How much time does it take to explore the fort ?

A visit to the fort allows enough time to see its main features.

Is the fort accessible by vehicle ?

Yes, visitors can reach the fort easily by vehicle.

Is this suitable for a city visit ?

Yes, it fits well within a city sightseeing visit.

Are guides available ?

Yes, guides are available offering on-site assistance.

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Purana Qila

Daily, Multiple slots

Purana Qila, New Delhi · 8764.7 km away

4.2•

33489 ratings

About the venue

Purana Qila, or Old Fort, stands in the southeastern part of New Delhi and is traditionally associated with the ancient city of Indraprastha, the capital of the Pandavas of the Mahabharata. Its long history and imposing presence make it a significant landmark within the cultural fabric of Delhi.

Historical Background

Humayun is believed to have rebuilt Indraprastha as Dinpanah, while Sher Shah later enhanced the citadel. The resulting architectural character of the fort reflects a deliberate blend of Indo Islamic forms expressed through gateways, bastions, and ceremonial spaces.

Location and Significance

Spread across more than three hundred acres, the fort once had a wide moat linked to the Yamuna River. Its irregular oblong plan is marked by bastions and three major gates: Talaqi Darwaza on the north, Humayun Darwaza on the south, and Bada Darwaza on the west, which now serves as the main entrance.

Architectural Materials and Design

Among the key monuments are the double storied hexagonal Sher Mandal library and the Qila i Kuhna Mosque, both executed in red sandstone. A baoli and hammam remain within the complex, and a lake now occupies part of the earlier moat. Museums within the enclosure preserve artifacts recovered through excavations, complemented by an evening light and sound presentation.

Things to know

Ticket needed for all ages

Entry allowed for all ages

Kid friendly

Pets not allowed

Free water stations

Washrooms available

What visitors say

4.2|

From 33,489 Google reviews

Tausique

1 month ago

A massive, rugged fortress that offers a raw historical feel. The old masonry, stepwells, and lawns are impressively maintained. The newly restored lake area adds great value. A calm, uncluttered alternative to other crowded monuments in the city.Read More

nayan

5 months ago

May 2, 2026. I was on foot so idc about parking. First things first, Tickets and cloak room prices. There are type of tickets, Boating area and Main site. Main site ticket is - 25 rps (20 if u book online) Boating Area ticket is - 20 rps (don't buy it unless u wanna do boating, there isn't anything to see so don't waste money on it) Cloak room is there where they will ask for extra 2 rps so bring 2 rps coins (They took 5 rps from me and gave back 2 rps and said take 1 rps later and they didn't give later 😭💔, also they don't take this 2 rps online too) Bags is not allowed, same with food. But I think u can take water bottles inside (maybe). There is no cafeteria so eat food outside the fort. There's drinking water and toilet available inside tho. Don't come here in sunny or rainy weather cuz u won't enjoy it that much if u will do. There's a spot in here if u wanna get AC cooled up that I'll tell u about next. Places to check out in here- 1. Main site - There are many buildings and walls u can check out, use google or anything online to know what bulidings are here to see, just walk around and u will see them all. Walking through whole place will just take 1-2 hour or more if u wanna stare and breath in everything slowly. 2. There's a recovered relic items museum inside, free to enter, it's air conditioned so chill here looking at ancient statues and items, and paintings, it's all real. Walking through this gallery won't take longer than 30 mins. 3. There's also an archeological museum too but it was closed when i visited here cuz it was under renovation. maybe I'll see it next time. 4. There's parks and grasses to sit on to relax and benches to sit on too. Personal experience - It's pretty great place to see historical monument, and items. Make sure to buy ticket online for discount and don't waste money on boating area unless u wanna boat. Look if archeological museum is open so u can make use of whole experience. U can't go totally inside the fort, but just walking around it and slightly going in is enough I guess.Read More

