Where there is history at a stoneās throw away, it is Delhi. Hauz Khas Fort is another eminent historical monument from Delhi. The fort got its name from the current Hauz Khas residential area. The Hauz Khas Fort and the gorgeous lake in the complex are perfect way to spend a peaceful afternoon.
Hauz Khas Fort
Hauz Khas Fort with a lake is an unknown fort from Delhi, India. The Hauz Khas complex in recent times has gained popularity because of the upcoming hip cafĆ©s. The Hauz Has complex is more than just restaurants and I highly recommend visiting the Hauz Khas Fort when youāre in Delhi.Ā
There is no entry fee for Hauz Has Fort and it is open from morning to evening.Ā
History of Hauz Khas Fort
The Hauz Khas Fort complex goes back to the 12th century during the Alauddin Khilji dynasty. The water reservoir was the original fort complex built for Delhiās city which is now the famous lake of the Hauz Khas complex. Alauddin founded the city, of Siri in Delhi, where the current fort lies. The lake today was once named āHauz-i-Alaiā after its founder Alauddin Khilji. Although, Firoz Shah Tuqlak restored the water body in the 13th century and constructed the entire fort. The fort was then included with a tomb, madrassas, Ā mosques, and pavilions and designed as a modern structure the fort. The Madrassa and the mosque on the first and second floors face the reservoir. The madrassa bore a unique L-shaped design with staircases designed towards the lake.Ā
What to expect in the Hauz Khas Fort?
The present-day structure is not very well maintained given credit to its free entry. Although, the current structures of the Fort are worth exploring.Ā
Pavilions
Right at the entry of the Hauz Khas Fort, stands the six pavilions amid a garden. The exquisite pavilions have domes with intricate work representing graves. Although the gardens and the pavilions were historically considered to be a part of Madrassa as well.
Mosque
There is a small mosque going towards the northern side of the Hauz Khas Fort overlooking the lake. The mosque also showcases a similar dome-styled architecture.Ā
Madrassa
A small elevated staircase on the lane going towards the mosque took me to the famous Madrassa. Once one of the famous IslÄmic learning institutions of the Delhi Sultanate, the Madrassa has an architecture for admiring. The lobby on the first floorĀ is decorated with small arches with gorgeous views of the lake. An iconic L-shaped architecture is now waiting to be restored.Ā
*Tip ā The lobby of the Madrassa is a picture-perfect Instagram-worthy spot from the Hauz Khas Fort.Ā
Firoz Shahās Tomb
The Firoz Shahās Tomb is another significant landmark from the Hauz Khas Fort. Located between the L-shaped Madrassa on the first floor. The tomb has four graves, one of the Firoz himself and the other three of hisĀ sons and grandsons. Unlike other tombs in Delhi, rubble and plaster built the Firoz Shahās Tomb. But red sandstone was also used to write some sections of inscriptions. The entry gate of the tomb portrays a blend of Indian & IslÄmic architecture.
Hauz Khas Lake
The staircase from the Madrassa leading to the Hauz KhasĀ Lake is now closed keeping safety in mind. So, thereās no direct way to reach the Hauz Khas Lake from the fort. To visit the Lake, I exited the Hauz Khas Fort altogether. Amid all the upstate cafĆ© in the Hauz Khas village, is a narrow lane going towards the lake. TheĀ Hauz Khas Lake is now officially a part of the park of the Hauz Khas village complex and thusĀ a different entry. Ā The lake is a quiet spot with various benches available to enjoy the tranquillity there. I recommend spending some quiet time here amid all the hustle and bustle of the Hauz Khas village. Not to mention the lake is completely photogenic with all the green water there.Ā
Suggested Read ā Interesting facts about The Louvre, Paris!!
Graffiti Street Art
A surprise element I found while exploring the Hauz Khas complex. Looking out my way for the lake, I stumbled upon the marvellous hidden graffiti. Apart from the Lodhi complex, the street art from the Hauz Khas complex is now my favourite from Delhi. The perpendicular wall with graffiti is tricky to photograph. At least 100 feet wall might need a great photography angle or a DSLR to capture it in a single frame. I found various bikes parked there blocking my way to capture the art, but even with those in the picture, the photographs are mind-boggling. I am always the person behind the camera but if you would like to picture yourself, donāt hesitate to ask someone to click you. Or best, visit the place with your friends. I even feel while crossing the metal railings to get a close-up of the art, donāt be like me š
Suggest Read ā The rise of Graffiti in India.
Hauz Khas Village
Donāt confuse yourself with the term village, Hauz Khas Village is one of the hippest places in Delhi with upcoming restaurants here. Let it be the famous Laāopera bakery or an Indian restaurant, you will find everything here. Some of the restaurants also offer lake views. On my last visit to the Hauz Khas Village, I tried the blueberry cake from Laāopera, and I can say you can give it a try.Ā
How to Reach Hauz Khas Fort
Hauz Khas Fort in South Delhi is one of the prime locations in Delhi. The fort is in the residential complex and even a walk from nearby in a nice weather will be a memorable one.
