Red Fort is located in Delhi, India. Other name of this fort is Lal Qila. This was constructed by Shah Jahan, Mughal Emperor. Fort is known for Mughal Architecture. It is situated on the banks of river Yamuna. Construction started in 1638 but completed in 1648. Red Sandstones are used to construct this fort. The Joint court martial of officers of Subhash Chandra Bose’s Indian National Army – colonel Gurubaksh Singh Dhillon, Colonel Prem Sahgal and Major general Shah Nawaz Khan was held at this fort. In 2007, this was declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see in Red Fort:
Moti Masjid: It is located on the west side of the main fort. Other name is Pearl Mosque. In 1659, this was built by Aurangzeb. It has 3 marble domes. Though this is so small it must be visited by the visitors.
Zenana: In the Palace there are many canopies. But Southern canopies are called Zenanas. These two Zenanas are Rang Mahal and Mumtaz Mahal. Rang Mahal is famous for pool built with marble, decorated ceilings. Mumtaz Mahal is now converted into Museum.
Nahr-i-Behist: Behind the throne of Emperor, imperial apartments are located. Row of balconies is located in the apartments. A water channel runs through the middle of the domed structure is known as Nahr-i-Behist.
Diwan-i-Khaas: This is the Hall of Private Audience. It was reserved for the courtiers of the emperor and for meeting with guests of the state. Upper part was decorated with Paintings and lower part is decorated with flower patterned designs. Earlier Legendary Peacock throne was used to sit the emperor in this hall. Now this was taken by Nadir Shah in 1739 to Persia.
Diwan-i-Aam: This is the hall for public Audience. It was used to hear the problems of the citizens. It consists of large railings and gold columns to form a barrier between common folk and the emperor.
Meena Bazaar: Other name of this Bazaar is Chhatta Chowk Bazaar. Chhatta means roof. It is located after entering from Lahori Gate.
Hayat Bakhsh Bagh: This is a large ceremonial garden. It lies between two water channels.
What to see around Red Fort:
Jantar Mantar: This was constructed by Sawai Jai Singh II between 1699 to 1743. This look like gallery of modern art on the first seeing but it is just an observatory. This place is 5kms away from the fort.
India Gate: It was constructed by Edwin Lutyens in the memory of the soldiers who lost their lives in First World War. It is located 6Kms away from the fort.
Rashtrapati Bhawan: Earlier this was used as Viceregal Lodge. In this palace there are 340 rooms. Expenditure for the construction of this palace is 12, 53,000 pound sterling’s. It is located 8Kms away from the fort.
Getting to Red Fort: Red Fort is located in Delhi. Delhi is well connected by connected with Road ways, Railways and Airways. Both Government and private buses are available to reach this place. Delhi is connected with best railways and airways. There are 3 main bus stands in Delhi. They are Anand Vihar Bus terminus, Sarai Kale Khan Bus Terminus and Interstate Bus Terminus. 3 important railway stations are Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway station, Old Delhi Railway station, New Delhi Railways station.
Getting around Red Fort: Areas surrounding the Red Fort can be visited by using taxis, cars and autos.
Best time to visit Red Fort: Throughout the year people can visit this place.
Where to stay in Red Fort: Inside the fort no accommodation is available. In Delhi several hotels are available to stay.
Where to eat in Red Fort: Visitors has to carry food and water. Food is not available inside the Fort. Plenty of restaurants are available at Delhi.