Moti Masjid (Red Fort) Mosque
Small marble mosque inside Delhi's Red Fort
The small white-marble mosque located inside Delhi's Red Fort, built as a private imperial mosque in the 17th century. Most visitors see it as part of the Red Fort tour, noting Aurangzeb-era architecture and intimate prayer chambers.
Moti Masjid (Red Fort) at a Glance#
Address: Netaji Subhash Marg, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Website: https://asi.nic.in
Hours: Red Fort: Tue-Sun 9:30am-4:30pm, closed Mondays
Admission: Entry to Red Fort: INR 35 (Indian citizens), INR 550 (foreigners) - additional charges may apply for certain areas or guided tours
About Moti Masjid (Red Fort)#
The Moti Masjid is a small white-marble mosque within the Red Fort complex in Old Delhi, India, dating to the Mughal era of the 17th century. It is commonly called the “Pearl Mosque” for its pale marble construction.
A compact prayer chamber and modest courtyard occupy the site, with a series of arched openings leading to a prayer hall capped by domes. The mosque’s white marble contrasts with the surrounding red sandstone of the Red Fort, making it visually distinct within the palace area.
Built during the Mughal period as part of the imperial palace precinct, the mosque served as a private oratory for the royal household rather than a large congregational mosque. Its function and setting remained tied to the Red Fort’s role as the Mughal imperial residence.
Situated inside the Red Fort in Old Delhi, the mosque lies within the fort’s palace sector among other imperial buildings and is reached via the main Red Fort entrances in the historic city center.
- Entry: Located inside the Red Fort complex; access requires an entry ticket for the fort and passes through the fort’s security checkpoints.
- Material and name: Built of white marble, it is locally known as the “Pearl Mosque” for its pale appearance against the fort’s red sandstone.
How to Get to Moti Masjid (Red Fort)#
Moti Masjid is inside the Red Fort complex in Old Delhi. Nearest metro: Chandni Chowk (Yellow Line) or Lal Qila station on the Violet Line. From Chandni Chowk, it is a short walk to the Lahori Gate entrance. The Red Fort is centrally located in Old Delhi and accessible by rickshaw, taxi, or metro.
Tips for Visiting Moti Masjid (Red Fort)#
- Enter the Red Fort complex via the Lahori Gate for the most dramatic approach and to reach the Moti Masjid quickly.
- Moti Masjid is a small white-marble mosque inside the Red Fort compound-dress conservatively and be quiet out of respect for worshippers.
- Buy Red Fort tickets online to avoid queues, and arrive early (before 10:00am) to explore the mosque before tour groups arrive.
- Combine a visit with a walk through Chandni Chowk and a rickshaw ride to feel the contrast between imperial space and the market.
Best Time to Visit Moti Masjid (Red Fort)#
Winter months (Nov-Feb) provide the most comfortable conditions for exploring Delhi's forts and mosques.
Weather & Climate near Moti Masjid (Red Fort)#
Moti Masjid (Red Fort)'s climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with very hot summers (peaking in June) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 8°C to 40°C. Moderate rainfall (735 mm/year) with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Excellent | 8° - 21° | 15° | 22 mm | mostly sunny | 44% | 1.0 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 10.4h |
| February | Ideal | 10° - 24° | 17° | 13 mm | mostly sunny | 41% | 1.3 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 11.1h |
| March | Ideal | 15° - 30° | 23° | 15 mm | mostly sunny | 33% | 1.5 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.9h |
| April | Ideal | 21° - 37° | 29° | 7 mm | mostly sunny | 24% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Excellent | 26° - 40° | 33° | 11 mm | mostly sunny | 23% | 1.9 m/s | 2.1 extreme | 13.4h |
| June | Very Good | 28° - 40° | 34° | 44 mm | some cloud | 37% | 1.7 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.8h |
| July | Acceptable | 27° - 35° | 36° | 215 mm | overcast | 63% | 1.5 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Acceptable | 26° - 34° | 36° | 243 mm | partly cloudy | 75% | 1.3 m/s | 1.7 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Very Good | 25° - 34° | 34° | 123 mm | mostly sunny | 69% | 1.1 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Ideal | 19° - 33° | 26° | 31 mm | clear | 51% | 0.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 11.4h |
| November | Ideal | 13° - 28° | 21° | 5 mm | clear | 43% | 0.8 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 10.6h |
| December | Excellent | 9° - 23° | 16° | 6 mm | mostly sunny | 42% | 0.7 m/s | 0.5 moderate | 10.2h |
