Purana Qila Delhi

Among the seven cities of Delhi, the Purana-Qila is the sixth. Delhi is called the city of Mughal. The beautiful monument of Mughal carpet can be easily seen in Delhi, which is to be conferred on how glorious the Mughal period will be. Purana Qila is one of theamazing samples. Among the seven cities of Delhi, the Purana-Qal’a is the sixth Purana Qila is not just a place of historical interest but has become a popular picnic spot and lovers point for the present Delhi. Purana Qila is located on the Delhi – Mathura road and close to the National Zoological Park. There is major attractions for tourists visiting the place which are the amazing architecture , Greenery around the Purana Qila and the lake provides for boating.

Overview of Purana Qila

Purana Qila is one of the oldest Fort of India in Delhi. The fort is visited is by many people from India and abroad. Purana Qila is rectangular in shape. The fort is made up of red sandstone. The length of fort is 2 km. The walls of the Purana Qila rise to a height of 18 metres and are spread over 1.5 kilometres. The walls at the east and the west side of the Qila are the largest. The Purana Qila is the spot for the spectacular sound and light show held every evening. Purana Qila has been constructed at the bank of Yamuna river. There are three gateways of Purana Qila which are northern, southern and west all the gates that are a display of a happy mixture of Hindu and Muslim styles of architecture. By seeing the structure of the fort is look like a temple.

History of Purana Qila

According to historical records dating 1540 AD, this fort was repaired by Islam Shah the son of Sher Shah Suri or Humayun as the records state. Everyone has a different opinion about who has built Purana Qila. In nutshell is believed that Humayun was renovated the purana Qila in 1533 and had named it Dinpanah and it was completed in five years later. Sher Shah Suri who is the founder of the Suri Dynasty, defeated Humayun in 1540 which he named Sher Garth and add their more structures in the Qila during their five-year reign. According to Historians, this fort is the soul of the Pandvas. Indraprastha as some grey ware of that period was found during excavations.

Three Gateways Of Purana Qila

Bada Darwaza (South Gate)

The Bada Darwaza –is currently the only entrance to the fort. a drawbridge here spanned the moat that encircled Purana Qila. The two six-pointed stars on either side of the main arch are a common cosmic symbol used by Mughal-period builders. This gate is a triple-storeyed structure tucked between two massive, curving bastions made of rubble masonry, and primarily dressed with deep red sandstone. The second storey of the gate is pierced by three openings, of which the two outer ones are fronted by jharokhas with some lovely tilework.

Humayun Darwaza (West Gate)

The Bada Darwaza is still in use and it faces west. Humayun Darwaza was named so because Humayun’s tomb is visible from here. historians says that the gate was constructed by Humayun that’s why it is named so. This gate overlooks the National Zoological Park and is best seen from there. Ornamental chhatris top the gate, which is decorated with blue tilework and carving (including one of an elephant, on a marble tablet) and inlays of black and white marble.

Talaqqi Darwaza (North Gate)

This is the northern gate of the fort, and its name means ‘forbidden gate. Each of the gates has two storeys and are built with sandstone. Each gate also has two bastion towers made up of marble. The roof of the Tallaqi Darwaza is crowned by three chattris, supported by columns of red stones. These chattris were painted in white, giving a dazzling effect and striking appearance.

The Archaeological Museum

The interesting Archaeological Museum next to Bada Darwaza is devoted to the archaeological finds at Purana Qila; and also the history of Delhi. The excavations at Purana Qila were carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India in 1955 and again from 1969 to 1973, and the exhibits in this museum are largely based on the excavated materials. The exhibits displayed in the museum include the real things that were used by the royals. The average duration to see the museum less than 1 hour.

Qila-I-Kuhna Mosque

Sher Shah Suri built this mosque in 1541. Five doorways are there having pointed arch in each. In this mosque the king and his courtiers used to offer prayers. here are five mihrabs in the hall that face west direction. The Qila-i-Kunha masjid is not too large, as it is built in an area of 51X13.5 metres. It is 20.1 metres tall and is built of a variety of material. There was a doorway which led to the room where the royal women used to pray.

Sher – E- Mandal

Sher mandal, the double-storeyed octagonal tower is associated with the death of Humayun. While climbing the stairs of the building, Humayun slipped and lost his life. The construction of Sher Mandal was started by Babur and completed by Humayun. The building is made up of red sandstone and is octagonal in shape. Babur used the building as an observatory and library. The upper storey is now kept locked and is off limits to visitors. On the outside, each of the eight sides has a recessed arch decorated sparingly with carving and inlays (mainly of five- and six-pointed stars) in white marble.

Entry Fees and Timings

The entry fee to visit Purana Qila is Rs. 20 for Indians and Rs. 200 for Foreigners. The fee for Camcorder is Rs. 25. Free entry for children below fifteen (15 years). Rs 80 for sound and light show. Purana Qila is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days of the week.

Instructions to visit the Purana Qila

Don’t forget to take your camera while you visit the Purana Qila. There’s a lot for you to capture. You can take still camera for free. However, you will have to pay a fee for carrying a video camera.

Beware of the mosquitoes during the evening here and although daytime is suitable, keep your ointments along to save yourself from mosquitoes bites.

Instruction To Visit The Moat Area

Entry fee Rs 20/-
Children below the age of 10 years are exempted for entry ticket.
Children below the age of 12 years are allowed accompanied with their parents.
Opening time of moat area 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. (During April to September) and one hour early closing i.e. 7 p.m. (During October to March)

How to Reach ?

Metro trains also run in the city and the nearest metro station to the fort is Pragati Maidan.
Then you can use auto rickshaws , taxis to reach the fort.

Bus: Purana Qila is located in one of the prime areas of Delhi. Buses number 73, 901, 405, 423, 502 and 425 ply to and from Purana Qila to various parts of the city.

Best Time To Visit

October to March is the best time to visit the Purana Qila. Especially avoid to visit in summer seasons. Monsoons in Delhi is quite pleasant and thus are the best time to explore the Purana Qila.

Must Try

There is a Food Corner near parking, where you can get all those junky food and soft beverages.
Sound and light show must to watch. Time: 1st Show (Hindi) – 7 pm to 8 pm, 2nd Show (English) – 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Boating facilities are also catered at Purana Qila.