Nandan Kumar

4 months ago

Purana Qila (translating to "Old Fort") is one of the oldest and most historically significant forts in New Delhi, India. Originally built in the 16th century by Mughal Emperor Humayun and Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri, the site served as the inner citadel of the legendary city of Dinpanah Located along Mathura Road, the fort complex holds a prominent place in Indian history, myth, and architecture. The Ancient Site: Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed human habitation dating back to the 4th and 3rd centuries BCE, with pottery fragments suggesting settlements could be up to 3,000 years old. Mythological Connection: The location is traditionally believed to be the site of Indraprastha, the majestic capital of the Pandava brothers from the epic Mahabharata. Mughal & Suri Fortification: Emperor Humayun laid the foundation of the fort in 1533. After defeating Humayun, Sher Shah Suri took over the fort, added several prominent structures, and renamed it Shergarh before Humayun later reclaimed it Qala-e-Kohna Mosque: Built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, this mosque is considered an architectural masterpiece. It features a beautiful mix of Lodi, Tughlaq, and early Mughal architectural styles, particularly the five-arched prayer hall. Sher Mandal: An octagonal two-story tower topped with an elegant pavilion. Originally intended as a personal library and observatory by Humayun, it is famously known as the site where he tripped down the stairs, leading to his tragic death. Massive Gateways: The fort boasts three massive arched gateways—the Bara Darwaza (main entrance), Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza (Forbidden Gate)—which are flanked by imposing bastions Museum: There is an on-site Archaeological Museum managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) that houses antiquities, coins, jewelry, and pottery unearthed during the digs. Recreation: The fort is surrounded by lush green lawns, and the adjacent moat area offers boating facilities on a lake.Light and Sound Show: Delhi Tourism organizes a daily evening sound and light show at the fort, which brings the 5,000-year history of Delhi and the fort to life. Purana Qila‘ (Old Fort) is one of the oldest forts in Delhi. The present citadel at Purana Qila was believed to have been built under Humayun and Afghan Sher Shah Suri (‘The Lion King’). Excavations point to traces from the 3rd century BC, the pre-Mauryan period. The first two rounds of excavations — in 1954-55 and 1969-72 — by then ASI director, BB Lal, had unearthed traces of PGW under the mound. At the time, Lal had embarked on a mission to excavate various sites mentioned in the Mahabharata text and had found such traces as a common feature at all those sites. The fort was the inner citadel of the city of Din Panah during Humayun’s rule who renovated it in 1533 and completed five years later. The founder of the Suri Dynasty, Sher Shah Suri, defeated Humayun in 1540, naming the fort Shergarh; he added several more structures in the complex during his five-year reign. Purana Qila and its environs flourished as the “sixth city of Delhi”. Location: It is located in the South Eastern part of the present city of New Delhi. It is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and built on the banks of river Yamuna. It is also known as Qila-e-Kohna (meaning `old fort’). The present citadel at Purana Qila was believed to have been built under Humayun and Sher Shah Suri (‘The Lion King’). Excavations point to traces from the3rd century BC, the pre-Mauryan period. The Qila was inspired by Jama Masjid, which was established 15 years before the reconstruction of Qila. Architecture: It is roughly rectangular in shape having a circuit of nearly two kilometers. The Purana Qila has three gates: Bara Darwaza or the Big Gate facing west, the Humayun Gate facing south and the Talaqui darwaza or the forbidden gateway facing the northern side. These gates combine the typically Islamic pointed arch with Hindu Chhatris and brackets. All of the gates are double-storeyed and consistof huge semi-circular bastionsRead More

Sanoj kumar

5 months ago

Had a great visit to Purana Qila! The entry fee was just ₹25, and an additional ₹20 for the boating area. If you actually want to ride a boat, it costs ₹125. The place is quite spacious, peaceful, and surprisingly not very crowded. Though honestly… about 99% of the people there were couples 💑😂 Overall, it’s a really nice spot—whether you want some quiet time alone or with someone special.Read More

Ayush Karn

5 months ago

A nice weekend outing spot for going out with friends or family or as a picnic spot. The garden here is really nice and provides good photography spots. Recommended for history lovers, there is also a small boating lake but its nothing special. It has washrooms, a gift shop. The entry was free when I visited; there was a ticket counter but I think it was just for the boating. Isn't much crowded anytime as its not a very popular spot.Read More

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