Architectural splendour and historical mystique

Get ready to be amazed by the impressive architecture of Purana Qila. Its towering walls, which stretch nearly 1.5 kilometres and reach 18 meters in height, are not just barriers; they also serve as grand entrances. Today, the Bara Darwaza, the western entrance, still welcomes visitors, while the Humayun Gate to the south stands as a silent sentinel. Even the Talaqi Gate (‘forbidden gate’) adds to the mystique with its ornate decorations.

As you step inside the fort, you will find captivating structures that have stood the test of time. The Qila-i Kuhna Mosque, built by Sher Shah Suri in 1541, is a stunning example of pre-Mughal design, with its single dome serving as a testament to a bygone era. The Sher Mandal, a double-storied octagonal tower built by Babur as a personal observatory and library for his son Humayun, offers a poignant reminder of history's twists of fate – it was from here that Humayun tragically fell to his death.

Explore the baoli, a stepwell that provided life-sustaining water, and the hammam, a place of relaxation and rejuvenation. Beyond the fort walls, you'll find the Kairul Manzil, a mosque that was later turned into a madrasa (a religious Islamic school). Additionally, for a touch of nature, there's a serene lake on one side and a lively zoo on the other, offering a welcome change of pace.