Red Fort (Lal Qila), Delhi

The Red Fort is Shah Jahan's 17th-century palace-fortress and one of Delhi's three UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Here are its timings, the Monday closure and the ASI ticket prices for cash and online payment.

The Red Fort (Lal Qila) was the palace-citadel of Shahjahanabad, the city Shah Jahan founded when he moved the Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi in 1638. Its massive red sandstone walls enclose a sequence of courts and pavilions that were the centre of Mughal court life until 1857. Visitors enter through the Lahori Gate, which faces Chandni Chowk, and pass through the Chhatta Chowk, a covered bazaar arcade that still has shops.

Beyond the Naubat Khana (drum house) is the Diwan-i-Am, the hall of public audience with the emperor's marble throne canopy. Along the river side are the marble pavilions: the Diwan-i-Khas, where the Peacock Throne once stood, the Khas Mahal, the Rang Mahal, the royal baths (hammam), and Aurangzeb's small Moti Masjid. After 1857 the British used much of the fort as a garrison, and many buildings were lost. The fort complex was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2007.

Several museums now operate inside, including the Red Fort Archaeological Museum in the Mumtaz Mahal. On 15 August each year the Prime Minister raises the national flag from the ramparts of the Lahori Gate and addresses the nation. The Jai Hind sound and light show is held in the evenings except on Mondays. Expect a security check at the entrance, and allow at least two to three hours to walk the whole complex. The nearest metro stations are Lal Quila and Chandni Chowk.

The fort is closed on Mondays and may also close at short notice for security or state events, especially around Independence Day.