A symbol of erstwhile Tughlaq Dynasty, the Tughlaqabad Fort is an architectural marvel. It showcases the strength and power of this long-forgotten dynasty. This fort was a great wall of defense with its formidable structure. The construction of the fort speaks volumes about the grim history of this dynasty. An impressive landmark in Delhi, it is the city’s pride. Its gigantic stone structure is visible from afar. In the evenings, the fort sparkles like a jewel, bathed in the brightness of focused lights. Its height is 10-15 meters and has impressive battlement bastions and parapets.
The fort is now a quiet and lonely symbol of the Tughlaq dynasty. Tughlaqabad fort’s architecture is inspired by the Indo-Islamic culture. All this makes this fort a unique construction of its time.
Best Time To Visit Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi
The ideal time to visit the fort is between October to March as the weather is cool and dry during this time. The temperature hovers around 20 to 25 degrees, making it suitable for exploring this fort at a leisurely pace. The fort remains open on all 7 days of the week and the entry time is 09:00 am to 05:00 pm.
History Of Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi
Historians claim that the fort was built in the 14th century. During this time, Ghyasuddin Tughlaq came to power after conducting a successful political coup against the Khilji rule and then established a township in the name of his kingdom Tughlaqabad. Construction of a magnificent fort and a town in the name of the kingdom was a dream of Ghyasuddin and immediately after gaining control over the throne, he started the work. The construction of the fort took 4 years to complete. The fort was built for defence purposes and not as an architectural specimen.
The primary motive was to build a safe place from the Mongol invaders and attacks. There are many folklores behind the abandonment of the fort and the two majorly believed stories belong to Sufi saints. As per the first one, renowned Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Aulia cursed Ghyasuddin’s fort by saying “Ya rahey ujjar, ya basey Gujjar” which means either the fort should stay barren or gets visited by nomads who don’t stay at a place for long. Another story claims that a Sufi Saint predicted: “hanuz Dili dur aste” for the then ruler of the fort which meant that ‘Delhi is very far’ and later the news of the murder of the ruler on his way back to Delhi from Bengal came.
Today, the fort is preserved and maintained by ASI. The fort does not see many visitors as the tag of haunted keeps the tourists and locals away from this place. Many believe the curse of the Sufi saint still works and that’s why no one wants to visit the fort. But people who visit this fort have nothing but words of praise and curiosity for this indomitable fort, standing tall with pride.
Major Attractions In And Around Tughlaqabad Fort
Tughlaqabad Fort was constructed as a defense against invasions from invaders of Mongolia. But, it inadvertently became a symbol of the unique architectural style that was typical in the Tughlaq Dynasty. Here are a few major attractions of the fort that keeps people hooked to its charm.
1. Architecture
The architecture of the fort is such that it will leave you awestruck. It is divided into two sections - one section comprises the citadel and the other has the palatial residences. The entire construction is done on granite and covers 6 km of land.
2. Spooky Stories
The fort has a rich history and because the place was ruled by Ghiyas-ud-din, Tughlaq locals share many stories about him. Historians claim that Ghiyasudin was quite happy with the design and construction of the fort. He ordered all the labourers of the region to build this fort which disappointed a Sufi Saint, Hazarat Nizamuddin Aulia, as the construction of a Baoli (well) got impacted by this decision. Many believe that he then cursed the king and as a result of it, the place got abandoned and got the tag of haunted after some years.
3. Artificial Lake
The tomb is built up in the main centre of the fort. The fort also features an artificial man-made lake that is visited and admired by tourists for its beauty. At present, the lake has been transformed into the Mehrauli-Badarpur road.
4. Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq
Tomb of Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq is on the entryway and has been built upon the red sandstone. Alongside this, one can also explore the lush green lawns. Built-up in the centre of the fort complex, the construction of the tomb is such that the voice gets amplified here.
How To Reach Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi
To reach Tughlaqabad Fort, you can travel using any mode of transportation. Since the monument is located in Delhi, the capital of India, it is well-connected with different parts of the country by air, rail, and road transport. Check out the following details on how you can reach Tughlaqabad Fort by the following means of public transport.
- Nearest Major City. Delhi
- Nearest Airport. Indira Gandhi International Airport, Delhi
- Nearest Railway Station. Nizamuddin Railway Station
By Air
Deboard at the Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) situated about 20 km away. The Delhi Airport has very good flight connectivity with several prominent cities and towns of India via direct and connecting flights. From the airport, you can easily book a taxi, hire an auto-rickshaw, take a bus or a metro to reach here.
- Distance from the Indira Gandhi International Airport. 18.5 Km
Popular Domestic Flights to Delhi
By Train
Deboard at the Nizamuddin Railway Station which is just 10-15 km away from the fort. The said station is well-routed with other Indian cities with good train frequency. From the railway station, board a cab, bus, auto-rickshaw or metro to reach here.
- Distance from Nizamuddin Railway Station. 11 Km
By Road
If you are residing in nearby regions, then you can also consider travelling here by roadways. The overall road connectivity to Delhi from other cities is very good as the national highways and roads are well-maintained and well-connected. You can take state-run/private buses, board a taxi or drive your own vehicle to this place.
- Distance From Jaipur. 272 Km
- Distance From Panipat. 107.3 Km
- Distance From Chandigarh. 256.8 Km
- Distance From Bhopal. 767.6 Km
- Distance From Kanpur. 475 Km
- Distance From Sirsa. 266.9 Km
- Distance From Mumbai. 1405.5 Km
- Distance From Kolkata. 1537.5 Km
- Distance From Bengaluru. 2154.5 Km
- Distance From Lucknow. 535 Km
- Distance From Agra. 203 Km
Frequently Asked Questions About Tughlaqabad Fort Delhi
Ques 1. What is the story behind Tughlaqabad Fort?
Ans 1. There are many folklores behind the abandonment of the fort and the two majorly believed stories belong to Sufi saints. As per the first one, renowned Sufi Saint Nizamuddin Aulia cursed Ghyasuddin’s fort by saying “Ya rahey ujjar, ya basey Gujjar” which means either the fort should stay barren or gets visited by nomads who don’t stay at a place for long. It is considered as haunted.
Ques 2. Who built Tughlaqabad Fort?
Ans 2. Historians claim that the fort was built in the 14th century by Ghiyasuddin Tuglaq.
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