Tughlakabad Fort is a historic fort complex in New Delhi, built in the fourteenth century by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq. Its massive stone walls, citadel and palace remains make it a distinctive heritage stop, with Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq’s tomb close by.
- Location: New Delhi; the fort is served by Tughlakabad metro station.
- Site layout: the main city, citadel and palace area.
A brief history of Tughlakabad Fort
Tughlakabad Fort was built in 1321 by Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, founder of the Tughlaq dynasty, and became the third historic city of Delhi after Lal Kot and Siri. The South East Delhi district account says the city was abandoned in 1327.
The fortifications were designed to reach 25 metres in height at some points. Incredible India describes 52 gates, of which 13 remain standing. The National Monuments Authority identifies the walls, gateways, bastions and internal buildings of both citadels as protected monuments.
Conservation work has included repointing masonry joints and providing visitor benches. The National Culture Fund records a project involving the Archaeological Survey of India, the National Culture Fund and Gas Authority of India Limited.
How do you get to Tughlakabad Fort from Jasola?
From Jasola, you can plan the journey by road or check metro access: Delhi Tourism identifies Tughlakabad metro station as serving the fort.
From Hotel Kundan Palace, the drive to the fort takes about 24 minutes. For wider local transport context, the guide covers getting around New Delhi from Jasola.
Mehrauli-Badarpur Road is the present name of the road Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq built to connect his new city with the Grand Trunk Road.
If you’re arranging a day around this part of Delhi, how to plan one day in New Delhi from Jasola provides a related itinerary.
What can you see across the fort complex?
The complex has three sections: the main city, the citadel and the palace area. The citadel is a half-hexagonal fort crowned by the Burj-Mandal tower, while the wider site includes massive stone walls and circular watchtowers.
As you explore, look for remnants of palaces, traces of grand halls and an underground passage. The scale of the surviving walls and the arrangement of the citadel help convey how the fortified city was planned.
A red sandstone mausoleum a short distance from the fort is the tomb of Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq, his wife and his successor Mohammad bin Tughlaq. You can combine the two sites; what to know about visiting Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq’s Tomb covers the burial monument. Adilabad Fort, also known as Muhammadabad, lies about 1 km east of Tughlakabad Fort.
Entry, hours and walking the ruins
The fort’s listed visiting hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Check the official site before you go to confirm current visiting details. Entry prices are not provided.
Opening hours
- Monday to Sunday: 7:00–17:00
Last checked November 2026. Hours can change on holidays and for special events.
The complex includes extensive walls, towers and ruined structures, so allow time to move between its sections. Wear footwear suited to walking over uneven ground, and take care around the remains. The site’s conservation work includes visitor benches, but the ruins and open spaces are the main focus of a visit.
FAQs
How long should you spend at Tughlakabad Fort?
The complex covers three sections, including the main city, citadel and palace area, so plan time to walk between them.
What are Tughlakabad Fort’s timings?
The fort’s listed opening hours are 9:30 AM to 6:00 PM. Confirm visiting details before setting out.
Is Ghiyas-ud-Din Tughlaq’s Tomb close to the fort?
Yes. The red sandstone mausoleum is described as a short distance from the fort and can be combined with a visit to the complex.
Is Adilabad Fort near Tughlakabad Fort?
Adilabad Fort, also called Muhammadabad, is about 1 km east of Tughlakabad Fort.