Tughlaqabad Fort, Delhi The Haunted Ruins of a Vanished Empire
Prabhuling jiroli
Located in the southern fringes of Delhi, Tughlaqabad Fort is a massive and awe-inspiring structure that now lies in haunting ruins. Built in the early 14th century by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq Dynasty, the fort was conceived as a mighty defense against Mongol invasions. However, its history is filled with curses, abandonment, and mysterious legends that make it one of the most intriguing forts in India.
📜 Historical Timeline
| Period | Key Events |
| 1321–1325 CE | Built by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq as capital of Tughlaq Dynasty |
| 1327 CE | Abandoned shortly after death of Ghiyas-ud-din, due to Saint Nizamuddin’s curse |
| Later Sultanates | Occasionally used but never regained prominence |
| Modern Era | Archaeological protected monument, eerie and partly buried in vegetation |
🏯 Architectural Highlights
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Enclosed by massive stone walls with bastions 📏
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Three main gateways on the northern, southern, and eastern sides 🚪
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Includes a citadel, palaces, barracks, and granaries 🏰
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Connected to Ghiyas-ud-din’s tomb via a causeway across a man-made lake ⚰️
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Built using grey quartzite stone, thick walls over 10–15 meters high 🪨
🛣️ How to Reach
| Mode | Details |
| By Metro | Nearest Station: Tughlaqabad (Violet Line) 🚇 |
| By Train | Tughlakabad Railway Station (~3 km away) 🚆 |
| By Road | Easily accessible by auto, cab, or local buses 🚕 |
| By Air | IGI Airport (~23 km) ✈️ |
🥾 Trekking & Entry Info
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Mild to moderate trekking within ruins ⏱️
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Rough and uneven terrain in many areas – caution advised 🥾
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Open daily: 7 AM to 5 PM
📆 Best Time to Visit
| Season | Suitability |
| Oct–Feb | Pleasant weather, best for trekking ☀️ |
| Mar–Jun | Too hot, carry water and avoid mid-day 🔥 |
| Jul–Sep | Slippery and overgrown paths 🌧️ |
🎒 What to Carry
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Sturdy trekking shoes 👟
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Water bottle 💧
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Insect repellent 🦟
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Sunscreen & cap 🧴🧢
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Torch if visiting in late hours 🔦
❌ What Not to Do
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No climbing unstable structures 🚫
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Avoid staying after sunset – no lighting in many parts ⚠️
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No littering or graffiti 🚯
🚷 Who Should Avoid
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Elderly or people with mobility issues
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Children without supervision
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People with heart conditions (steep sections in places)
🔍 Why You Must Visit
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🧱 Witness military-style fortifications of the 14th century
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👻 Explore Delhi’s most haunted historic site
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🏯 Massive ruins to explore, including tomb, palace, and secret passages
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📸 Unique photography spots – ruins surrounded by wild greenery
🏰 Gates and Towers
| Structure | Highlights |
| Main Gates | Northern, Southern & Eastern entrances |
| Bastions | Every few meters along outer wall |
| Citadel | Central defense zone with palace ruins |
| Tomb Causeway | Stone bridge leading to Ghiyas-ud-din’s tomb |
🕒 Entry Fees & Info
| Detail | Info |
| Timings | 7 AM – 5 PM Daily |
| Entry Fee (Indian) | ₹25 |
| Entry Fee (Foreigner) | ₹300 |
| Photography | Allowed – no drones unless permitted 📸 |
🧾 Quick Summary Table
| Feature | Description |
| Built By | Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq |
| Constructed In | 1321–1325 CE |
| Located In | Southern Ridge, Delhi |
| Material Used | Grey quartzite stone |
| Notable Feature | Curse of Saint Nizamuddin |
❤️ Final Thoughts
Tughlaqabad Fort is a stunning reminder of Delhi’s turbulent past. Majestic in its ruins, eerie in its silence, and breathtaking in its scale, this fort is a paradise for history lovers, explorers, and photographers alike.