Diwan-i-Khas
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The area
Neighbourhood: Chandni Chowk
This densely populated neighbourhood of Old Delhi is more than three centuries old and is a prized treasure trove, home to diverse Indian communities is most popular for its heritage havelis, old bazaars and places of worship. Explore the everyday life of the locals as you walk into the spice, jewellery, dry fruits, wedding markets and build up an appetite for the Indian street food, including stuffed parathas & jalebis and Mughlai food at Karims. Head to the magnificient Jama Masjid for stunning views of Delhi 6, with the iconic symbol of India in the backdrop – Red Fort. The diversity of Old Delhi demands an entire day to truly enjoy all the treasures hidden in this culturally rich part of the city.

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4.0
4.0 of 5 bubbles33 reviews
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Madhulika L
Noida, India4,689 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2023
Situated next to the Khaas Mahal (the Emperor’s private apartments), and separated from it by only a short distance of marble-paved platform, the Diwan-e-Khaas was where the Emperor would have met his elite courtiers to discuss matters of the highest importance to the state. Accordingly, this beautiful palace was situated (overlooking the river, secluded, far away from the more public areas of the fort) and decorated (exquisitely and expensively), in keeping with its status.

In its heyday, not only did the Diwan-e-Khaas have lovely inlay work (which can still be seen on the bases of the massive white marble pillars), its carved wooden ceiling was covered with beaten gold. Pride of place was, however, reserved for the legendary ‘Peacock Throne’, a huge, lavishly bejewelled throne which cost many lakhs. It was carried off by Nadir Shah when he invaded in 1739 CE, and was subsequently destroyed.

One of the pillars here has been somewhat restored by the Archaeological Survey of India (with gold leaf, fresh paint, etc) to give an idea of what the Diwan-e-Khaas may have looked like in Shahjahan’s time, but even without that, it’s an impressive hall.
Written 1 April 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Debashis T
Dehradun, India1,711 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
It is a lovely rectangular building constructed with marble is the place where emperor used to receive state guests and other important people. The trial of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal ruler by britishers took place here. It was under construction at that time and visitors were not allowed to enter inside. Just enjoyed the look from outside.
Written 9 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Skeney57
Sydney, Australia21,999 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2020
Unlike the public meeting hall, this more ornate building was reserved for Dignitaries , other Royalty and Officers of the Court. The Emperor sat on the Peacock Throne till it was removed by a Shah in 1749. Beautiful marble & tiles and only missing the jewels nowadays ! An example of excess and another special part of the Red Fort of Delhi !
Written 4 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

macedonboy
Glasgow, UK179,694 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2019
The Diwan-i-Khas or the private audience hall was one of the most important buildings in the red fort complex as it was where the emperor used to receive state guests and important members of the court. It’s a lovely rectangular building constructed largely of marble surrounded and supported by triple lobed arches. The columns, arches, walls and ceilings are all decorated with inlaid floral motifs. Definitely one building not to be missed.
Written 26 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Amolak Rattan K
New Delhi, India3,027 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Friends
This is a place where Mughal Kings used to give audience to their ministers, special courtiers and Public Figures and Diplomats. A structure which is made of white marble and with beautiful carving and decoration which every body admires and enjoy the experience.
Amolak Rattan Kohli
Former Governor of Mizoram
Written 1 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

baburammarch25
Mumbai, India217 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2019 • Friends
This is the place where the emperor would meet with his special guests and the court of strategy sat here. Beautiful white marble architecture with inlay work. A piece of art!
Written 30 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Linda Y
Frisco, TX5,665 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2019 • Solo
The Diwan-i-Khas is one of the buildings in the Red Fort and is included in entrance to the fort. It served as the Hall of Private Audience where the emperor would greet special guests. The hall is constructed of white marble and was inlaid with precious stones (many looted). My guide mentioned that the famous Peacock Throne was originally in the Diwan-i-Khas. It was stolen in 1739 by Iran and has been lost since.
Written 5 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kaushik G
Mumbai, India4,069 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2017 • Friends
During my vacation in Delhi, I had visited the beautiful Red Fort complex and this palace is located inside the fort. This beautiful single storey marble structure is the place where Mughal emperor used to meet his special subjects, ministers or representatives from other kingdoms. This place is a must visit when inside the fort complex.
Written 8 April 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

David D
Devon, UK20,544 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2018 • Couples
Sunday 11th February and we visited The Red Fort and this building was another highlight of the of this amazing Fort complex.

This is the place, the Palace of Private Audience, where the Emperor received Courtiers and State Guests.

A beautiful single storey marble building with high scalloped archways and intricate marble inlays. There are 4 small domed little tower/turret like structures, one on each corner of the building.

At the time of our visit there was a lot of scaffolding around part of the building as the building was being cleaned. Mud/clay was applied to the marble, when dry it fell off leaving the marble clean having absorbed the dirt and grime.

Outside of the building was a very large fountain, it was not working at the time of our visit.

Well worth a visit while exploring the Fort.
Written 22 March 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kumar S
New Delhi, India421 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2018 • Solo
As the name suggests, this hall was reserved for the private and esteemed guests of the emperor. This place is surrounded by lush green lawns.
Written 26 February 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Diwan-i-Khas - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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