Red Fort: Visiting A Mughal Period Architectural Marvel In Delhi

A frontal picture of a fort in Delhi with Indian Flag hoisting on the top and tourists admiring the views

The Red Fort located in Delhi, also known as Lal Oila, is a Mughal Fort that historically served as the main residence for the Mughal emperors. This fort represents Mughal architecture under Shah Jahan’s rule and also Persian-style architecture. This fort is also known as the Czerwony fort in Posh. It was also known as a rees fort or rites fort, which means blessed fort, or an architectural structure made with red sandstone walls. It is the largest monument in Delhi and one of the most popular destinations, with thousands of visitors every year. This place holds great significance on India’s independence day.

Red Fort Location

A picture of the interiors of the Red Fory with a dome with visible intricate Mughal architecture

Photo: Syed Sajidul Islam / Wikimedia Commons

Red Fort is located in New Delhi in the Netaji Subhash Marg, in the Chandni Chowk area. It is located near various central markets and it is observed to have busy streets.

How To Reach Red Fort

A frontal view of the New Delhi Railway Station that located near the Red Fort for travellers' commute

Photo: Anchor Text

The Red Fort is located in the central area, which makes it easier to plan a visit.

By Air: Indira Gandhi International Airport is 13 km away from the fort.

By Rail: There are many major railway stations in Delhi, where the New Delhi Railway Station is 16 km away from the fort.

By Road: There are many major national highways and other routes, with many buses and taxis available.

Places To Visit In And Around Red Fort

Here are a few places to explore near Red Fort to get to know more about the history and culture of the city.

1. Jama Masjid

A picture of a famous mosque in Delhi located near the Red Fort with a bunch of pigeons in the frame

Photo: Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Jama Masjid, located in Delhi, is one of the largest mosques in India. The Jama Masjid was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1644 and 1656. This mosque is located right across the Red Fort and surrounded by Chandni Chowk and various other commercial centres. It is made up of red sandstone and white marble, which resemble the architectural designs of the Jama Masjid in Agra. This mosque has three sandstone gates, a courtyard, a prayer hall that is 61 m long and minarets. The mosque is one of the last monuments built under the instructions of Shah Jahan.

Location: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Distance From Red Fort: 1.1 km
Timings: 7 AM – 12 PM and 1:30 AM – 6:30 PM

2. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir

A picture of a temple in Delhi taken from a distance with a tree obstructing the view

Photo: Art Poskanzer / Wikimedia Commons

Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir, also known as Jain Lal Mandir, is the oldest Jain temple in Delhi and is located opposite the Red Fort and Chandni Chowk. This temple was built in 1526. It is now made of red stones and is also known as the red temple. Inside the complex, the most important temple is Lord Mahavira, who was the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. There are also statues of Lord Adinath, who was the first Tirthankara of Jainism, installed here. This place is known to be very peaceful for tourists and very popular among the people who follow Jainism.

Location: Shri Digambar Jain Atishay Kshetra Lal Mandir, Netaji Subhash Marg, Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Distance From Red Fort: 280 m
Timings: 5:30 AM – 11:30 AM and 6 PM – 9:30 PM

3. Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib

A picture of a Gurudwara in Delhi taken from outside with vehicles parked nearby

Photo:Pinakpani / Wikimedia Commons

Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib is located in Delhi and is one of the 9th historic Gurudwaras, which was built in 1783 by Baghel Singh. This place was constructed as a small Gurudwara and was later expanded after the partition. The 9th Guru, Tegh Bahadur, was beheaded on 24th November 1675, on the orders of the Mughal emperor. This Gurudwara is built on his memorial.

Location: Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, M64M+92V, Chandni Chowk Rd, Maliwara, Chatta Pratap, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Distance From Red Fort: 1.3 km
Timings: 12 PM – 11:30 PM

4. The Museum Of Illusions

A picture of a man creating illusions by making it look like he's sitting upside down

Photo: APK / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Museum of Illusions, located in New Delhi, Connaught Place, India’s first optical illusion museum. It is a fun place to challenge the sensors and explore various exhibitions based on hologram rotating cylinder rooms, no gravity rooms with mirrors and many more. In the museum, which creates 3D illusions of all kinds and disappears. It contains many hidden objects that appear in 3D and are viewed from a certain angle. This museum aims to stimulate cognitive function by teaching puzzles, mathematics, building blocks, impossible knots and many more.

