Red Fort, Delhi

Red fort is one of the most visited tourist destination. It depicts the history of Delhi and narrates the happing at the time of royal emperors through various landmarks which are created those days. This red fort is popularly known as Lal quila among Indians. Shah jahan when came to delhi after ruling Agra laid the foundation stone of Red Fort Delhi in 1618 and finally it's inaugration was done in 1647.

Red Fort Delhi has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. The latter faces Chandni Chowk, the city's most crowded and diverse market. The Red Fort also houses the Diwan-i-Aam or the Hall of Public Audiences, where the Emperor would sit on a marbled paneled alcove, studded with gems, and hears complaints of the common people. Today, although the Diwan-i-Khas is only a pale shadow of its original glory, yet the verse of Amir Khusro "If there is Paradise on the face of earth, it is here, it is here, it is here" reminds us of its former glory. The Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audience, where private audiences were granted. This hall is made of marble, and its centre-piece used to be the Peacock Throne, which was studded with rubies and gems. The Fort sports all the obvious trappings befitting a vital centre of Mughal governance: halls of public and private audiences, domed and arched marble palaces, plush private apartments, a mosque, and elaborately designed gardens. Even today, the Fort remains an impressive testimony to Mughal grandeur, despite being attacked by the Persian Emperor Nadir Shah in 1739, and by the British soldiers, during the war of independence in 1857.

Hamam
Accompanying the Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Selective Audience, the Hamam (bathroom set) consists of three apartments interconnected by corridors. The marble floors and dados are inlaid with beautiful floral patterns of multi-colored stones.

Moti Masjid
The personal mosque of Aurungzeb, Moti Masjid or Pearl Mosque lies to the west of Hamam. Situated on a higher level than courtyards, the prayer-hall of the mosque has inlaid black-marble outlines of 'musallas' (small carpets for prayers) and is surmounted by three bulbous domes.

Mumtaz Mahal
One of the original six main-palaces situated along the river front, Mumtaz Mahal was also known as 'Chhoti Baithak'. A beautiful water channel called 'Nahr-i-Bihisht' (meaning Stream of Paradise) flew through these palaces. However, this palace has been removed, probably because it was totally in ruins.

Naubat Khana Naubat Khana, or Naqqar Khana (meaning the Drum House), is situated at the entrance of the palace area. Here music was played five times a day at the appointed hours. It housed a gate known as 'Hathi Pol' (Elephant Gate), where visitors dismounted from their elephants.

The Rang Mahal or the 'Palace of Colours' as it is known, holds a spectacular Lotus shaped fountain, made out of a single piece of marble, and housed the Emperor's wives and mistresses. The other attractions enclosed within this monument are the hammams or the Royal Baths, the Shah Burj, which used to be Shahjahan's private working area, and the Moti Masjid or the Pearl Mosque. Even today, the Red Fort (Lal Qila) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire.

This red fort is located near Delhi gate of old Delhi in India. The Highlights of fort is light and sound show arranged by government in every evening. The tourists are restricted to visit red fort only in fixed timing of the days in different months. Closing Time in November to January at 7.30 p.m., January to April and September to October at 8.30 p.m., May to August at 9 p.m.

From this red fort only prime minister of India addresses the public of India on 15 th August which is memorable day for Indians as Independence Day.