Purana Qila, Delhi — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
Purana Qila (the Old Fort) is a 16th-century fort in central Delhi linked with Humayun and Sher Shah Suri, with gates, walls and a mosque inside a large green enclosure.
Purana Qila at a glance
- Built in the 1530s and 1540s, during the reigns of Humayun and Sher Shah Suri.
- The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid, a mosque inside the fort, dates to 1541.
- Sher Mandal, an octagonal tower inside, is associated with Humayun's death after a fall from its steps.
- It is close to Humayun's Tomb and the National Zoological Park.
- A typical visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
What a local guide shows you at Purana Qila
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Purana Qila.
- The Bara Darwaza, the main gate
- The Qila-i-Kuhna mosque
- Sher Mandal and its link to Humayun
- The fort's history under Humayun and Sher Shah Suri
Photography at Purana Qila
Rules on tripods, professional equipment, commercial shoots and drones differ between sites and can change. Check them before a professional shoot.
- The arched gates and red sandstone walls
- The inlay and arches of the Qila-i-Kuhna mosque
- Quiet, open lawns inside the enclosure
Visiting tips for Purana Qila
- Combine it with Humayun's Tomb, which is nearby.
- Mornings and late afternoons are more comfortable.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Purana Qila
- Humayun's Tomb (Delhi) — Humayun's Tomb is the garden-tomb of the second Mughal emperor, Humayun, in Nizamuddin East. It is often seen as a forerunner of the Taj…
- India Gate (Delhi) — India Gate is a 42-metre war memorial at the eastern end of Kartavya Path in central New Delhi.
More about Purana Qila
Become a tour guide or photographer at Purana Qila
If you know Purana Qila and Delhi well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Delhi · photography jobs in Delhi · part-time jobs in Delhi.
Related reading
Purana Qila — frequently asked questions
Where is Purana Qila?
Purana Qila is in Delhi, Delhi, India.
What type of place is Purana Qila?
Purana Qila is a fort in Delhi, Delhi.
How long does a visit to Purana Qila take?
A typical visit takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Purana Qila?
Built in the 1530s and 1540s, during the reigns of Humayun and Sher Shah Suri. The Qila-i-Kuhna Masjid, a mosque inside the fort, dates to 1541. Sher Mandal, an octagonal tower inside, is associated with Humayun's death after a fall from its steps. It is close to Humayun's Tomb and the National Zoological Park.
Can I combine Purana Qila with other nearby places?
Yes. Humayun's Tomb and India Gate, in Delhi, are close enough to visit on the same day as Purana Qila.
Who built Purana Qila?
Its construction is linked to Humayun and to Sher Shah Suri, who took Delhi from Humayun. It dates to the 1530s and 1540s.
Can I book a local tour guide for Purana Qila?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Purana Qila?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.