Location: Museum of Illusions, A Block, A 30-33 1st Floor, Rajiv Chowk, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 11000
Distance From Red Fort: 6.4 km
Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM

5. Chandni Chowk

An aerial picture of the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk jam-packed with vehicles and pedestrains

Photo: Juan Antonio Segal / Wikimedia Commons

Chandni Chowk, located in Delhi, is one of the oldest markets with a chaotic wholesale line of various items. This place is actually an important historical site that is available for various kinds and was constructed by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century. This place is right opposite the Red Fort, with narrow streets and shops adjusting for space. This is a wholesale market where buyers can get huge discounts on various items. Street foods and Indian snacks are available.

Location: Chandni Chowk Market, Sis Ganj Guru Dwara, Chhippy Wada, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Distance From Red Fort: 1.5 km
Timings: 9:30 AM – 8 PM

Where To Stay

A picture of a hotel in Delhi taken from across the street with vehicles standing in the parking area

Photo: Chrisi1964 / Wikimedia Commons

There are many hotels near Red Fort, Delhi, that are within walking distance and have many facilities like parking areas, AC rooms, restaurants, and many more. The hotel starts at a price range of 1000 rupees. There are many hotels, like the Yuvraj Deluxe Hotel, the Lava Kusa Deluxe, the Paharganj Hotel, the Ratnadeep Hotel, the Sapphire House Hotel, the Oak Plaza, Maidens Hotel, the Hotel Blue Pearl, the Pallavi Hotel, City Empire and many more.

Where To Eat

 A picture of a cafe in Delhi taken from outside with people enjoying their meals inside

Photo: leesean / Wikimedia Commons

There are places to eat near Red Fort with outdoor seating, vegan dishes and various other options. There are many restaurants, like Chand Hotel, Punjabi Janta Dhaba, Cafe Delhi Heights, Sohan Chicken Restaurant, Qureshi Kabab, Shiv Misthan Bandar, Cafe Delhi Heights and many more.

Best Time To Visit

A sideways picture of the Red Fort in Delhi showing its huge red wall

Photo: Anupamg / Wikimedia Commons

The best time to visit the Red Fort is between the months of October to March in Delhi, because that is the best form of season where Delhi is found for visiting and travelling to many places. The Red Fort is open from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM on all days except Mondays. It is also advised to visit the fort during the early mornings to have an amazing and peaceful time to explore the area and enjoy the surroundings.

Other Factors To Consider

 A picture of a smaller monument inside the Red Fort with a walkway leading towards it

Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons

Here are a few things to consider before planning your trip to Red Fort.

Average Cost Of The Trip: Entry fee to the Red Fort is Rs. 35 for Indians, Rs. 500 for foreigners, Rs. 25 for camera, Rs. 56 for fort and museum for Indians and Rs. 870 for foreigners. There are also light and sound shows, which cost Rs. 80 for adults and Rs. 30 for children.

Tips For Travellers:

  • Red Fort is open from 9:30 AM every day except on Monday, so it is recommended to reach the place as early as possible to avoid the crowd and have ample time to explore every corner of the monument.
  • If travellers are visiting the Red Fort during the summer, it is recommended to take a water bottle, umbrella and hand fan with them because the summer in Delhi is unbearable, even at the beginning of the day.
  • To have a better understanding of the architecture and explanations of the Red Fort, even though there are many sufficient markings and signs, there are guides who register with the government to help tourists understand in a better way.

The Red Fort is a well-known landmark in Delhi, located across from Chandni Chowk, the city’s busiest market. The fort is famous for its architecture and history, and there are numerous places nearby to visit, eat delicious food, and find lodging. In addition to visiting the Red Fort, there are numerous adventurous activities to try in Delhi to make your trip unforgettable. For more information on the Red Fort and other places in Delhi, visit TripXL.

Cover Photo: PerSona77 / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Red Fort is between October to February, especially during the morning to avoid crowds. During these months, the climate in Delhi is known to be best for exploring many other places as well.
It takes nearly 2 hours to explore every nook and corner of the Red Fort. It is usually recommended to visit early in the morning to have a hassle-free tour around the fort.
Red Fort is located in Delhi, opposite Chandni Chowk of Netaji Subhash Marg, Lal Quila. It is located in the central and most famous areas of Delhi.
There are many places like Chandni Chowk Jama Masjid India Gate Qutub Minar, Lotus Temple, the Museum of Illusions, Sri Digambara Lal Mandir, and many more.
The climate of Delhi is a monsoon-influenced humid subtropical climate with a huge variation between the summer and winter seasons' temperatures.

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