Article Published On - 30-06-2025
Start your adventure on the Qila Lal Kot Trek to be immersed in nature and its history near Delhi.
Delhi is one of the city’s cultural hotbeds, boasting numerous historic sites that transport visitors back in time. Qila Lal Kot in Mehrauli’s tranquil Sanjay Van forest is an exceptional example. Dating back to 12th-century fortifications, its tranquil environment provides the ideal space for family trips with diverse age ranges.
Qila Lal Kot is believed to be a defense structure built within Delhi when its establishment began in 8th century under Tomar Rajputs and fortified further during 12th century Chauhan rule; these fortifications can still be seen today; “Qila” in Persian refers to fortress or castle structures like this one.
The way to reach the fort is well-marked and winds through the forest, providing an engaging natural experience and adventure for people who love its past and the natural world. Once at its summit, Qutub Minar stands tall amongst trees of Keekar; you’ll experience being far removed from urban hustle and noise as you reach its summit; surrounding forests stretch as far as your eyes can see with tiny structures dotting its edges while its towering structure stands majestically within it – an experience unlike any other you have witnessed!
Sanjay Van in Mehrauli is a fascinating destination that takes you back to the 12th century! This area features an ancient fort surrounded by lush forests, known as Qila Lal Kot, which is ideal for family excursions and hiking tours. The treks typically last around 2 hours, covering a total distance of 6 km. You can enter the fort through Gate No. 5, located about 100 meters from the Qutub Minar Complex. Gate No. 1 also serves as a secondary entry point.
After passing by the dargah, navigate through the prickly bushes until you find a trail that leads into the woods. This path runs directly in front of the nearby well near the dargah and should guide you further into the forest. If you encounter any difficulty locating it, feel free to ask locals for directions to an alternative route leading to the lakes in the area.
The trail is well-marked and winds through dense woodlands. About 15 to 20 minutes into your trek, you’ll reach an intersection with another wide trail. Continue along this route until you arrive at a park surrounded by forest. Please note that Neela Hauz is not currently accessible directly from this area. As an alternative, you can exit via the ICGEB gate, turn left, and walk approximately 50 meters to reach Neela Hauz. Do keep in mind that the water’s distinctive blue hue has changed recently due to nearby construction activities.
From Neela Hauz, you can easily catch a taxi that will take you directly to either Qutub Minar or Chhatarpur metro station. Additionally, you may retrace your steps back to the starting point of Sanjay Van before heading toward Qutub Minar.
Remember to always seek advice from a physician before consuming any medication.
Admin
Anoop has worked for 5 years as a Trek Leader with TrekUpIndia, leading numerous treks across the diverse and challenging terrains of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh. He holds a degree in Geology with a specialization in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) from UPES Dehradun. During his academic years, he actively applied his classroom knowledge in the field—most notably by contributing to a glacier research project on the Jundar Glacier in the Har Ki Dun Valley, Uttarakhand. And now, Anoop is a trekking content writer with TrekUp India, specialising in seasonal Himalayan trekking guides, winter safety content, and trek planning resources. His work is informed by field research, trek leader inputs, and real trail conditions across Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Ladakh, and Kashmir.
