Purana Qila
Purana Qila
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Neighbourhood: Minto Road
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4.0
533 reviews
Excellent
189
Very good
240
Average
86
Poor
12
Terrible
6
lousunde
Sydney, Australia86 contributions
Mar 2023
Had no idea this place existed but with a day to spare our hotel staff recommended a visit.
Easy to reach by taxi (and noticed metro not too far away) on the outskirts of New Dehli city
Interesting to wander around and look at architecture and enjoy the space. Went early in the day and avoided the crowds.
Looked to be well maintained with a number of grounds staff working around the site and maintaining the gardens and lawn
Easy to reach by taxi (and noticed metro not too far away) on the outskirts of New Dehli city
Interesting to wander around and look at architecture and enjoy the space. Went early in the day and avoided the crowds.
Looked to be well maintained with a number of grounds staff working around the site and maintaining the gardens and lawn
Written 28 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prabir G
Kolkata (Calcutta), India3,068 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
A. Opening Hours : Open 7.00 am till 5.00 pm
B. Entry Ticket: Rs 30 pp, Foreigners Rs. 300
C. Location : On Mathura Road, opposite Zoo New Delhi
D. Travel mode : Metro, Pragati Maidan Stn
F. PHOTOGRAPHY Inside the palace : Allowed,
excepting inside the meuseums
This fort was believed to be about 1000 years old, though the present citadel is known to be built by the 2nd Mughal Emperor Humayun and partly by Sher Shah Suri. The excavation inside shows that there are some traces of pre Maurya era i.e 3rd Century before CE. Popular belief relates this place as Indraprastha, the capital of Pandavas of Mahabharata.
We visited this place in February 2024 during our New Delhi tour. The massive complex with red sandstone wall, houses remains of different structures built of yellow quartzite. There is a lake on its side.
The entrance or Bara Darwaza is a massive stone gate, built by Humayun. There are three jarokhas on the top of the gate . After passing through the gate we started our tour from the right. There are two museums. The first museum had large number of exhibits of artifacts fating from 300 BCE to 17th century CE. Exhibits are very well displayed according to the period with brief description and from where it was discovered. The second gallery displays exhibits that are confiscated from various illegal artefacts dealers. Against each exhibits, from where and it was recovered is mentioned. Next you can see Humayun Gate. It's a massive stone structure built in Persian style with two domes on top. There is a staired platform to go under the structure. There are two more gates. The North gate is called Talaqi Darwaza or Forbidden Gate. This gate was used only by the emperor and his family. This gate is believed to be built by Sher Shah and never opened for visitors. The South Gate is comparatively a simpler structure. The mosque, madrasa and the hamam built inside are some of the must visit. It will take you few hours to see the entire complex.
A must see to get a taste of history and mystery around this structure.
B. Entry Ticket: Rs 30 pp, Foreigners Rs. 300
C. Location : On Mathura Road, opposite Zoo New Delhi
D. Travel mode : Metro, Pragati Maidan Stn
F. PHOTOGRAPHY Inside the palace : Allowed,
excepting inside the meuseums
This fort was believed to be about 1000 years old, though the present citadel is known to be built by the 2nd Mughal Emperor Humayun and partly by Sher Shah Suri. The excavation inside shows that there are some traces of pre Maurya era i.e 3rd Century before CE. Popular belief relates this place as Indraprastha, the capital of Pandavas of Mahabharata.
We visited this place in February 2024 during our New Delhi tour. The massive complex with red sandstone wall, houses remains of different structures built of yellow quartzite. There is a lake on its side.
The entrance or Bara Darwaza is a massive stone gate, built by Humayun. There are three jarokhas on the top of the gate . After passing through the gate we started our tour from the right. There are two museums. The first museum had large number of exhibits of artifacts fating from 300 BCE to 17th century CE. Exhibits are very well displayed according to the period with brief description and from where it was discovered. The second gallery displays exhibits that are confiscated from various illegal artefacts dealers. Against each exhibits, from where and it was recovered is mentioned. Next you can see Humayun Gate. It's a massive stone structure built in Persian style with two domes on top. There is a staired platform to go under the structure. There are two more gates. The North gate is called Talaqi Darwaza or Forbidden Gate. This gate was used only by the emperor and his family. This gate is believed to be built by Sher Shah and never opened for visitors. The South Gate is comparatively a simpler structure. The mosque, madrasa and the hamam built inside are some of the must visit. It will take you few hours to see the entire complex.
A must see to get a taste of history and mystery around this structure.
Written 15 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Praveen M
Hyderabad, India45 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
Totally new to Delhi went to Old fort (Purana Qila) and disappointed with the people around us.
It is just a place for lovers to make love and we felt uncomfortable to move around in the park being a tourist couple.
I would not recommend this to tourists and prefer Humayun tomb or Red fort instead.
Just don't waste time.
It is just a place for lovers to make love and we felt uncomfortable to move around in the park being a tourist couple.
I would not recommend this to tourists and prefer Humayun tomb or Red fort instead.
Just don't waste time.
