If you are lucky enough to live in the capital city of India, I would advise you not to take the rich heritage of this beautiful city for granted. With seven iterations before its present avatar, Delhi has a fascinating history. Its most modern version – New Delhi – therefore has much to offer culture afficionados, history buffs, tourists, and people interested in learning about interesting things. At the very heart of Delhi is the iconic monument called the Red Fort. As the chosen location for the Prime Minister’s national address every Independence Day, and where the famous annual Ram Leela performance takes place, this place needs no introduction. However, many people don’t know about its other fascinating offerings. In recent years, after a major revamp of the grounds, the place has become a top-class tourist site, at par with the world’s most visited heritage spots. In fact, it also bears a UNESCO World Heritage Site badge itself. So, when you do plan a visit here, save this post because these are the top 5 things to do in the Red Fort Delhi.
TOP 5 THINGS TO DO IN THE RED FORT DELHI:
- TAKE A GUIDED TOUR
To really delve into the history of any place, a guided tour by an expert is often the best way to go. I visited one of the museums at the Red Fort Delhi a couple of years ago and had already learnt a lot about this monument during that visit. For my most recent visit with Mister Tikku, we had another guide with us who offered more information. We learnt about the construction of the original structure, the barracks which were added later by the British Army and then used by the Indian army till about twenty years ago, and the area’s recent conversion to a recreation space. The former barracks now house museums with information on the architecture of the fort, India’s struggle for independence and other important aspects of Indian history.
If you are not one for a guided tour, you can instead visit the popular Sound and Light Show that narrates the history of this monument and its construction by the Mughals. A unique and entertaining way to learn about the Red Fort Delhi for sure!
Timings for Sound and Light Show:
May-August: 7:30-8:30 PM in Hindi / 9:00-10:00 PM in English
September-October & February-April: 7:00-8:00 PM in Hindi / 8:30-9:30 PM in English
November-January: 6:00-7:00 PM in Hindi / 7:30-8:30 PM in English
Ticket Price: Rs 60 per adult / Rs 20 per child weekdays
Rs 80 per adult / Rs 30 per child weekends
- SHOP AT THE PICTURESQUE CHATTA BAZAAR
When the Mughals built forts, they did so keeping in mind that these structures would need to function as self-sufficient units. Since their women were in seclusion or purdah, arrangements were made within the fort for their entertainment and pleasure. The Chatta Bazaar was also made for the same purpose – so that the women of the household could shop to their heart’s delight at their doorstep. Now repurposed as a modern souvenir market, one can buy affordably priced trinkets and keepsakes from here. Choose from jewellery, bags, unique fridge magnets, rugs and other home accessories too.
- ADMIRE THE BREATHTAKING ARCHITECTURAL BEAUTY OF THE MONUMENT
Built in a typical Mughal architectural style, there is much to admire about the buildings in the Red Fort Delhi. The Mughals based their architecture on principles of geometry, which is why their buildings are stunning and delightful to look at. Interesting elements like the symmetrical colonnades, which from afar look like just one column yet are 12 in number, are true marvels of architecture. One can see the beautiful inlaid marble work in the Diwan-I-Aam and Diwan-I-Khas buildings, as well as the location where the famous Peacock Throne sat. Offsetting this ornate style is the more structured and modern British architecture seen in the Barracks. Admiring this confluence of styles is certainly one of the top things to do at the Red Fort Delhi.
- STROLL THROUGH GORGEOUS GARDENS
The green expanse of the city of Delhi is certainly a huge blessing for those who live here. It is a real privilege to be able to stroll through beautifully manicured lawns and admire the beauty of nature. And no one made gardens better than the Mughals. The lawns within the Red Fort Delhi also live up to the grandeur of those times. If you decide to visit as a family in pleasant weather months, you will certainly enjoy taking a stroll through these gorgeous lawns.
- ENJOY AN AFFORDABLE AND YUMMY MEAL AT CAFÉ DELHI HEIGHTS
The newest addition to this list of top things to do at the Red Fort Delhi is to be able to eat a delicious meal at one of Delhi’s favourite restaurant chains – Café Delhi Heights, which has just opened its doors here. Affordably priced and set within a beautiful historic backdrop, a meal here is certainly a memorable one. You can choose from a selection of their best vegetarian delights (sadly, non-veg food is not offered here), and their yummy desserts. It is undoubtedly the best way to round up your visit to the Red Fort Delhi.
So, here are my suggestions for the top things to do in the Red Fort Delhi. When was the last time you visited this iconic monument? Do you have anything to add to this list? Do share in the comments below!
Read my suggestion for top things to do in Chandni Chowk in Delhi here.
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This blog post is part of the blog challenge ‘Blogaberry Dazzle’ hosted by Cindy D’Silva and Noor Anand Chawla and is in collaboration with Baked Happily Ever After.
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*This is not a sponsored post.
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