Red Fort
Emperor Shah Jahan built Delhi's most magnificent monument, the Red Fort. It stands testimony to the most powerful peak period of the Mughal Empire in India. This celebrated monument of Delhi has been declared UNESCO recognised back in 2007. Built in 1648, it took nearly 10 years to complete this marvellous structure in red sandstone.
The Red Fort is one of the finest exemplars of the Mughal architecture. For more than 200 years till 1857, it served as the royal residence for the Mughal Emperors.
Sprawling across an area of 254.67 acres, the Red Fort has walls extending up to 2 kms in length with the height varying from 18 mts. on the river side to 33 mts. on the city side.
The Red Fort, Delhi has two main entrances, the Delhi Gate and the Lahori Gate. The Red Fort (Lal Qila) is an eloquent reminder of the glory of the Mughal Empire. Shah Jahan when came to Delhi after ruling Agra, laid the foundation stone of Red Fort Delhi in 1618 and finally it's inauguration was done in 1647.
He planned to shift the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi, however he got locked up in prison by his own son Aurangzeb who is considered as the last effective Mughal ruler in India.
Since Independence, the Indian Prime Minister delivers a speech on the Independence day [August 15] every year, addressing the nation and its people. When you visit Delhi, the Red Fort is the prime attraction and a must visit.