Red Fort ? the Ultimate in Strength, Eminence and Charisma
Delhi sits on the Yamuna River’s bank towards the north of India and is the biggest metropolis of the country. Like other tourist destinations in India, Delhi too flaunts magnificent architecture, both ancient and modern, dotting the city. Some of the not to be missed attractions in Delhi are the Akshardham Temple, Lotus Temple, Jantar Mantar, Connaught Place and Gateway of India among myriads of others.
The Red Fort in Delhi is a superlative example of ancient forts in India. The Red Fort was built in the 17th century and remains today as an important cultural and historic attraction in Delhi. Since 2007, Red Fort has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, standing tall over centuries embodying the strength and eminence of its country.
Initially this impressive ruddy-toned Red Fort was built as a palace complex in the newly-made capital Shahjahanabad. This name was derived from its founder’s name who also happens to be the most famous ruler of Indian history, the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. He is the very emperor who built the most enchanting marvel Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Until 1857, the Red Fort was the capital of India. It was around that time the British Indian government was formed and the former Mughal ruler was exiled. Red Fort inevitably became the British military’s formidable camp and remained so until India won its independence from British rule on 15th August 1947. To commemorate this most important day of India, every year on the Independence Day the Prime Minister hoists the national flag on the rampart of Red Fort’s Lahore Gate.
The Red Fort’s splendour can be gauged as soon you come into its vicinity. Made of red sandstone, its impregnable walls run as long as two kilometres. The fort was built from 1638 to 1648 and was originally used as the royal palace of Emperor Shah Jahan. The fort displays the most stunning artistry you find in Indian architecture.
The design of this fort is a quintessential fusion of several art styles. Taking Mughal architecture and craftsmanship to new heights and lengths, the Red Fort proudly portrays an elemental potpourri of Indian, Timurid, Persian and European styles.
Within the fort you will come across a fine courtyard surrounded by ornate pavilions. Each pavilion is a masterpiece of breathtaking decorations. Out of them all, Diwan-i-Amm is the most spectacular pavilion, which served in the past as the public imperial audience. It even has a special throne balcony reserved for the emperor. A ruddy colonnade with scalloped arches provides amazing vistas to its audience.
Diwan-i-Khas is another pavilion made of marble and embellished with semiprecious stones and floral decor. Another highlight to observe at the Red Fort is Zenana, also called women’s quarters which boasts of gilded ceilings and marble pools. A tour in Red Fort will take you to the times of the glorious Shah Jahan’s empire where aesthetics and creativity were at their zenith.
Base yourself at a cosy New Delhi hotel and start experiencing the magic of Delhi while exploring the city’s attractions. The Leela Palace Kempinski New Delhi is where you can take pleasure in the most delightful creature comforts only available at the top New Delhi luxury hotels. A delectable array of cuisines awaits you at its modern restaurants that will take you on thematic rides in a culinary wonderland.