When we found out that there’s a Hop on-hop off service, we thought we might as well use that to explore the city, especially since it’s so widespread.
First stop: the Red Fort, a historic site in Old Delhi that served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors.
Before you enter the big red fortress
Emperor Shah Jahan commissioned constructing the Fort in 1638, after deciding to shift his capital from Agra to Delhi.
Unfortunately for him, he could only enjoy the place for a short while: first the construction took 9 years and then, in 1658 his son imprisoned the emperor in their fort in Agra (where Shah Jahan died 8 years later).
The Lal Qila or Red Fort owes its name to the red sandstone (coming from Agra), from which it was built.
The painting – originally red and white – sprung from the mind of architect Ustad Ahmad Lahori, who also constructed the Taj Mahal.
The construction of the fortress shows the impressive building skills and Mughal architecture back in the days.
The huge property (900 x 500 meters) is surrounded by a 2,4 km. long and in some places up to 30 meters high wall.
And with all the palaces, bazaars and mosques inside, the fort equals a complete city within the city of Delhi.
The Indian War Memorial Museum inside the fort gives you a lot of information and a good impression of the struggle for freedom of the nation over the centuries.
Some shots inside the Indian War Memorial Museum
The bus tour we took ended up little successful: because of the immense size of the fort, you need at least a few hours to explore.
But when you consider going to Delhi, we still recommend you to do the hop on-hop off: with the two day ticket you can really make it your money worth (seeing at least 4 or 5 other highlights). Or go cycling! If it’s a bit less cold.. ❄
Breuhuys 
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