Sight Address : Purana Qila (Old Fort), Delhi,New Delhi, DL Edit
Detail InformationEdit
Old Fort or Purana Qila is somewhat rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers (1.25 miles). Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor who set his new capital Dinpanah in 1534, built the gigantic gateway and walls of Purana Qila. The ramparts have three gateways with bastions on either sides. Like most Mughal monuments, this one too is surrounded by a now dried, wide moat which once connected to the river Yamuna. You will see a quintessential Islamic pointed arch with Hindu chhatris (umbrella-like structures) and brackets, at the northern gateway ‘Talaqui Darwaza’ (meaning the forbidden gateway). Old Fort is also the venue for a spectacular sound and light show held every evening. The show takes you 5000 years back in time bringing alive the grandeur of the Mughal era. Timing: 1700 to 2100 hours.
Purana Qila (Old Fort) in Delhi
HistoryEdit
Old Fort or Purana Qila (Hindi: पुराना क़िला, Urdu: پُرانا قلعہ, translation: Old Fort), is the oldest fort among all forts in Delhi and, the oldest known structure of any type in Delhi. It was re built by the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, on the same site, which was perhaps the site of Indraprastha, believed to be the capital of the Pandavas, Sher Shah raised the citadel of Purana-Qal’a with an extensive city-area sprawling around it. It seems that the Purana-Qal’a was still incomplete at Sher Shah’s death in 1545, and was perhaps completed by his son Islam Shah or Humayun, although it is not certain which parts were built by whom. It’s located at the site of the legendary city of Indraprastha, that was founded by Pandavas on the banks of perineal river Yamuna, which is revered by Hindus since ages, points to the possibility of this site’s history dating back to nearly more than 5000 years old. Consequently the fort is considered by some, to be ‘the first city of Delhi’. Researchers now confirm that up till 1913, a village called Indrapat existed with in the fort walls. Excavations carried out by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) at Purana Quila in 1954-55 (trial trenches) and again 1969 to 1973 by its Director, B B Lal have unearthed Painted Grey Ware dating 1000 B.C., and with a continuous cultural sequence from Mauryan to Mughal through Sunga, Kushana, Gupta, Rajput and Sultanate periods, confirming the antiquity of the fort.Sher Shah has been credited with building this fort in the 15th century. The Indraprashta location is closer to Feroze Shah Kotla grounds and the Qila near there.
As you will move from the bustling quarters of Lajpat Nagar in South Delhi towards the serene zoological park, you will find a colossal stone fort standing in mute testimony to your left. Legend has it that, the fort nestles on the ruins of the princely state of Indraprastha, the original city of Delhi. Today, every stone wholeheartedly sings the drama of blood and blade, enacted between two great dynasties of Indian history. Although the construction was started by Humayun, the Afgan ruler, Sher Shah – who briefly punctured the Mughal reign by defeating Humayun – completed it during his raj during 1538-45, before Humayun regained control of India.
Must SeeEdit
Attraction
Visiting TimeEdit
8:00 A.M to 6:00 P.M
Closed OnEdit
N.A.
Best Season to VisitEdit
October to March
Best Time To VisitEdit
Morning,Afternoon & Evening
Time Required for SightseeingEdit
N.A.
Ticket Required : Yes Edit
Individual National Adult Rs. : Rs.5
Kids Rs. : No Fee
Individual Foreigner Adult Rs. : Rs.100
Kids Rs. : No Fee
Still Photo Camera Rs. : N.A.
Video Camera Rs. : Rs.25
Guide Required : No Edit
Approximate cost: N.A.
Dress Code (If Any) : No Edit
Dress Require: N.A.
Restaurants NearbyAdd / Edit
- South Indian Hotel ; “10211, Padam Singh Road, Ajmal Khan Rd, Karol Bagh West Extension Area, Karol Bagh
New Delhi, Delhi ” ; Ph/M – 011 2875 3651 ; Food Serve – N.A.
How to ReachEdit
Taxi : This place is well connected by road the taxi service is available for this destination. Call 40406060 to get cab at any place and to anywhere in Delhi. Price will be – Indica Vista (New) 10.00 Rs/ km, Indigo cs /Swift Dezire (New) 12 Rs/Km, Tavera (New) 13 Rs / km, Xylo (New) 13 Rs / km, Innova (New) 13 Rs / km, XUV-500 (New) 16.00 Rs/km, BMW (New) 80.00 Rs/km, Audi (New) 90.00 Rs/km, Honda City (New) 30.00 Rs/km, Tempo Traveller (New) 17.00 Rs/km, Corola (New) 30.00 Rs/km Honda-crv (New) 40.00 Rs/km, Mercedes (New) 90.00 Rs/km.
Bus : Tourists can either take local buses from various points within the city to reach this sight, which is located in North Delhi.
Train : For foreigners, it’s easiest to make ticket bookings at the helpful International Tourist Bureau 23405156; 1st floor, New Delhi train station; 8am-8pm Mon-Sat, to 2pm Sun). Do not believe anyone – including porters – who tells you it has shifted, closed or burnt down and don’t let anyone stop you from going to the 1st floor of the main building for bookings. When making reservations here, if you are paying in rupees you may have to provide back-up money exchange certificates (or ATM receipts), so take these with you just in case.
Air : International and domestic flights all leave from and arrive at the airport’s gleaming new Terminal. For flight inquiries, call the international airport (0124-3376000; www.newdelhi airport.in). At the new Terminal 3 there are 14‘nap & go’ rooms with wi-fi, a desk, TV and bed (₹315/hr).For comprehensive details of domestic air routes, see Excel’s Timetable of Air Services Within India (₹55), available at news stands When making reservations request the most direct (quickest) route. Note that airline prices fluctuate and website bookings with some carriers can be markedly cheaper.
Jagson Airlines (23721593 Vandana Bldg, 11 Tolstoy Marg)
Kingfisher Airlines (23730238; 42N-Block, Connaught Place).
Others : METRO The new high-speed metro line is the best way to get to/from the airport, and runs between New Delhi train station and Dwarka Sector 21, via Shivaji Stadium, Dhaula Kuan NH8 (Mahipalpur station) and Indira Gandhi International station (Terminal 3). Trains operate every 10 minutes from 5am to 1am. Cycle-rickshaws are still in use in parts of Old Delhi, though they have been banned in Chandni Chowk to reduce congestion. Let’s hope they’re not banned in other areas, as they’re the best way to get around Old Delhi – the drivers are wizards at weaving through the crowds. Tips are appreciated for this gruelling work.
Things to CarryEdit
Carry a bottle of drinking water.
Safety / WarningEdit
Keep daily cash in separate pockets.
HelplineEdit
Fire – 101
Ambulance – 102
Child Helpline – 1098
Women Helpline Number : 1091
Accident & Trauma Service – 1099
Police Control Room Number : 100
Tourist City Information Service – 1286
