Red Fort (Lal Qila) in Delhi India

The Red Fort (also known as Lal Qila in Hindi), one of the most searched out tourist destinations in Delhi is known for its red coloured bricks. The unique feature of this fort is that its walls extend from two kilometers and vary in height from 18 meters. The fort comprises halls for public and private people, domed and arched marble palaces, lush private apartments, a mosque and ornately designed gardens. With an edge of one and a half miles, the fort is an irregular octagon and has two entrances – the Lahore and Delhi Gates.

The thought of inception of this larger than life monument took place in the year 1639 when the great emperor Shah Jahan decided to transfer his capital from Agra to Delhi and in 1618 he laid the foundation of this great monument. It was also from its walls that the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawharlal Nehru, announced the nation about its freedom from the colonial rule.

Diwan-e-Aam is Hall of Public Audiences where the Emperor used to sit and hear complaints of the common people. The most striking feature of this hallway is the alcove in the back wall where the emperor sat on a richly carved marble platform. The Diwan-e-Khaas is the hall of private audiences where the emperor held his private meetings. It is a pavilion of white marble sustained by intricately carved pillars. Richly bedecked with flowers of inlaid mosaic work of cornelian and other stones, this hall used to hold the Peacock Throne, which was looted away to Iran by Nadir Shah in 1739.

The other magnetism which will attract tourist within the monument is the Shahi Burj, which used to be Shah Jahan's private operational zone and the Pearl Mosque, popularly known as the Moti Masjid which was built by Aurangzeb. The Rang Mahal or the Palace of Colours used to be the space for emperor's wives and mistresses. This palace was crowned with gold painted pillars, skillfully decorated with an intricate mosaic of mirrors, and a ceiling overlaid with gold and silver that was reflected in a central pool in the marble floor. 

The main entrance begins on to the Chatta Chowk, a covered street lined with arched cells that used to be the host to Delhi's most talented jewellers, carpet makers, weavers and goldsmiths. This shopping arcade also known as the Meena Bazaar was meant for the shopping activities for the ladies of the court. Beyond the Chhata Chowk is the heart of the fort called Naubat Khaana where musicians used to play for the emperor and denote the arrival of princes and royalty.