Red Fort / Lal Quila Delhi : Timings, Ticket Price, Location, History, Photos (2024)

Towering proudly amongst the humming streets of old Delhi, Red Fort Delhi has stood the testament of time as the most glorious evidence of Delhi’s history. 

With its intricate Mughal architecture, this magnificent fortress offers its visitors a captivating journey through time. 

Originally known as Qila-e-Mubarak, this historic fort is made with distinctive red sandstone, thus giving it the name Lal Qila and making it one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Delhi. 

This article will take you through a glistening journey into the Mughal history of Old Delhi and sum up everything about the Fort, from its timings to tickets, location, and more. 

Red Fort Delhi: A Brief Overview 

Shah Jahan, the fifth Mughal Emperor of India, ordered the construction of the Red Fort complex as the palace fort for his new capital city — Shahjahanabad.  

Ustad Ahmad Lahori, the genius mind behind the Taj Mahal, is believed to have been the principal architect and designer of Lal Quila. 

Built with a unique combination of red sandstone and pure white marble, the infrastructure contracts and complements well with the luxurious gardens. 

Although there are quite great examples of Mughal architecture in Delhi, like Qutub Minar, Lodhi Garden, Sunder Nursery, etc., the aesthetics of the fort remind us of a high point in Mughal creativity. 

The towering walls, the carefully crafted ramparts, and the fortified getaways explain that the building was designed to repel attacks. 

But that doesn’t mean that the luxury of the palace was sacrificed; the architecture of the Fort is one of the more delicate and equipped with unimaginable luxuries.   

Architecture of Red Fort 

Generally, most people might have seen the outside of the fort, but the inside is what makes it one of the most gorgeous and fun places in Delhi. 

The original architecture of the fort represented a fusion of traditional architectural designs of Islam, Persian, Timurid, and Hindu. 

The unique garden design of the fort has inspired many buildings and gardens in Delhi, Rajasthan, and Agra. 

The structure had gone through various retouching and rebuilding after wars and demolitions and has also been used by the British military.  

The fort even once acted as a housing facility for Indian Army personnel until 2003 when it was later converted into a cultural complex with four museums. 

Here are some basic information about the Red Fort ~ 

Built In	Started — 1638; Completed — 1648
Build By	Shah Jahan
Architect	Ustad Ahmad Lahori
Red Fort Area	256 acres
Nearest Metro Station	Chandni Chowk Metro Station

Red Fort Timings 

The Fort caters to its visitors 6 days a week and the timings will remain the same whether you’re visiting on weekdays or weekends.  

Here are the Fort timings ~ 

Days	Red Fort opening time	Red Fort Closing Time
Monday	Closed	Closed
Tuesday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM
Wednesday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM
Thursday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM
Friday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM
Saturday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM
Sunday	9:30 AM	4:30 PM

The Fort closing time is 4:30 pm, but that’s not the end. Here comes one of the most fun and important parts of this sneak peek into history—the  Light and Sound Show.  

The timings of Red Fort light and sound show are different throughout the year because of the seasonal changes; here are full details ~ 

Months	Timings of Hindi show	Timings of English show
May to August	7:30 PM to 8:30 PM	9:00 PM to 10:00 PM
September to October	7:00 PM to 8:00 PM	8:30 PM to 9:30 PM
November to January	6:00 PM to 7:00 PM	7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
February to April	7:00 PM to 8:00 PM	8:30 PM to 9:30 PM

Red Fort Ticket Price

The Fort is not free to visit, you’ll have to pay a small amount to enter the fort. Here are Red Fort ticket prices ~

Category	Prices
Indians	₹35
Foreign Tourists	₹500
Video Camera	₹25
Red Fort and Museum (Indian)	₹56
Red Fort and Museum (Foreigner)	₹870

Red Fort light and sound show ticket price ~ 

Light & Sound Show (Adults) — Weekends	₹80
Light & Sound Show (Children) — Weekends	₹30
Light and Sound Show (Adult) — Weekdays	₹60
Light and Sound Show (Children) — Weekdays	₹20

You can buy your Lal Qila tickets here ~

Red Fort tickets

Main Attractions at Delhi Lal Qila 

You’ll have to spend an entire day at the Ref Fort if you want to explore the whole premises. Here are some main attractions at Delhi Lal Qila that you shouldn’t miss.

Lahore Gate is the main entrance to the fort, situated on the western wall. It received its name because the gate leads to the city of Lahore. There are three stories in the gate and each has great detailing and cusped arched panels. 

Delhi Gate is another entrance to the Fort and is located on the southern wall. The gate is constructed with a 10.5-meter-high barbarian. Delhi Gate looks very similar to Lahore Gate, decorated with cusped arches and 7 miniature chhatris. 

Khas Mahal has been the royal shelter for the Mughal emperor throughout the era of Mughal India. Khas Mahal is primarily divided into three parts — the sleeping chamber, (khwabgah), the Chamber of Telling Beads (Viz-tasbih-khana), and the wardrobe (tosha-khana) or sitting room (baithak).

The entire structure is constructed with white marble and carved with several significant symbols and beautiful flowers in vibrant colors.  

As the name suggests, Mumtaz Mahal was dedicated to Shah Jahan’s wife, Mumtaz. The building is constructed with white marble in the lower half and consists of six apartments divided by arched piers painted with floral decorations on the interior. 

Moti Masjid is a 17th-century mosque that was built by Aurangzeb. The Moti Masjid was damaged during the siege of Delhi and later restored by the British, but for now it is inactive. 

