The "Daawat Khana" - erstwhile Tea House - within the precincts of the Red Fort, Delhi was built in the late Mughal period. Apparently, it has subjected to later additions and alterations. As a matter of fact, it was the first palace on the north, just close to the royal enclosures. Since it was believed to be the residence of the King's sons and other royal members, it earned the sobriquet of "Prince' Quarter". Post mutiny, the British transformed the palace into a meeting & amusement place and christened it "Tea House". Maulavi Zafar Hussain , in hisbook entitled "Monuments of Delhi: Lasting Spnendor of Great Mughals and Oters", has mentioned the structure as Pavilion.

Red Fort, one of the most momentous monuments of the country, receives thousands of Indian and foreign visitors every day. An added attraction here is a sound & light show (In HIndi and English of one-hour duration each, in the evening) which brings alive India's history. With a view to providing visitors with an ideal place to relax in the Red Fort complex, an idea was mooted by the Ministry of Tourism to further convert the "Tea House" into "Daawat Khana"... and it is a dream come true! People coming to Red Fort are now in for a never-before experience in gastronomy and cultural fare prevalent in Old Delhi (walled city.)

Nesting in scenic surroundings, the "Daawat Khana", run by India Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC), treats the guests with choices of typical Old Delhi delicacies... Parantha, Pao Bhaji, assorted/ toasted sandwiches wafers/mixtures besides tea, coffee, cold drinks, butter milk, soda water and aerated/ mineral water. For the sweet tooth, there is traditional Kulfi in earthern pot (Matka Kulfi), ice-cream, Gulab Jamun, Imerti, to name a few. During lunch tine, the "Daawat Khana" serves different menu each day of the week to pamper the palace of the visitors.

It is not simply a "Daawat Khana", there si lot more for the connoisseur. In the Souvenir Shop are stacked a wide range of souvenirs and gift items... leaterware, mugs, blue pottery, stationery items, bags, key chains, terra -cotta creations, T-shirts, novelties, etc. Many of these carry the insignia of Red Fort to keep your memories fresh about your visit to the "Daawat Khana". The items are competitive not only in quality but also in price... each ensuring value for money spent. And buying won't be a burden on your pocket as the rates are reasonable... ranging from Rs. 20 to Rs. 700. Eventually, your purchases will be aesthetically wrapped to make others envy of your shopping.

While away some time in the Activity Centre. A Mehandiwali may beckon you and draw intricate designs on your palms with henna; and it would indeed be hard for you to ignore the Churiwali awaiting eagerly to welcome you with an ample variety of colorful bangles. There is an Astrologer too to foretell your future!

What's more, hospitable and efficient personnel, with warm and personalised care , try their utmost to turn your visit to "Daawat Khana" into a long-lasting impression.

To sum up, the "Daawat Khana" epitomises the cultural and culinary delights of Old Delhi.

A teacher, accompanying a group of ten students or more, will be offered the above package on complimentary basis.