Naubat Khana, Hathi Pol. This was here that the arrival of princes and royalty were heralded.

The Charm of 'Son - Et - Lumiere' (Light And Sound Show)

Each evening a light-and-sound-show recreates the famous events of Delhi's history. Experience the awakening of medieval India right before your peeled eyes and eager ears! Hear majestic horses neigh, royal elephants roar or emperors deciding the fate of their kingdom while solving an intricate puzzle of blood and blade in an amazing matrix of vibrant yet colourful lights. There are shows in English and Hindi, and the tickets are available from the fort itself.

A Glimpse of The Regal Galleria

Museum inside Red Fort, Delhi

While returning with your Mughal memories, do pay a visit to the curious museum nestling on first floor of the Naubat Khana and housing many interesting medieval artefacts. Believe us, you will be overwhelmed to see such awe-inspiring memorabilia - arms, armours, clothes, dishes, plates, musical instruments, manuscripts, flower vases and even a silver knife gifted by some foreign authority. However, don't miss the poison plate, believed to break with a slight tint of poison! The other section houses (War Memorial) awe-inspring items that traces their way to the reign of independence.

How To Reach The Red Wonder

The Red Fort (Lal Kila) is situated on Netaji Subhash Marg, near Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this monument, which is located in Old Delhi, or they can hire auto-rickshaws and taxis or metro rail. If possible, go for a memorable 'tonga' (horse cart) ride through the bustling Chandni Chowk market, that will make your day.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Red Fort

For It's A Poetry In Red After Mughal Emperor Shahjahan shifted his capital to the royal quarters of Delhi, this colossal fort sprouted from the heart of his new city, Shahjahanabad. Construction of this stately fort began in 1639 and took 9 years and a huge sum of 10 million to create such magic in red sandstone. Another Gateway To India It is said that there were 7 prominent gateways that led the visitor to 7 major destinations right from the fort. Three of them are still evident - Lahore, Delhi and Kashmiri - and you can try walking on these pre-designed paths. The Erstwhile Treasure Trove The Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience, made in chaste white marbles still pulsate with the bygone glory of the Mughals. The centrepiece of the magnificent hall was the splendid Peacock Throne with figures of peacocks standing behind it, their beautiful colours resulting from the intricate mesh of inlaid precious stones including the famous Kohinoor diamond. Shop For A Few Royal Artefacts The famous Chatta Chowk today is known for its wide array of exquisite items that it sells at a royal price. Wander around, bargain and then pick out some impressive items for your loved ones. Light And Sound Show Each evening a light-and-sound-show recreates the famous events of Delhi's history. Experience the awakening of medieval India right before your peeled eyes. There are shows in English and Hindi, and the tickets are available from the fort itself. Your Name Your Email Your Phone no. Your Country Arrival date MM Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec  YYYY 2008 2009 2010 Duration of Visit Days 1-7 Days 7-14 Days 14-21 Days 21-28 Days 28+ Days No. of people Adults 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+  Children 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10+ Please describe your travel requirements: » North India Tour A delightful journey to see the magnificient heritage of Rajasthan along with the pilgrimage places and the myriad hues of the hills and the plains. Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour » Adventure Tour of North India An adventurous ride to the most happening destinations in North India where one can enjoy the sports of trekking and skking. Duration: 17 Days / 16 Nights Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour » Wildlife Tour of North India Experience the wilderness in the various national parks and wildlife sanctuaries of North India. Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights Ask For the Price / Customize This Tour Get More Tours... Himachal Pradesh A land of white and ecstasy, Himachal Pradesh is a sheer delight for every snow lover. Taj Mahal Sheer poetry in stone in an amalgamation with a desire to have one more glance makes Taj, a real Monument of Love. Varanasi - Out of The World The only city in the world that is inhabited for 4000 years, Varanasi, is known for its magnificent Ghats on river Ganges. Jaipur The Pink City of India enchants everyone with its intrinsic blue pottery and royal ambience that still floats in the air. Thar Desert Gift your holidays the golden colour of Thar Desert by indulging into myriad adventure activities on the shifting sands.

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