Purana Qila

One of Delhi’s oldest forts is called Purana Qila, or “Old Fort.” Under Humayun and Afghan Sher Shah Suri, the current Purana Qila citadel is thought to have been constructed (see “The Lion King”). Evidence from excavations suggests that the pre-Mauryan period began in the third century BC. PGW remains had been discovered beneath the mound during the first two excavation campaigns, conducted by the then-ASI director, BB Lal, in 1954–1955, and 1969– 1972. Lal discovered these traces as a common trait at all the places he had excavated while on a mission to uncover numerous sites referenced in the Mahabharata literature.

During Humayun’s reign, the fort served as the inner citadel of Din Panah. He restored it in 1533 and finished it five years later. After defeating Humayun in 1540, Sher Shah Suri, the founder of the Suri Dynasty, named the fort Shergarh. During his five-year rule, he erected several more structures to the complex. The Purana Qila region thrived as the “sixth city of Delhi.”

Key Details

Delhi Tourism hosts a light and sound performance at Purana Qila that narrates Delhi’s more than 5,000-year history. Every evening, there is a Hindi and English version of the show.

Sound and Light Show: 7:30 PM in February, April, September, and October; 9:00 PM in May, August, and November, January, and 7.30 PM in November.

The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; it is closed on Fridays and federal holidays.

Indians pay Rs. 5 for entry into the fort, foreigners pay Rs. 100, video cameras cost Rs. 25, and sound and light shows cost Rs. 80.

Hours: 9 A.M. to 7 P.M.

ATTRACTIONS

Humayun Tomb

National War Memorial

India Gate

BEST TIME TO VISIT

During the winter afternoon timing is the ideal time to visit Purana Qila (to avoid the heat of Delhi). You have plenty of time to explore the area on foot, relax on the lawns, and take a boat ride before returning to experience the amazing light and sound show after dusk.

HOW TO REACH

Delhi is a state that is well-connected by state-operated buses and metro. Pragati Maidan Metro, which is on the blue line, is the closest metro station to Purana Qila. You can rent a taxi or a battery-operated rickshaw to get to the fort, which is around two kilometers from the metro. For a more pleasant ride, you can alternatively reserve a taxi. As an alternative, using one of the buses will get you there more affordably.