Red Fort

The Red Fort, also known as Lal Qila, was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan between 1638 and 1648, after he shifted his capital from Agra to Delhi. Now a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is also an enduring symbol of political authority. The fort houses official buildings such as the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) and the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), religious structures such as the Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque) as well as private ones such as the hammam (bath) and the Rang Mahal (painted palace). If you’re visiting during the day, it’s best to hire a guide to take in the fort’s history and architecture. However, you can also make a night of it by attending the hour-long Son et Lumiere (sound and light show), which is held daily, in English and Hindi, at the ramparts of the fort. Not only will you see the fort in a different light (literally), you’ll also get an idea of the city’s heritage.