Ancient Fort Purana Quila

The thick walls of the fortress were rectangular in shape and had three gates with ramparts on either side. In ancient times, the fortress was surrounded by a wide moat connecting with the Yamuna River, which flows to the east of the fortress. These walls are up to 18m high and stretch more than 1.5km. The fortress has three main entrances, the Grand Gate facing west and used as the entrance to the fortress to this day. The South Gate is called the Humayun Gate and the Third Gate is called the Talaqi Gate or the Forbidden Gate. All three gates are two-story structures built of sandstone and surrounded by two large semicircular towers decorated with colorful marble and green tiles. Inside there is a stepwell, a tower used as a library and observatory, and a beautiful mosque.

Humayun began building this structure in 1533, but he was defeated after a few years by the Sher king Shah Suri. About 15 years later, Humayun recaptured the fortress, but soon he tripped over the library's stairs and died there. Today there is also an epic light and sound show held every evening to tell the story.

The Archaeological Survey of India once conducted excavations in the fort to find signs of Indraprastha, an ancient city famous in Indian epics, but without success. In the process, archaeologists have unearthed numerous artefacts from every period dating back to 300 BC, probably around the time the city of Delhi was founded.

Today, the fort is surrounded by a zoo, and the moat is ideal for boating. The fortress not only attracts history enthusiasts, it is also a place where couples seek privacy or escape from the noisy city.

Opening hours: 07:00 - 17:00

Admission: 300 INR