Red Fort in Delhi

Built by the then Mughal emperor Shah Jahan, Red Fort, popularly called Lal Quila, reflects the true grandeur of the Mughal court. Built more than 350 years ago, the imposing fort will simply overwhelm you with its size. The magnitude of construction can well be imagined when you take into account the simple statistics that the walls of the fort is 2 km long. The height of the wall though, varies. Red Fort has everything that is reminiscent of the pomp and power of the Mughal empire at its prime. There are halls for private and public audience, marbled palaces and beautiful private apartments. There is also a mosque and a fascinatingly designed garden.

Hotel reservation in Delhi is available near the iconic Red Fort. Stay in one such Delhi hotel and visit the historic fort that has now become a symbol of Indian sovereignty. You will have to enter into the complex of the fort through the Lahori Gate. The place has now a very busy bazaar called the "Meena Bazaar". If you want to take back to your home something that is really special, this is the place where you will find the very best in terms of antiques, miniature paintings and exquisitely crafted ivory artifacts. At the heart of the fort you will find a place called Naubat Khana or in other words the drum house. It is here that the musicians used to perform before a royal audience. The beauty of this Mughal fort lies in the fact that it has survived barbaric attacks from Nadir Shah and even the British while they were intent in colonial expansion.

There is also two very beautiful halls inside the Red Fort. In the "Diwan - i - Am", the emperor attended public hearing where the common people came to voice their grievances and submit petition. The "Diwan - i - Khas" is the private meeting place of the emperor. This hall was so beautiful that the court poet Amir Khusro eulogized it in his poem. The lotus shaped fountain that you will see at the front of Rang Mahal is made of a single stone.

Red Fort is at the same time simple and magnificent. The moment you step in the gate and inside the fort, the busy modern world of din and bustle fades away slowly like a bad dream. You will experience history coming alive as you walk down the courtyards and meandering corridors.