- MetroĀ ā Hauz Khas metro is the closest station to the fort at about 2 km. From the Hauz Khas metro, an autorickshaw is the best way to reach the fort. One can opt for an auto rickshaw and they charge no more than 50 INR but can bargain till as low as 30 INR.Ā
- Uber/Ā OlaĀ ā Hauz Khas is in the posh areas of southĀ Delhi. So if youāre staying there, you can opt for a cab. But the area is usually jam-packed during peak office hours.Ā So, avoid cabs in peak hours.
- Rented/Personal Car ā The drive to the Hauz Khas Fort is another easy way the commute. Thereās a parking facility available just outside the villageās entrance.Ā
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such a beautiful and detailed blog..:)
[…] like Hauz Khaz village, Pandara Road, Khan Market, Satya Niketan will give you amazing dine in restaurants and cafes (some […]
This is the first time i am hearing a historical fort being renamed after its surrounding community. The place does look very peaceful, ideal for a morning stroll. I loved the graffiti street art. Combines modern cultural vibes with historical theme. Nice find.
It really is a serene place. Glad you liked the post š
This fort looks amazing and thank you for the history lesson. I’m always fascinated by why something was built in the first place. And I love the street art too! Love how modern day art is mixing in with the days of old.
So glad you liked the fort and art also š
I recently did a tour of the historical sites in Delhi (it’s where my parents live by the way) and I did not come across Hauz Khas Fort! It looks a lot like the remains in Lodhi Gardens which I am not surprised about considering they must have been built around the same time. I guess I have something new to explore the next time I go to see my parents!
Yes, It’s similar to Lodhi Gardens but still different. Hopefully, you’ll like it when you go the next time š
Hauz Khas Fort in Delhi looks so interesting and I hope that the goverment don’t let this historical place become a ruin! What a gem found and a place to stroll around all day. Although I love graffiti I am not sure they belong to a site like Haus Khas Fort? I dont know, but they are cool though!
The graffiti is outside the fort while on way to the lake, so technically not in the fort š
Good one. Keep wandering
Thank you š
I visited haus khaz when I was in Delhi and was struck by how much of an oasis it was in the city, I also found it easy to lose my bearings which is worth bearing in mind. Thereās a fabulous market nearby too
Yes, the area is amazing indeed š
[…] vendors including cloth, leather, home decor, organic skin care and more. While touring the nearby Hauz Khas Fort, we decided to visit Dilli Haat as […]
Hauz Khas Fort seems like a neat place to visit. I love how the Muslim and Indian cultures blend so well together. It always amazes me how deeply historic India is. We just got from Quebec, where they were very proud of being 400 years old. Hauz Khas is over twice that old and seems like it is almost an afterthought in the local history. Perspective is everything.
I agree. Delhi’s history is so deep that even locals haven’t seen it all š I also explore a new place every few days.
Delhi is full of historic places and this is another special one thanks fir sharing details of this wonderful area. I was in Delhi last year and missed this place. Would have visited if read this post before. Great read and photos compliments. Thanks.
I am a frequent Delhi visitor due to work reasons and I make sure to visit atleast one new place every time. Last time when I visited, I was to in fact visit Hauz khas but for me it was only about shopping, wasn’t aware there is so much to explore. Thanks for this post, my next visit is gonna be hauz khas and being a heritage and history buff when it comes to travel, I am sure gonna enjoy this place.
[…] Hauz Khas fort is another one of the eminent historical places in Delhi. The Hauz Khas fort got its name from the current Hauz Khas area. The Hauz Khas Fort and the adjacent gorgeous lake in the complex is a perfect way to spend a peaceful afternoon.Ā […]
I love exploring that is free :P! It looks like such a fun place to visit! Oone day I’ll get to India!
Yes it is š Hope you like India when you visit.
Hope you’ll like India when you visit š
This looks like a wonderful, atmospheric place to explore. Amazing that it’s free too!
Yes it is an amazing place to explore in Delhi.
This place look so lovely. IĀ“ve never been to India but itĀ“s on my list š
I love Hauz Khas. It has such a vibe and the little alleyways, restaurants. I revisited the city after a long time and Hauz Khas just won me over. Loved reading the post.
I too liked Hauz Khas too š Glad you liked the post!
I was in New Delhi 10 years ago and this brought me back! Thank you for the tips, that street art looks incredible!
Glad you liked the post š
I miss New Deli! It’s been almost 4 years since I’ve been back. Love the food, the architecture and the history! Thanks for sharing, and thanks for liking my post as well! Looking forward to your future posts.
So glad you liked Delhi š Your posts are wonderful always and I enjoy reading them. Good luck!
Thanks! I enjoy reading yours too. Traveling is the best way to meet new friends on the interweb!
I agree š hope to stay connected š
For sure!
I love Hauz Khas…this place is a perfect blend of new and old….and there lies its USP
I agree š I love it’s vibe with all the restaurants and the view of the lake is simply amazing!