Purana Qila: Echoes of Delhi's Ancient Past
Explore Delhi's ancient past at Purana Qila, a historic fort showcasing Mughal and Afghan architecture with roots in the Mahabharata era.
Purana Qila, meaning 'Old Fort', is a sprawling historical site in the heart of New Delhi, embodying centuries of legends, conquests, and architectural brilliance. Believed to be built on the site of Indraprastha, the ancient capital of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata, the fort's history dates back to the pre-Mauryan period, around the 3rd century BC. The fort's current structure largely comes from the reign of Mughal Emperor Humayun in 1533, who named it Dinpanah. However, Humayun was defeated by Sher Shah Suri in 1540, who renamed the fort Shergarh and added several structures during his five-year reign. The fort complex covers a vast area of over 300 acres and is enclosed by high walls with three main gates: the Bada Darwaza, Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza. These gates showcase a blend of Islamic pointed arches with Hindu chhatris and brackets. Key structures within the fort include the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, representing a blend of Islamic and indigenous Indian architectural styles. The Sher Mandal, believed to have been a pleasure pavilion by Sher Shah Suri and later used as a library by Humayun, is an octagonal tower made of red sandstone with white marble inlay. Today, Purana Qila serves as a popular tourist destination, offering visitors a chance to explore historical structures, museums, and gardens. A sound and light show in the evening narrates the fort's history.
Local tips
- Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the fort involves a considerable amount of walking.
- Visit during the winter months (October to March) for pleasant weather.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like the Delhi Zoo, Humayun's Tomb, and India Gate.
- Catch the Sound and Light show in the evening to witness the fort's history come alive.
- Carry water and snacks, as there may not be many food options available inside.
A brief summary to Purana Quila
- J65V+RFH, Mathura Rd, Near Delhi Zoo, New Delhi, Pragati Maidan, Delhi, 110003, IN
- +911123363607
- Visit website
- Monday 7 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 7 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 7 am-5 pm
- Thursday 7 am-5 pm
- Friday 7 am-5 pm
- Saturday 7 am-5 pm
- Sunday 7 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
The nearest metro station to Purana Qila is Pragati Maidan on the Blue Line. From the station, it's approximately a 2 km walk or a short auto-rickshaw ride to the fort. Alternatively, several buses connect to Purana Qila from various parts of Delhi. Look for buses that stop at the Delhi Zoo or National Stadium. Bus fares typically range from ₹5 to ₹20.
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Taxi/Ride-Share
Taxis and ride-sharing services like Ola and Uber are readily available throughout Delhi. A taxi ride from central Delhi (e.g., Connaught Place) to Purana Qila typically takes 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic, and costs approximately ₹90 to ₹120. Be aware that fares may increase during peak hours. Parking is available near the fort, but it can be limited, especially on weekends.
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Walking
If you are near India Gate or the National Zoological Park, you can walk to Purana Qila. It's approximately a 20-30 minute walk from India Gate, heading east on Mathura Road. Be mindful of traffic and weather conditions, especially during the hotter months. There are no unavoidable tolls or special transport tickets required when approaching on foot.