Written 3 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fran-Svk
India220 contributions
May 2022
another nice historical place here in New Delhi. old walls, including 3 gates (unfortunately without access), excellent mosque (Qila-e-kuhna masjid), interesting water well (20m deep with staircase!), and small museum in one area. nice, like it.
and again as foreigner one will pay 300r...
and again as foreigner one will pay 300r...
Written 15 May 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soumya P
New Delhi, India24 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
Only went there to see the 7:30 pm light and sound show- Ishq e dilli.
While the concept is very good however the quality of the show was fairly average. The projected images on the fort wall was not very clear.
The audio and narration was very good and We enjoyed listening to the history of Delhi..
While the concept is very good however the quality of the show was fairly average. The projected images on the fort wall was not very clear.
The audio and narration was very good and We enjoyed listening to the history of Delhi..
Written 23 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Suraj Patel
New Delhi, India32 contributions
Dec 2020 • Family
• It was a wonderful experience there.
• There were many things to see such as baoli, bada darwaza, and old monuments.
• Great place for photo shoot.
• There is a place under ground where it's path goes to trench but don't worry it is closed now. You can't go there.
• There were many things to see such as baoli, bada darwaza, and old monuments.
• Great place for photo shoot.
• There is a place under ground where it's path goes to trench but don't worry it is closed now. You can't go there.
Written 31 December 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InnaYYZ
Toronto, Canada1,496 contributions
Feb 2020
The current day fort was built in the 16th century, and replaced structures, some dating back over 2,000 years before its construction. Best to go at night to enjoy the light and sound show.
Written 20 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macedonboy
Glasgow, UK185,662 contributions
Dec 2019
Purana Qila is a fort complex thats thought to have been in use in various guises since the 5th century BC and possibly even mentioned in the Indian epic, Mahabharata. The most interesting buildings in the complex are the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque, Sher Mandal and the museum.
Definitely worth visiting when in Delhi, give yourself a couple of hours to see everything.
Definitely worth visiting when in Delhi, give yourself a couple of hours to see everything.
Written 28 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tarique S
New Delhi, India581 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Purana Qila has witnessed rise and fall of many Sultans and the amazing Light and Sound Show at evening narrates the history in a very gripping manner. Ruins that has seen almost a millennium of time elapsed and yet standing firmly telling its tale to everyone. This quite and calm place is perfect to hang out with family and friends. Nearby is a zoo which can be good place for children.
Important Info:
1. Parking is available. Zoo and Purana Qila has a common Parking. Its big and charge is INR 40/-.
2. Entry fee is INR 25/- for Indian adults and INR 300/- for Foreigners. For Children its free. Additional INR 20/- per head is to be paid, if one desires to visit Lake side of the Fort.
3. The Fort is spread in a huge area, with mainly 3 segments.
4. There is a Light and Sound Show at evening, which is indeed worth watching. Open air sitting arrangements. Enter early and grab front seat.
Price: INR 100/- per head
Time: 1st Show (Hindi) - 7 pm to 8 pm, 2nd Show (English) - 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
5. Boat ride is also available in Lake near Fort.
6. There is a Food Corner near parking, where you can get all those junky food and soft beverages.
7. There are Public Toilets, one near Parking and one inside the Fort as well.
So! Enjoy your Puarana Qila outing. Good Luck
Important Info:
1. Parking is available. Zoo and Purana Qila has a common Parking. Its big and charge is INR 40/-.
2. Entry fee is INR 25/- for Indian adults and INR 300/- for Foreigners. For Children its free. Additional INR 20/- per head is to be paid, if one desires to visit Lake side of the Fort.
3. The Fort is spread in a huge area, with mainly 3 segments.
4. There is a Light and Sound Show at evening, which is indeed worth watching. Open air sitting arrangements. Enter early and grab front seat.
Price: INR 100/- per head
Time: 1st Show (Hindi) - 7 pm to 8 pm, 2nd Show (English) - 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
5. Boat ride is also available in Lake near Fort.
6. There is a Food Corner near parking, where you can get all those junky food and soft beverages.
7. There are Public Toilets, one near Parking and one inside the Fort as well.
So! Enjoy your Puarana Qila outing. Good Luck
Written 25 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mimmie1807
Bengaluru, India185 contributions
Apr 2012 • Friends
One of the highlights of Delhi tourism is the son et lumiere “Ishq-e-Dilli” at the Purana Quila (Old Fort). An hour long light and sound spectacle showcasing the tumultuous history of Delhi through the centuries.
The show goes through the annals of history with the emotional, articulate narration and interesting picture projections. Pages of history unfold with all the drama, culture, mystery, and brutality of the various invaders. The contributions and the destructions. What they conquered and what they constructed. Their quest for property and power and the legacies they left in their wake. We see repeated destructions and subsequent phoenix-like resurrections of the city. Starting with Prithivi Raj Chauhan, to the Slave and Khiji dynasties, the Tugluks and the Moghuls, the British and then Independence, right up to the Delhi of today with the NCRs and the Metro connection.
