Red Fort Delhi Visit

The Red Fort Delhi

I was fortunate to have visited the Red Fort during the winter months as I couldn't imagine walking around this massive structure in 50 degree heat.  The temperature on the day I visited was approximately 26 degrees and skies were beautiful, clear and sunny.  The Fort itself is really easy to get to if you want to travel independently (as I did) however, if you want a guide they are also plentiful.  My recommendation is, if you want a guide, to get one who won't take you to shops and restaurants that he gets paid for.  If you want to go to craft shops then do so but only if it's what you want as the taxi drivers get paid to take you to certain shops and restaurants.

The Red sandstone walls of the massive Red Fort (Lal Qila) rise 33-m above the clamour of Old Delhi as a reminder of the magnificent power and pomp of the Mughal emperors. The walls, built in 1638, were designed to keep out invaders, now they mainly keep out the noise and confusion of the city.

The main gate, Lahore Gate, is one of the emotional and symbolic focal points of the modern Indian nation and attracts a major crowd on each Independence Day.

The vaulted arcade of Chatta Chowk, a bazaar selling tourist trinkets, leads into the huge fort compound. Inside is a veritable treasure trove of buildings, including the Drum House, the Hall of Public Audiences, the white marble Hall of Private Audiences, the Pearl Mosque, Royal Baths and Palace of Colour.  An evening sound and light show re-creates events in India's history connected with the fort.

This is well worth spending some time at because the mood of the fort changes at different time of day.  In the morning it tends to be busy and bustling but by late afternoon the large courtyards are peaceful and calm.  People sit around eating and drinking relaxing in the late afternoon sun.  The evening light and sound show is very impress and changes the mood again of the building.

The pictures here are only a small selection as I don't want to clutter the post but there is plenty to see.  There isnt much to do except walk and take pictures but the layout is fairly user friendly.

The pricing again, in common with all major attractions in Delhi, is 250 rupees for foreigners and 10 rupees for Indians.