Tughlaqabad Fort
- Attraction
- Price: Low
Tughlaqabad Fort, located in South Delhi, is one of the most impressive and massive fortifications built during the Delhi Sultanate. Constructed in 1321 by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, this grand fort was designed as an impregnable citadel that showcased power, strategy, and architectural brilliance. Spread across nearly 6.5 kilometers, the fort stands as a haunting yet magnificent reminder of Delhi’s medieval past.
The fort was originally planned as a complete city with high stone walls, bastions, and gateways that could withstand invasions. Its rugged construction using enormous blocks of grey stone gives it a fierce, warrior-like appearance that reflects the military genius of Ghiyas-ud-din. Although much of the fort lies in ruins today, the sheer scale of its ramparts, steep slopes, and surviving structures still leaves visitors in awe.
Inside the fort complex, you can spot remnants of palaces, halls, water reservoirs, and underground chambers. The most notable structure nearby is the Mausoleum of Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, located across a causeway on an artificial lake. This striking red sandstone and marble tomb adds a powerful visual element to the fort’s landscape.
Tughlaqabad Fort is also wrapped in layers of legends. One of the most famous stories involves Saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who cursed the fort after a conflict with Ghiyas-ud-din, saying, “Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar”—suggesting it would either remain deserted or be inhabited by nomads. Over time, this folklore became an inseparable part of the fort’s identity.
Today, Tughlaqabad Fort is a popular attraction for history lovers, photographers, architecture enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys exploring offbeat heritage sites. Its raw beauty, vast landscapes, and atmospheric ruins make it one of Delhi’s most fascinating historical monuments.
