Siri Fort Delhi Alauddin Khilji's Walled Capital of Power and Defense
Prabhuling jiroli
📜 Introduction
Before the Red Fort, before Shahjahanabad—Delhi's fortified legacy was shaped by rulers like Alauddin Khilji, who built Siri Fort as the second historical city of Delhi around 1303 CE. Constructed to defend the city from Mongol invasions, Siri Fort represents Delhi’s earliest attempt at large-scale urban fortification.
Though largely in ruins today, the fort remains a silent testimony of political strategy, military architecture, and Delhi Sultanate ambition. In this detailed blog, you'll learn about Siri Fort's history, architecture, walking routes, what to do, and travel tips.
🕰️ Historical Timeline of Siri Fort
| Period | Event |
|---|---|
| 1296 CE | Alauddin Khilji becomes Sultan of Delhi |
| 1303 CE | Siri Fort is constructed after Mongol invasions |
| 1305–1311 CE | Alai Darwaza and Alai Minar added to nearby complexes |
| 1316 CE | Khilji’s death; Fort loses political importance |
| Present Day | Fort walls exist in Shahpur Jat, Siri Fort Sports Complex, and nearby zones |
🏗️ Architecture & Urban Planning
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fort Type | Defensive walled urban city |
| Shape | Irregular oval |
| Walls | 3 km+ stretch of rubble masonry |
| Towers & Bastions | Semi-circular, placed every 150–200m |
| Construction Style | Early Indo-Islamic architecture |
Surviving Sections:
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Siri Wall Remains – near Shahpur Jat and Siri Fort Auditorium
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Alai Darwaza – completed during the same period
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Alai Minar Base – represents unfinished expansion
📍 Key Highlights of Siri Fort Complex
| Structure | Description |
|---|---|
| 🧱 Siri Wall | Remnants of the original walled city |
| 🕌 Alai Darwaza | Intricate Indo-Islamic gateway |
| 🧱 Alai Minar | Base of a massive uncompleted minaret |
| 🌳 Deer Park Trail | Overlaps with fort remnants and bastions |
🚶♂️ Suggested Walking Route
Siri Fort is best explored as a heritage walking trail.
Route:
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Start at Shahpur Jat Village 🛕
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Follow the wall towards Siri Fort Auditorium 🎭
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Enter trail to Deer Park 🌿
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Circle back via Khel Gaon Marg 🏃
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Trek Distance | ~3.5 km |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Best Time | 8–10 AM or 4–6 PM |
🛣️ How to Reach Siri Fort
| Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚇 Metro | Nearest: Green Park or Hauz Khas Station |
| 🚗 Car/Taxi | Easily reachable via August Kranti Marg |
| 🚌 Bus | Get down at Shahpur Jat or Siri Fort Auditorium stop |
🌦️ Best Time to Visit
| Season | Reason |
|---|---|
| Oct–Feb | Pleasant for long walks |
| Mar–May | Visit only in early mornings |
| Jun–Sep | Avoid due to overgrown vegetation & monsoon |
🎒 What to Carry
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💧 Water bottle
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🧢 Hat or cap
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👟 Comfortable walking shoes
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📷 Camera/phone
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🦟 Mosquito repellent (Deer Park side)
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🧾 ID proof if entering sports complex
🚫 What Not to Do
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❌ Do not climb on fragile walls
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❌ Avoid littering; carry waste bags
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❌ Refrain from trespassing into closed heritage areas
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❌ No graffiti or tagging
🚷 Who Should Avoid
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Visitors expecting intact Mughal-style forts
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Elderly or mobility-restricted tourists (rugged terrain)
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Those looking for commercial tourist services (cafes, gift shops)
📊 Summary Table
| Feature | Info |
|---|---|
| Built By | Alauddin Khilji |
| Period | c. 1303 CE |
| Type | Walled City Fort |
| Size | ~3 km perimeter |
| Best For | Urban heritage walkers, photographers |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Nearby Sites | Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, Qutub Complex |
🗺️ Map Tips
Use Google Maps to locate:
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Siri Fort Wall Remains (type: Shahpur Jat Wall)
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Siri Fort Auditorium
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Alai Darwaza & Alai Minar
Or search for "Khilji Fort Wall near Shahpur Jat"
📅 Entry & Visitor Info
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Timings | Sunrise to Sunset |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best Days | Weekdays (less crowd) |
| Guided Tours | Optional but enhances experience (Delhi Walks, INTACH) |
✨ Why Visit Siri Fort?
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🏰 Delhi’s second historic city, built before Tughlaqabad or Shahjahanabad
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🛡️ Witness early Islamic urban planning and defenses
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📷 Capture scenic ruins and ramparts hidden within South Delhi
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🧭 Ideal for solo explorers and local historian
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❤️ Final Thoughts
Siri Fort is not just about bricks and ruins—it’s about the vision of a ruler, the strategy of a dynasty, and the legacy of defense that still echoes through Delhi’s geography. Though it lacks Mughal grandeur, its importance in Delhi's story is monumental.
Visit Siri Fort to connect the broken walls of history—because even unfinished dreams have powerful stories to tell.