Tughlakabad Fort

Tughlaqabad Fort, an imposing citadel in Delhi, was built in 1321 CE by Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq, the founder of the Tughlaq dynasty. It was meant to serve as the strongest defensive fortress against Mongol invasions, showcasing massive stone walls, battlements, and bastions. However, the fort was abandoned soon after its construction, giving rise to legends and folklore that surround it to this day.

Spanning over 6.5 km, the fort was strategically designed with sloping walls, secret escape routes, and high towers for defense. However, it is now in a ruined state, covered in overgrown vegetation, yet retaining its grand and eerie charm. The fort is also associated with the curse of Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who is said to have cursed the king with the words: “Ya rahe ujjar, ya base gujjar” (Let this fort remain abandoned or be inhabited by shepherds), after a bitter conflict over laborers being forced to build the fort instead of working on a baoli (stepwell) for the saint.

Things to See at Tughlaqabad Fort

• Massive Stone Walls – Some still standing, towering up to 10-15 meters high.
• Ruined Palaces and Bastions – Give a glimpse into the fort’s lost grandeur.
• Ghiyas-ud-din Tughlaq’s Tomb – A well-preserved tomb located outside the fort, accessible via a causeway.
• Secret Passageways & Underground Chambers – Now largely inaccessible.
• Scenic Views of Delhi – Especially from the highest points of the fort.