Purana Qila, which translates to 'Old Fort', is one of the oldest forts in Delhi, India. The site is believed to be the location of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas in the Indian epic Mahabharata. It was renovated and named by the Afghan king Sher Shah Suri, who temporarily overthrew the Mughal emperor Humayun in the 16th century.
Purana Qila is located near the Zoological Park of Delhi and Pragati Maidan, in the central-east part of the city, at Mathura Road, New Delhi.
The main attractions of Purana Qila include the massive gates like the Bada Darwaza (Big Gate), the Humayun Darwaza, and the Talaqi Darwaza. Other notable structures include the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, the Sher Mandal, and a museum housing artifacts from different periods of the fort's history. The fort also hosts a stunning sound and light show in the evenings that recounts the history of Delhi.
Tourists can visit Purana Qila from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day. The timings for the sound and light show usually vary depending on the season.
Yes, there is a nominal entry fee for visiting Purana Qila. The fees may differ for Indian citizens, SAARC country nationals, and foreign tourists, and there might be additional charges for the sound and light show.
Tourists can reach Purana Qila by Delhi Metro, with the nearest metro station being Pragati Maidan on the Blue Line. Buses, taxis, and auto-rickshaws are also available from various parts of the city.
Basic facilities like restrooms and drinking water are available inside Purana Qila. There is also a small museum shop selling souvenirs and books related to the fort and Delhi's history.
The best time to visit Purana Qila is from October to March when the weather is pleasant. Summers can be extremely hot, and the monsoon season may cause inconveniences during sightseeing.
Yes, photography is allowed in Purana Qila for personal use. However, there may be additional charges for photography and videography for commercial purposes.
While there are limited food options inside Purana Qila, there are several eateries and restaurants in the surrounding area, including those in nearby markets and at the India Habitat Centre.
Guided tours may be available through various tourist agencies or can be arranged for groups. Audio guides are also available which provide detailed commentary on the history and architecture of the fort.