Delhi: It was 7:45 PM, and a group of visitors stood outside the 16th-century Purana Quila fort, mesmerised by its illumination. However, despite the stunning view, they were not allowed to enter due to timing restrictions set by the concerned authorities.
“We were passing by and couldn’t resist stopping to admire the monument all lit up. We wanted to go inside, but we were told it’s only open until sunset. What’s the point of lighting it up if we can’t experience it at night?” questioned Sahil Chaudhary, a visitor from Uttar Pradesh, who was with his friends.
This situation is not unique to visitors from outside Delhi. Many locals shared similar frustrations regarding the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) approach to night tourism. “Most monuments in Delhi are beautifully illuminated at night, but they lack the necessary facilities and security for visitors. While the lighting enhances their beauty, it doesn’t attract people if their safety isn’t ensured,” said Sanjeev Kumar, a resident of Okhla who works in Gurgaon.
Also read: ASI increases security at Tughlaqabad Fort
ASI’s initiatives to boost night tourism
Despite these concerns, ASI officials assure that they are making efforts to promote night tourism. “At the moment, Red Fort and Qutub Minar are leading in terms of night tourism,” said an ASI official from Delhi circle. “We are working to enhance the facilities at various monuments to make them more attractive to visitors during nighttime.”
The official highlighted several ongoing projects as part of ASI’s night tourism initiative, including light-and-sound shows at Red Fort and Qutub Minar, a restaurant at Red Fort, and extended visiting hours till 8 PM at Humayun’s Tomb. The introduction of a bustling cafeteria, modern elevators, and evening cultural events at Safdarjung Tomb, are also part of the plan.
Several other monuments across Delhi have also been illuminated recently, creating breathtaking nighttime displays. These include the Shish Gumbad and Bada Gumbad in Lodhi Garden, Adam Khan’s Tomb, and Chaumuka Darwaza in the Qutub Minar complex. Out of the city’s 173 protected monuments, only nine are ticketed and also illuminated.
Concerns overshadow night tourism ambitions
However, historians and visitors have voiced concerns regarding the safety of tourists, particularly in the late hours.
Historian S Irfan Habib emphasised the need for a secure environment for visitors.
“India, particularly Delhi, has been seeing a decline in foreign visitors in recent years. Authorities must prioritise their safety if they want to attract more tourists. If people feel unsafe, they will avoid visiting, especially at night,” he said.
Habib also advocated for the promotion of day tourism first, noting that the lack of security during daylight hours is already deterring visitors. “Night tourism won’t succeed unless security is ensured— especially for women. Illumination alone won’t be enough to attract crowds.”
Historian Rana Safvi echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of women’s safety. “While promoting night tourism with light and sound shows is a great way to boost Delhi’s economy, it must be done with proper planning and safety measures. Women’s safety must be prioritised, and infrastructure improvements must be made, particularly for differently abled individuals,” she said.
A female hotel employee from Delhi, who wished to remain anonymous, raised concerns about the risks women face. “While this initiative has potential, security cannot be compromised. Delhi has a troubling history of violence against women. Why would anyone risk their safety to visit a monument at night unless security is guaranteed?”
Lack of promotion and facilities
A history student from Ramjas College shared similar concerns, pointing out that the lack of promotion is hindering the success of the initiative. “ASI seems to be investing heavily in lighting up monuments, but what’s the point of spending so much money if visitors can’t even go inside several monuments? There needs to be more security personnel on-site,” he said.
He also mentioned the example of Tughlaqabad Fort, which, despite being illuminated, remains in ruins with poor infrastructure. “It’s located on a hill with no CCTV cameras, and its walls are simply lit up without any functional purpose. Who would want to visit such a place at night?”
He added that monuments like Safdarjung Tomb and Humayun’s Tomb are barricaded after sunset by the security guards from a distance inside the monuments, preventing people from taking photos nearby, which negatively impacts the perception of the initiative.
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Popular attractions and visitors count
According to ASI, Qutub Minar is the most popular monument during nighttime visits, with over 7,000 visitors per month, followed by Red Fort with 4,000 visitors. Humayun’s Tomb receives around 1,500 visitors, while Safdarjung Tomb attracts approximately 700.
The number of people visiting the monuments during the day is much higher. Qutub Minar is visited by approximately 1,80,000 visitors, followed by the Red Fort with 171,000 visitors in a month. Humayun’s Tomb attracts around 64,000 visitors, while Safdarjung Tomb sees about 11,000 visitors during the daytime in a month, official sources told Patriot.
According to ASI officials, the light and sound shows at Red Fort and Qutub Minar, held from 7:30 PM to 10:00 PM, are key attractions.
An official from the Sabhyata Foundation, which has adopted several monuments for preservation, expressed their commitment to improving facilities for nighttime visitors. “We are working to enhance the experience for visitors, allowing them to enjoy the beauty and history of Delhi’s monuments after dark,” the official said.