Introduction

Jutting out of wild greenery, the 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.

You can explore the Qal’a-I-Kunha Masjid built of sandstone and marble in Indo-Islamic style, with sophisticated ornamentation. The structure has an air of austerity, with a single dome that is not pronounced, and lacks the grandeur of the bulbous domes generally seen on Islamic monuments. To the south of the mosque, you will come across an octagonal two-storeyed structure ‘Sher Mandal’, built by King Sher Shah Suri who defeated Humayun in 1540. Built as a pavilion, the structure has a fine tile and inlay work in red sandstone. Though the monument is also in keeping with the Indo-Islamic style of architecture, the reason behind its construction is still not known. After Sher Shah’s death, his successors were defeated by Humayun who recaptured his domains in 1555. Steeped in history, Purana Qila exudes an aura of doom and at the same time, a sense of victory.

If you are left with some more time, enjoy boating in the lake adjacent to the Old Fort. Summer timings are 12 noon to 1900 hours, and in winters from 1100 to 1800 hours.

Special Attributes

Purana Qila is believed to have been standing on the ancient site of Indraprastha.

Nuisance

Touts and pick pockets

Dressing restrictions

None, avoid wearing short or revealing clothes.

Connectivity

Interstate bus, train, metro-rail, taxi or auto-rickshaw

Enjoyed by

History lovers

Exposure

You will mostly be under a bright sun, so don’t forget to carry your sunshades, sunscreen lotion, and a bottle of drinking water.

Avoidable Season

May, June, July, August

Facilities

You can also join on a heritage walk that takes place every Saturday and Sunday. If you are left with some more time, enjoy boating in the lake adjacent to the Old Fort. Summer timings for which are 12 noon to 1900 hours, and in winters from 1100 to 1800 hours. Old Fort is also the venue for a spectacular sound and light show held every evening (Timing: 1700 to 2100 hours).

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

While exploring the monument site, tread carefully as the ramparts are ancient and you might disturb their setting.

Type of site

A historical site from the 16th century built by second Mughal Emperor Humayun.