Hauz Khas Fort, Delhi: Rendezvous with history

The unique sights in Delhi, India never fail to amuse visitors, who are always in awe of the city. They keep coming back to the city to understand its rich history and its modern dichotomy. Its enigma, its never-ending contrasts, and the varied faces of the city will enthrall visitors. One such similar spot in Delhi is the Hauz Khas Fort. Located in the southern part of the city, the fort was built in the 14th century by Emperor Alauddin Khilji of the Khilji dynasty. So, next time you visit Delhi, do not forget an intimate rendezvous with Hauz Khas Fort for an enriching experience.  

History of the fort

The construction of the fort began with the building of a water reservoir for the residents of Siri, a medieval city founded by Alauddin, where the current day fort resides. In Urdu, Hauz means 'tank', and Khas means 'royal', giving the name 'Royal Tank' to the structure. In the 13th century, Firoz Shah Tuqlak, a Muslim emperor from the Tughlaq dynasty, restored the water body and built the fort around it. Several other structures such as tombs, a madrassa (a place of learning for Muslims), mosques, and pavilions were also included in the fort complex. 

Activities

The fort is a beautiful sight for sore eyes and hearts. It reminds of the richness of the previous era when the fort was constructed. Even today the fort stands tall and sturdy in good condition. Due to its close vicinity to colleges, it attracts youth in large numbers. The fort has several spots to sit, from where you can enjoy the view of the lake. You can spend hours admiring the beauty of the lake and myriad shades of the sun reflected in it. There are several cute ducks and ducklings wadding in the lake. It is quite a sight to watch them in their natural habitat, going about their day to day life. You can also walk around the periphery of the lake, where there is a provision for walking or jogging. In other words, the fort allows you to spend an ideal day of picnic with your loved ones. 

The structure of the fort is so beautiful that you will love to get yourself clicked, admiring the surreal beauty of this historical monument. Photography enthusiasts are seen thronging different parts of the fort to get that perfect elusive picture. 

Deer Park

Adjoining the fort is the huge green cover (also known as Deer Park), which is very welcoming and an ideal place to relax. Well-maintained with a variety of flora, the garden is buzzing with fitness enthusiasts at dawn and dusk. It is a very inspiring sight if you have been ignoring your fitness routines for some time. On festivals and weekends, there is a communion of musicians inside the park. These musicians might not know each other, but their love for music binds them well in melodious symphonies. They can be seen jamming, playing different musical instruments in harmony, giving those present around a unique and unexpected live music experience. Deep inside the park, behind fences meant for public viewing, exists a habitat for deers. A herd of deers can be seen here eating, sleeping, playing, running, and trying to figure out curious humans. 

Next time you are in Delhi, plan some time out to visit this little gem of the city. A mix of history and modernity will definitely make you fall in love with this lovely site. It is time to get ready for a rendezvous with history at the Hauz Khas Fort in Delhi.