One gets to see India’s first permanent projection art installation against the fixed backdrop of an ancient ruin. The imagery is artful and there are some very realistic scenes like Humayun tripping down the stairs of his library. The old sound and light show highlighting minarets and towers is done away with and the new colourful show has been edited cleverly using pillars, alcoves, and gates to add emphasis to every moving frame as the story of Delhi unfolds.
Probably, to break the monotony of the narration, the historical line up has been interspersed with random forays into the Mahabharata and Indraprastha, and, enjoyable kathak and dervish dance sequences which are more contemporary than those typical of the mughal period or slave dynasty.
The staff at the site is polite and courteous, the tickets are very reasonably priced. However, there are a few areas that need improvement. Stagnant water at the entrance could be cleaned. Coils could be lit around the seating area to avoid the mosquito menace during the show. The pathway from the ticket booth to the show site could be lit to avoid visitors either having to look over their shoulders or watch their step in the dark. Dont let this put you off, arm yourself with Odomos and a torch and you are good to go.
Under the canopy of the stars, the history of Delhi is brought to life by modern projection techniques in the serene ambience of majestic ruins.
Information: Parking is at the Zoological Gardens, tickets cost Rs80 for adults and Rs40 for children 3-12years, students, senior citizens & the physically challenged. There are two shows everyday, Hindi followed by English. Timings differ with the seasons, check with Delhi Tourism telephone 23315322.
The show goes through the annals of history with the emotional, articulate narration and interesting picture projections. Pages of history unfold with all the drama, culture, mystery, and brutality of the various invaders. The contributions and the destructions. What they conquered and what they constructed. Their quest for property and power and the legacies they left in their wake. We see repeated destructions and subsequent phoenix-like resurrections of the city. Starting with Prithivi Raj Chauhan, to the Slave and Khiji dynasties, the Tugluks and the Moghuls, the British and then Independence, right up to the Delhi of today with the NCRs and the Metro connection.
One gets to see India’s first permanent projection art installation against the fixed backdrop of an ancient ruin. The imagery is artful and there are some very realistic scenes like Humayun tripping down the stairs of his library. The old sound and light show highlighting minarets and towers is done away with and the new colourful show has been edited cleverly using pillars, alcoves, and gates to add emphasis to every moving frame as the story of Delhi unfolds.
Probably, to break the monotony of the narration, the historical line up has been interspersed with random forays into the Mahabharata and Indraprastha, and, enjoyable kathak and dervish dance sequences which are more contemporary than those typical of the mughal period or slave dynasty.
The staff at the site is polite and courteous, the tickets are very reasonably priced. However, there are a few areas that need improvement. Stagnant water at the entrance could be cleaned. Coils could be lit around the seating area to avoid the mosquito menace during the show. The pathway from the ticket booth to the show site could be lit to avoid visitors either having to look over their shoulders or watch their step in the dark. Dont let this put you off, arm yourself with Odomos and a torch and you are good to go.
Under the canopy of the stars, the history of Delhi is brought to life by modern projection techniques in the serene ambience of majestic ruins.
Information: Parking is at the Zoological Gardens, tickets cost Rs80 for adults and Rs40 for children 3-12years, students, senior citizens & the physically challenged. There are two shows everyday, Hindi followed by English. Timings differ with the seasons, check with Delhi Tourism telephone 23315322.
Written 26 April 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Almost good for couples but mostly crowded in evening hours. But you can enjoy dj sounds with fountains.
Written 12 October 2019
In old fort anybody get a danger like police or a guard scold for get come closer and kiss or hug there.. Plzz tell me i am very confused about go there with my girl friend..
Written 17 July 2019
In the old fort couples get come closer and kiss or hug there plzz tell me...
Written 15 July 2019
Yes you can do it but you should escape from cctv camaras and gaurds. Privacy should be must.
Written 12 October 2019
How crowded does it get during the new year weekend?
Written 24 December 2018
Well, to be honest I have never been there during NY weekend so it’s hard to comment. Though I must say that depending upon how cold & foggy it gets, it’s quite possible to be crowded.
Written 25 December 2018
No , you have to lock it with your bike.
Written 12 October 2019
What is the best place to park and enter the fort? Also, where does on buy the tickets for Light and Sound show?
Written 19 September 2016
When you enter from the road you will find two ways, one for zoological park and the other one that is on the left side is purana qila but the parking space is common for both in between.
And for tickets, you should visit ticket counter on the entry gate of purana qila.
Thank you.
May this help you.
Written 20 September 2016
Is the sound and light show at old fort worth going to? The red fort version was very outdated and has not changed since i was a kid and given i am over 50 that was a long time ago!
Written 2 April 2015
I have not been for the Sight and Sound show at the Old Fort in recent memory. However I am sure the sound and lighting equipment has been updated over the years. The content might still be the same with minor additions / alterations and will definitely feel familiar if you have been there earlier - after all the historic facts have not changed. In case you are going during the day, a guided tour is recommended to get the most out of the experience. You can search for tours / walks on Facebok and Google for this. Please check reviews of the guides / tour operators offering the walks.
Written 3 April 2015
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