Purana Qila
Purana Qila (Old Fort) is one of Delhi's oldest and most significant Mughal-era fortresses, built in the 16th century by Emperor Humayun and Sher Shah Suri on a site with archaeological traces dating to 1000 BCE. It anchors the sixth city of Delhi, Dinpanah, and houses a mosque, museum, and scenic lake.
Key facts
| Hours | Daily 07:00–17:00 |
|---|---|
| Price | free |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Pragati Maidan Metro Station (Blue Line), ~2 km / ~15–20 min walk or 5-min auto-rickshaw |
| Time needed | 1–2 hours for the fort; add time for the museum and lakeside |
| Best time to go | October to March (cool, dry weather); mornings on weekdays to avoid crowds |
| Last verified | July 12, 2026 |
Locals Score
- Value8.0
- Freshness5.9
- Crowd level7.5
- Authenticity7.5
- Accessibility6.5
Frequently asked questions
- Which metro station is closest to Purana Qila?
- Pragati Maidan Metro Station on the Blue Line is the most convenient stop, roughly 2 km from the fort's main entrance. From the station, take an auto-rickshaw (5–7 minutes) or walk in about 15–20 minutes along Mathura Road.
- Who built Purana Qila and when?
- The fort was begun by Mughal Emperor Humayun around 1533 as the inner citadel of his planned city Dinpanah, and substantially completed by Afghan ruler Sher Shah Suri after he defeated Humayun in 1540. Archaeological excavations have found evidence of human settlement at the site dating back to at least 1000 BCE, and the site is traditionally identified with the Mahabharata city of Indraprastha.
- What is the best time of year to visit Purana Qila?
- October to March is ideal, when Delhi's weather is cool and dry, making it comfortable to walk the fort's roughly 2-km circuit. Avoid the May–August monsoon and summer heat. Weekday mornings are quietest; weekends draw larger local crowds, especially families visiting the adjacent Delhi Zoo.
- What are Purana Qila's opening hours?
- The fort is open every day of the week from 07:00 AM to 05:00 PM, with no weekly closing day. The on-site Archaeological Museum (free entry) keeps its own hours of 09:00 AM to 05:00 PM and is closed on Fridays and public holidays.
- What is the entry fee for Purana Qila?
- The ASI-set entry fee is ₹5 for Indian nationals (including SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens) and ₹200–₹300 for foreign nationals depending on the source; verify the current rate at the ASI ticket counter or the official ASI booking portal before visiting. Children under 15 enter free. Still-camera photography is free; a video camera attracts an additional charge.
- Is the light and sound show at Purana Qila running?
- As of early 2025, the light and sound show remains suspended. It was shut during the COVID-19 pandemic and has been further delayed due to an ongoing revamp by ITDC and ASI involving new laser and LED installations. Check the ITDC website (itdc.co.in) for the latest resumption date before planning an evening visit.
- What are the key monuments to see inside Purana Qila?
- The three main highlights are the Qila-i-Kuhna Mosque (built by Sher Shah Suri in 1542 in Indo-Islamic style), the Sher Mandal octagonal tower (where Humayun fatally fell), and the Humayun Darwaza (southern gateway). The on-site Archaeological Museum displays Painted Grey Ware pottery from 1000 BCE through Mughal-era artefacts.
- Can I go boating at Purana Qila?
- Boating on the scenic lake outside the fort walls had been suspended since 2016 but resumed on a trial basis in June 2025. Entry to the lakeside park is nominal; boating tickets are purchased separately at the counter near the Mathura Road side of the fort.
Nearby in Ask Delhi
- Purana Qila (Old Fort)Attraction0.04 km · 1 min walk
- Purana Qila Archaeological MuseumMuseum0.18 km · 2 min walk
- Café LotaCafé0.49 km · 6 min walk
- Crafts MuseumMuseum0.49 km · 6 min walk
- National Gallery of Modern ArtMuseum0.96 km · 12 min walk
Where to stay near Purana Qila
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