Drift amid the past: Boating back on Delhi's Purana Qila lake after 9 years
NEW DELHI: Boating is back at Purana Qila after a gap of 9 years, letting visitors once again glide across the fort's lake, watching the 16th-century iconic heritage.
The service, halted in 2016 while being run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, has been revived by Sabhyata Foundation as part of the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative . This time, the focus is on safety, amenities and on enhancing visitor experience. Trial runs began in Sept and 125-130 visitors are taking rides daily.
There are 20 boats, and a 25-minute ride costs Rs 125 per person. The lake is open seven days a week. "This revival is part of a comprehensive effort to transform Purana Qila into an active cultural and leisure destination," said Avantika Dalmia, co-chairperson of the advisory board at Sabhyata Foundation.
Museum and exhibition in next phase
Dalmia said the first phase focused on improving visitor amenities such as a cafe, toilets, baby-care facilities, lighting, boating and cultural programmes.
The second phase will introduce more experiential elements, including an interactive museum, immersive exhibitions and curated activities, to help visitors connect more deeply with the monument's history and heritage.
The initiative also aims to empower local artisans, craftspeople and small entrepreneurs by integrating traditional crafts, performances and local products into the visitor experience.
Visitors have responded well. On weekends, families, students and tourists line up for tickets, capturing photographs against the sandstone walls before setting out on boats. Many describe the ride as a welcome break from the city's chaos.
The service, halted in 2016 while being run by Delhi Tourism and Transportation Development Corporation, has been revived by Sabhyata Foundation as part of the Adopt a Heritage 2.0 initiative . This time, the focus is on safety, amenities and on enhancing visitor experience. Trial runs began in Sept and 125-130 visitors are taking rides daily.
There are 20 boats, and a 25-minute ride costs Rs 125 per person. The lake is open seven days a week. "This revival is part of a comprehensive effort to transform Purana Qila into an active cultural and leisure destination," said Avantika Dalmia, co-chairperson of the advisory board at Sabhyata Foundation.
Museum and exhibition in next phase
Dalmia said the first phase focused on improving visitor amenities such as a cafe, toilets, baby-care facilities, lighting, boating and cultural programmes.
The second phase will introduce more experiential elements, including an interactive museum, immersive exhibitions and curated activities, to help visitors connect more deeply with the monument's history and heritage.
The initiative also aims to empower local artisans, craftspeople and small entrepreneurs by integrating traditional crafts, performances and local products into the visitor experience.
Visitors have responded well. On weekends, families, students and tourists line up for tickets, capturing photographs against the sandstone walls before setting out on boats. Many describe the ride as a welcome break from the city's chaos.
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