Adilabad Fort, Delhi The Forgotten Twin of Tughlaqabad
Prabhuling jiroli
Located just south of the imposing Tughlaqabad Fort, Adilabad Fort is one of Delhi’s lesser-known but equally fascinating medieval ruins. Often overshadowed by its grander neighbor, Adilabad Fort offers a quiet, untouched glimpse into the architectural and military strategies of the Tughlaq Dynasty. Built during the reign of Muhammad bin Tughlaq, the fort was intended to be an extension of Tughlaqabad, but fate had other plans.
📜 Historical Timeline
| Period | Key Events |
|---|---|
| 1327–1351 CE | Built by Muhammad bin Tughlaq as an addition to Tughlaqabad |
| Post-1351 CE | Abandoned due to political turmoil and logistical challenges |
| 20th Century | Recognized as an ASI-protected monument |
| Present Day | Hidden gem for history buffs and trekkers |
🏯 Architectural Features
Adilabad Fort is smaller than Tughlaqabad but exhibits similar architectural traits:
-
Constructed using grey quartzite stones 🪨
-
Massive stone walls with bastions and arrow slits for defense
-
Layout includes a central citadel, barracks, and watchtowers 🏯
-
The fort is surrounded by natural cliffs, enhancing defense strategy
🛣️ How to Reach
| Mode | Details |
| By Metro | Nearest: Tughlaqabad Metro Station (Violet Line) 🚇 |
| By Train | Tughlakabad Railway Station (~3.5 km) 🚆 |
| By Road | Take a cab or auto from any part of Delhi 🚕 |
| By Air | IGI Airport (~25 km from fort) ✈️ |
🥾 Trekking & Routes
-
Trail Difficulty: Easy to moderate
-
Time Required: 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to explore the fort 🚶
-
Starting Point: Near Tughlaqabad Fort; follow stone path or dirt trail south
-
Suggested Route:
-
Begin at Tughlaqabad Fort parking
-
Move southward toward hills
-
Follow unpaved trail leading to Adilabad gate
-
📆 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Suitability |
| Oct–Feb | Pleasant weather, great for trekking ☀️ |
| Mar–Jun | Avoid due to extreme heat 🔥 |
| Jul–Sep | Green but slippery terrain 🌧️ |
🎒 What to Carry
-
Good trekking shoes 👟
-
Water bottle 💧
-
Sunscreen 🧴 and cap 🧢
-
Torch (if staying late) 🔦
-
Light snacks 🍎
❌ What Not to Do
-
Do not climb fragile structures 🚫
-
No littering – respect the heritage 🚯
-
Avoid trekking alone late in the evening ⛔
🚷 Who Should Avoid
-
Visitors with mobility issues
-
Children without adult supervision
-
People sensitive to heat or long walks
🔍 Why You Must Visit
-
🏰 One of the rare untouched forts of Delhi
-
🌄 Ideal for quiet exploration and photography
-
🧱 Learn about defensive architecture in Delhi Sultanate
-
🕊️ Peaceful spot far from city chaos
🏰 Fort Gates and Roads
| Structure | Description |
| Entry Path | Dirt trail from Tughlaqabad side |
| Main Gate | Small stone archway, now partially broken |
| Internal Paths | Uneven stone trails, overgrown with grass |
🗼 Towers and Watch Posts
-
Corner Bastions: Cylindrical and tapered, used for watch 🧭
-
Citadel Walls: Around central space, likely command zone 🛡️
-
Lookout Points: Offer views of Tughlaqabad and southern ridge 📸
🕒 Entry and Visiting Info
| Detail | Info |
| Timings | 7 AM – 5 PM Daily |
| Entry Fee | Free (no official ticket counter) |
| Managed By | Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) |
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
| Built By | Muhammad bin Tughlaq |
| Constructed In | Early 14th century (post-1327 CE) |
| Location | Near Tughlaqabad Fort, Delhi |
| Architecture Type | Military fortification, Sultanate era |
| Importance | Extension of Tughlaqabad's defense |
❤️ Final Thoughts
Adilabad Fort might not have the grandeur of Red Fort or the haunting fame of Tughlaqabad, but it possesses a silent, ancient soul. If you enjoy discovering hidden corners of history and trekking through forgotten ruins, this fort is a must-visit.