This is a Turkish bath in Lal Qila that served as a bathing area for the Mughal emperors. This marble building consists of three apartments separated by corridors. The royal children reportedly used the two rooms on either side of the present entrances.

Also known as the Palace of Colors, originally served as a residence for the female members of the royal family. A part of this building is also known as Shish Mahal due to the decoration of small pieces of mirrors in the ceiling. 

Also known as Naqqar Khana, is the drum house and also an entrance between the outer and inner court. It currently houses the Indian War Memorial Museum in the first and second stories. 

Also known as the Hall of Private Audiences, was a chamber where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan received courtiers and state guests. It was this building where the Peacock throne resides. 

Diwan-i-Aam or the ‘The Hall of Public Audience’, is where the Emperor addressed the public and their problems. 

Delhi Lal Qila: Dos and Don’ts 

The Fort is not just the pride of Delhi but a national heritage of India, so as visitors, we must know about the things that we should and shouldn’t do inside the premises. 

Here are some dos and don’ts when visiting the Fort ~ 

Must-Try Foods at Lal Qila Delhi

Here are some famous restaurants and dishes that you must try when you visit the fort (Lal Quila). 

Address — Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, New Delhi

Price — ₹260/495

Address — 8, Jama Masjid Matia Mahal Road, Opp Gate 1, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, New Delhi. 

Prices — ₹230/430

Address — Address: 540, Bazaar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, New Delhi

Prices — ₹160

Address — 654-666, Church Mission Road, Fatehpuri, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Prices — ₹500 (1 kg)

Red Fort Photos  

Here are some breathtaking photos of the Fort to give you a glimpse into the rich Mughal history and architecture ~ 

If you want to take a look at the Red’s interior in detail here is a short YouTube video by Anirudh Singh. 

Rules and Regulations at The Fort

Red Fort Delhi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of India’s most iconic historical landmarks has specific rules and regulations in place to ensure the preservation of its cultural heritage and the safety of visitors. 

Here are some of the typical rules and regulations you might encounter ~

1. The Fort has specific entry times for visitors, which change according to the seasons and months. So make sure to check the timing before you visit. 

2. It is advised to purchase the ticket online beforehand to avoid standing in the long queue. 

3. There are specific entry points to the Fort so make sure you follow that.

4.  Upon entry, visitors are typically subjected to security checks, including bag checks and metal detectors, so comply with the checks 

5. Avoid carrying prohibited items such as weapons, sharp objects, or inflammable substances. 

6. For people who wish to explore Fort and gain knowledge about the past, guided tours are available with knowledgeable guides. 

7. While photography is generally allowed within the Red Fort premises, there may be restrictions on certain areas or structures. Flash photography or the use of tripods may also be prohibited in some areas.

8. Visitors are expected to behave respectfully towards the monument, its staff, and other visitors.

9. Loud noises, disruptive behavior, or any actions that could damage the monument are strictly prohibited.

10. Certain activities, such as smoking, littering, defacing or climbing on structures, flying drones, etc are prohibited. 

Best Time to Visit Delhi Lal Qila 

The best time to visit the Lal Quila Delhi depends on your preferences regarding weather conditions and crowd levels. Here are some considerations for choosing the optimal time ~

1. Weather — Delhi is one of the best places to visit in September since it’ll neither be too hot nor too cold making it more comfortable to walk outdoors. 

2. Evenings — I’ll recommend you visit in the evening when the sun is not right overhead and the temperature is a bit cooler. You can also witness the Red Fort Light and Sound show after the fort closes. The timings for the show may differ. 

3. Crowd Levels — The Fort is a popular tourist attraction, especially during weekends, public holidays, and festive seasons such as Independence Day (August 15th) when special events are held at the fort. To avoid large crowds and long queues, consider visiting on weekdays or during non-peak hours.

4. Special Events — Keep an eye out for special events or cultural performances that may be scheduled at the Fort during certain times of the year, such as Independence Day and Republic Day when the CM and the PM of the country hoist the National Flag of India on the fort. 

How to Reach Red Fort in Delhi 

The Fort is situated on the bank of the Yamuna River in present-day Old Delhi. It is easily accessible through public transport.

By Bus — The following transit lines have routes that pass near Red Fort (Lal Qila) ~

118EXT, 246CL, 274, 405A, 502, 729, 753

By Metro — The nearest metro station to Red Fort is Lal Quila station on the Violet Line of Delhi metro map. The station is about 250 meters away from the fort and will take about 4 minutes to reach by foot. You can also take a rickshaw from the metro station, which might take a bit longer since the route stays busy all the time. 

Nearby Famous Places 

Here are some famous places near the Red Fort Delhi that you should not miss while visiting Delhi ~ 

1. Jama Masjid (600 meters)
2. Chandni Chowk (1.4 km)
3. Chawri Bazaar (2 km)
4. Raj Ghat (2.1 km)
5. Indra Gandhi Arena (3.3 km)
6. Museum of Illusions (4 km)
7. National Science Centre (5.3 km)
8. India Gate (6.4 km)
9. Birla Mandir (6.7 km)

Conclusion 

Red Fort is not just a treasured historical monument in Delhi, it was the residence of the royal family and now stands as a living example of the luxury that existed in the old times. 

Let me warn you, you’ll have to walk A LOT inside the Fort since it’s super huge! Every building is separated by at least a 200-meter walkway. 

So dress up, wear those shoes you’ve been saving for your morning walks, and depart on an adventurous journey through the historical pockets of Old Delhi.