Purana Qila

Purana Qila is a historical fort located in Delhi. Built by the second mughal emperor Humayun and later renovated by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri,the structure is believed to be located on the site of the ancient city of Indraprastha. The fort had seen many battles throughout its history, including the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Purana Qila is a popular tourist attraction and is also acknowledged as an archaeological site, where various excavations have been conducted to uncover the fort's rich bygone history. Purana Qila is also known to have the very spot where mughal emperor Humayun died after falling down stairs in his library.

Best time to visit– The best time to visit Purana Qila is during the winter season, between the months of October to March.

Open – Monday to Sunday 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Timings – Monday to Sunday, 24 hours.

Entry Fee– The entry fees for Purana Qila

• For Indian nationals – INR 5/- per person
• Foreign tourists – INR 200/- per person

Dated back to the 16th century, Purana Qila is a historical fort in Delhi. The fort was built by the mughal emperor Humayun, who began construction in 1533 but was unable to complete it before his sudden death. The fort was later completed by Sher Shah Suri, who defeated Humayun and seized the throne. Since then, the Qila was several times renovated and restored, with its most recent restoration taking place in the 1970s. The Qila reflects the architectural styles and designs of the Afghans and Mughals.

Purana Qila is a unique blend of Afghan and Mughal architectural styles. The fort's walls and gates, built by the Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri in the mid-16th century, are made of red sandstone and have sophisticated carvings and designs. The fort also has a massive gateway, called the Bara Darwaza, which is embellished with tricky designs and floral patterns. The interior of the Purana Qila was completed by the mughal emperor Humayun including a mosque, several palaces, and other structures, made up of red sandstone and white marble. The fort is also encompassed by a moat and has a large garden named Sher Mandal.

• The Purana Qila has many gates, walls, and structures adorned with sophisticated designs and carvings that are worth exploring.
• Purana Qila also houses a museum that showcases the history and culture of Delhi. The museum has several galleries that display artifacts, paintings, and sculptures from the bygone period.
• After exploring the architecture and Museum, one can enjoy the fun boating rides in the Yamuna river situated near the Purana Qila.
• Enjoy the Light and sound show organized every evening inside the fort that portrays the history of Delhi.
• Purana Qila hosts several gardens and open spaces that are ideal for a picnic spot. Enjoy a weekend with your friends and family in this historical fort.
• Purana Qila is an ideal place for photography because of its ancient architecture, beautiful gardens, and lake that offers scenic sites.
• Purana Qila entertains several cultural events and festivals throughout the year, such as Dilli Haat and the Qutub Festival. Enjoy these events, live music, dance, and local food.

• National Zoological Park – Frequently known as Delhi Zoo, the National Zoological Park, is a 176-acre zoological park located near the Purana Qila. The park gives shelter to a variety of wildlife species, including mammals, birds, and reptiles, and is abode to over 1,200 animals. Some of the major animal species of the zoo include white tigers, Bengal tigers, Indian rhinoceros, African lions, giraffes, and zebras.
• National Science Centre – Encompassing an area of over 8 acres, the National Science Centre was established in 1992. Featuring a range of interactive exhibits and galleries related to various fields of science, including physics, biology, mathematics, and space science the main intention of the museum is to promote science education and awareness among the general public, particularly students. Some of the popular exhibits at the museum are a working model of the human digestive system, a virtual reality experience of space travel, and a section on the science of sound.
• Red Fort – Red Fort or Lal Qila is a historical fort built by Mughal Emperor Shahjahan in the mid-17th century. Once served as the royal residence of the Mughal emperors, the fort is named after its red sandstone walls and is an important monument in Indian history.
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• India Gate – Built in the early 20th century to honor and praise the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Third Anglo-Afghan War. The monument is a 42-meter-high archway made of sandstone and stands at the center of a large circular lawn known as the Rajpathas a tribute to 84,000 brave soldiers.
• Humayun’s Tomb – Adorned with red sandstones and white marble, encompassed with lush greenery, Humayun’s Tomb is the cemetery of Mughal Emperor Humayun. The tomb was built by Humayun’s first wife Empress Bega Begum.
• Raj Ghat – Raj Ghat is a memorial devoted to Mahatma Gandhi, located on the banks of the Yamuna River. Raj Ghatis the spot where Gandhi was cremated after his assassination in 1948 and was made of black marble.It is a peaceful and serene place that reminds the dedication and sacrifice of Mahatma Gandhi.

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• By Air – The nearest airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport situated at a distance of 15 km from Purana Qila.
• By Train – The nearest railway station is situated at a distance of 4.4 km from Purana Qila.
• By Bus – Purana Qila is well-linked by public buses and the nearest bus stand is situated at a distance of 2.3 km from Purana Qila.
• By Subway – The nearest metro station from Purana Qila is Pragati Maidan metro station, situated at a distance of 3.3 km.