Purana Qila (Old Fort) Attraction Ticket, Delhi

Purana Qila (Old Fort) is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and this visit is sure to give you deep insight into the national capital’s history. Delhi’s history is often spoken of in terms of its seven cities and one of the seven is the Purana Qila, or Old Fort, a 16th-century stone fort near the eastern edge of the city, and a particularly good place from which to tell the story of Delhi’s urban development.

The site has been continuously inhabited for 2,500 years and remains dating from the pre-Mauryan period have been found. The present citadel was begun in the time of Humayun and its construction continued under Sher Shah Suri. The site is often identified with the site of Indraprastha, the capital of the kingdoms of the Pandavas from the Mahabharata.

The Purana Quila is another reminder of the bygone Mughal era which excelled in architectural styles. The Purana Quila has three majestic gates - The Humayun Darwaza, The Bara Darwaza, The Talaqi Darwaza. The three gates are double storied and built with red sandstone. The Humayun Darwaza and the Bara Darwaza were the two gates that were open for entry inside the old fort. Entry was prohibited through the Talaqi Darwaza as the name suggests (talaqi means ‘forbidden') The other two attractions at the fort site are Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid and Sher Mandal and the small museum is worth a visit.