Purana Qila (Old Fort) Ticket Price 2026, Timings, Boating Price, Nearest Metro

Purana Qila is located on Mathura Road, New Delhi. It is one of the oldest forts in Delhi and is considered the capital of the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharata. So it is also known as the Indraprastha Purana Qila. The Old Fort entry gate is located near the Delhi Zoo entry gate. It is one of the most visited historical monuments in Delhi. It spans a wide area, and outside the Purana Qila, visitors can enjoy boating. The fort is spread out in a rectangular shape, with a circuit of around 2 kilometers. Boating at Purana Qila resumed after a 9-year hiatus. It is like a landmark of Delhi, and the walls of the old fort can be seen from the main road. It is one of the few places in Delhi and NCR with boating.

We have visited Purana Qila in Delhi multiple times including with family and kids. We found it to be a nice place, more popular among couples looking for some private time. Visitors with kids should not go deep inside the Fort, as some couples might cross the boundaries, which might make you feel uncomfortable.

About Purana Qila

The current form of Purana Qila is believed to have been built by Sher Shah Suri, and it remained incomplete after the death of the Afghan King Sher Shah Suri in 1545. The big gate and the fort’s walls were built by Humayun. It is also known as the capital of the Pandavas. A village, Indrapat, was located inside the fort walls until 1913. Humayun Tomb and Old Fort were refugee camps during the partition in 1947. During excavations conducted by the Archaeological Survey of India, various pottery and objects were found and are on display at the Archaeological Museum, Purana Qila.

Purana Qila Boating Price

A large lake and a park are located outside the old fort, and access to the lake is from the Mathura side, near the old fort ticket counter. The park entrance is 20 Rs for adults, and boating visitors must also purchase a ticket. Boating has been paused since 2016, and trials for boating at Purana Qila began on 30 June 2025. The duration of the ride is 20 minutes and we have experienced the boating at Purana Qila after a long wait of 9 years.

Purana Qila Ticket Price 2026 and Timings

Purana Qila Timings are from Sunrise to sunset, and it is open all day. Opening times are at sunrise, and it closes at sunset. The entry ticket for Purana Qila is 20 Rs for adults. Foreigners need to pay a premium charge of 200 INR. No charge for using a still camera inside the fort, and for a video camera, visitors need to pay additional charges. SAARC and BIMSTEC countries’ citizens need to pay an amount similar to that of Indian Nationals.

Visitors can book Old Fort tickets from the ASI website at a discounted price. Charges for Indian Nationals are shared below.

Purana Qila Light and Sound Show

A sound and light show is also organized in the premises of the Old Fort after sunset on days except Friday. The show name is Ishq e Dilli. Ishq E Dilli is a one-hour-long show that shows the love of various rulers, including Mughals and the British Raj. Two shows are scheduled for this amazing Hindi and English show. Ticket prices for this show are 100 Rs for Adults. Children 3 to 12 years, senior citizens, students, and the physically challenged need to pay 50 Rs for this amazing show. We have experienced the sound and light show at Old Fort a few years ago, visitors are advised to check the current timing and prices.

Purana Qila User Guide

Visitors can park their vehicles at the Delhi Zoo parking lot, located just in front of the Old Fort. The nearest metro station is Supreme Court (Pragati Maidan) on the blue line. If you are planning to visit the fort during the summer season, please note that the weather in Delhi is very hot and humid.

The best time to visit the fort is during the rainy or winter season, or in the evening when the weather is pleasant. At least two to three hours are required to explore the fort and its areas. Inside the fort Archaeological Museum and garden are also located. Delhi Zoo is a must-visit place that is located just in front of the fort gate. Other nearby tourist places are National Science Center and India Gate. It is a very good place for photographs as most of the fort and gardens are well-maintained. It is a hot spot for a pre-wedding photo shoot in Delhi.

Check: Places to Visit in Delhi