QILA LAL KOT TREK

A decent trek in the heart of Delhi

LOCATION: MEHRAULI, NEW DELHI

Delhi is a city that is overflowing with history. With its numerous monuments, it takes one back to long-gone eras, something that few other cities can boast of doing. Qila Lal Kot is one of those monuments. Situated in the lovely forests of Sanjay Van in Mehrauli, this 12th century fort offers a refreshing break from the daily grind. It’s apt for family picnics, as its fit for people of all ages. 

The Qila Lal Kot is a wall that was built around the first city of Delhi when it was established in the 8th century by Tomar Rajputs. Later, the Chauhans added to the fortification in the 12th century, the ruins of which are seen to this date. “Qila” means fort or castle in Persian.

The trail to the fort is well-marked and runs in a circular manner inside the forest. It’s a welcome change for nature and history lovers. As you climb up, you can see the tall Qutub Minar towering over the keekar leaves. The feeling of getting away from the dirt and chaos of the city is enormous when you get to the top of the fort. All around you, forests stretch for as far as your eyes can see. The far boundary is speckled with small buildings, and the Qutub Minar stands bang in the middle of the forest. It’s solitude like you’ve never experienced before. 

How to do the Trek

• Time taken: 2-3 hours, 6 km

The trek to Qila Lal Kot has multiple entry points. The prominent one starts from Gate No. 5 of Sanjay Van, 100 metres away from Qutub Minar Complex in Mehrauli. After walking for a couple of minutes, spot a pond on the left. Soon after this pond, you’ll see a guide map on the right, which indicates different trails in the forest. Locate Qila Lal Kot on this map and follow the marked trail.

The trail is wide for around 300 metres, after which it bifurcates into two. Take the trail on the left. The right turn is a good turn to take if you want to explore the forest, but it does not lead to Qila Lal Kot. You’ll have to come back to the same junction to head to the fort. Throughout the forest, there are medicinal plants, which have signboards describing them. 

The narrow pathway now enters the forest. Soon, you’ll see a stairway, which marks the beginning of Qila Lal Kot. You’ll see ruins of the fort around you for over half a kilometre. You’ll reach the top of the fort in no time. Enjoy the other side of Delhi, with fresh air and cool breeze from the forest.

There are two trails that run from the top of the fort. The one on the right extends to century-old ruins and then enters into dense forests. The left trail is first a neat muddy path, then becomes rocky and ends up inside a part of the forest that is full of thorny shrubs. It takes you to the back of a dargah (Islamic shrine). Take the left trail.

Cross the dargah and walk further through the thorny bushes. Look for a trail going inside the forest. It is exactly opposite to a well near the dargah. If you can’t spot it, you can ask around for directions to the lakes.

This trail stretches in a straight line, passing through dense forests. After about 15-20 minutes, the trail meets a wider trail. Follow it to reach a park inside the forest. The path to Neela Hauz (pond) from inside the forest is closed, but you can reach the pond by exiting from the ICGEB gate and then turning left and continuing on the road for about 50 metres. Make note that the pond is no more “neela” (blue) because of some constructions.

From this pond, you can take an auto to either Qutub Minar or Chhatarpur metro station. Alternatively, you can also trace back the trail to get to the start of Sanjay Van and visit Qutub Minar.