The remnants of Hauz Khas Fort, Delhi

Shivani

8 years ago

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 cafés. The Hauz Has complex is more than just restaurants and I highly recommend visiting the Hauz Khas Fort when you’re in Delhi.

There is no entry fee for Hauz Has Fort and it is open from morning to evening.

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 Delhi’s 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 “Hauz-i-Alai” 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, 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.

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.

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.

Madrassa

A small elevated staircase on the lane going towards the mosque took me to the famous Madrassa. Once one of the famous Islāmic learning institutions of the Delhi Sultanate, the Madrassa has an architecture for admiring. The lobby on the first floor is decorated with small arches with gorgeous views of the lake. An iconic L-shaped architecture is now waiting to be restored.

*Tip – The lobby of the Madrassa is a picture-perfect Instagram-worthy spot from the Hauz Khas Fort.

Firoz Shah’s Tomb

The Firoz Shah’s 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 his sons and grandsons. Unlike other tombs in Delhi, rubble and plaster built the Firoz Shah’s Tomb. But red sandstone was also used to write some sections of inscriptions. The entry gate of the tomb portrays a blend of Indian & Islāmic architecture.

Hauz Khas Lake

The staircase from the Madrassa leading to the Hauz Khas Lake is now closed keeping safety in mind. So, there’s 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 café in the Hauz Khas village, is a narrow lane going towards the lake. The Hauz Khas Lake is now officially a part of the park of the Hauz Khas village complex and thus a different entry. 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.

Suggested Read – 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, don’t 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, don’t be like me 😉

Suggest Read – The rise of Graffiti in India.

Hauz Khas Village

Don’t 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 La’opera 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 La’opera, and I can say you can give it a try.

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.

Metro – 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.
Uber/ Ola – Hauz Khas is in the posh areas of south Delhi. So if you’re staying there, you can opt for a cab. But the area is usually jam-packed during peak office hours. So, avoid cabs in peak hours.
Rented/Personal Car – The drive to the Hauz Khas Fort is another easy way the commute. There’s a parking facility available just outside the village’s entrance.