Near Delhi Zoo, Mathura Road, Delhi

Reasons to be here –
To Relish the well seasoned Architectural paragon, to peek into the past and to walk down boulevards of a fortress!

Entry Fee –

Rs.5/ Person (Indians Residence)
Rs.100/ Person (Foreigners Residence)
Rs.25 (Videography)

 Timings–
All days of a Week; 09:00 AM-07:00 PM

About Old Fort (Purana-Qila)

The Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts in Delhi, was constructed by Humayun and Afghan king Sher Shah Suri in 1533. It is believed that Humayun had built the walls of the fort whereas Sher Shah had constructed the building. Located on the banks of River Yamuna, the Purana Qila also known as Old fort was also believed to be built by the Pandavas as Indraprastha almost 5,000 years ago. The fort has a massive area of about a mile. There are three gates in Purana Qila named Talaqi Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Humayun Darwaza. Built with red sandstone, the gates of the fort are quite big. The Sher Mandal and the Quila-i-kunha Mosque are the two main buildings that survived and exist in Purana Qila.

It was Humayun who built the Sher Mandal, a two storied octagonal tower that used as a library by him. On the other side, the Quila-i-Kunha Mosque reflects Indo Islamic architecture with its special features such as molding, bracketed openings, marble inlay and carving. It has a large prayer hall with five entrances having ‘true’ horseshoe-shaped arches. The total measurement of the hall is 51.20m by 14.90m. The prayer niches (mehrabs) of the mosque are opulently adorned with concentric arches.
For the visitors, Purana Qila has a lot to offer. There are some nearby attractions that make it a must visit place.

• Lake – The Lake near Purana Qila is a perfect place to spend quality time with your loved ones. Enjoy the peddle boat ride in serene atmosphere provides a great pleasure to the visitors. There are some water activities for children also organized.
• National Zoological Park – It is a 16th century extensive green habitat for over 100 species of animal and bird. A perfect place for children to learn various important things about birds and animals. The place also has a lot to offer for people of all ages.
• National Science Centre – Located opposite side (towards north) of Purana Qila near Pragati Maidan gate no. 1, the National Science Centre is a perfect place for students to learn various aspects of science.

To make your evening more beautiful, don’t forget to attend the light and musical show at Purana Qila. The museum in the complex of the Purana Qila has unique works dated back to 1400 A.D. The Qila remains open all days of a Week from morning 9 AM to evening 7 PM. The nearest metro station to reach the Qila is Pragati Maidan from where you can take public transport to visit this place. The entry fees are Entry Fee – Rs.5/ Person (Indians Residence), Rs.100/ Person (Foreigners Residence) and Rs.25 (Videography).

Other Attractions

Lake – Peddle your way through the pristine waters of the lake near the Purana Quila. A must try activity for some fun and to enjoy the cathartic effect of water.

National Zoological Park – A 16th-century sprawling green abode for more than 100 species of animal and bird. Let the child in you gasp and gap at the sight of God’s mystical creations.

Do watch an incredible light and sound show that takes place every day in the bounds of Purana Quila. Carry a camera and also visit the museum in the complex of the fort which houses interesting artifacts dated back to 1400 A.D.

Metro Connectivity and Location

Old Fort is right next to the famous Delhi Zoo. It is also opposite Pragati Maidan, the prime exhibition center of Delhi. On the outer periphery facing Pragati Maidan there is a famous Bhairon mandir where devotees flock all days of week.

It can be reached easily by buses plying on the Pragati Maidan or Zoo route.

The nearest Metro station to Purana Qila is also quite far away and you might have to take an alternative transport to reach here. Nearest metro station is the Pragati Maidan Metro station.