About Agra Fort
Often Suppressed by its more famous neighbour Agra Fort is a monument that deserves its own spotlight not just as a military base, but also as a grand royal residence.
Agra Fort was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983. The fort, semi-circular in shape, is surrounded by a 21.4 m high wall spreads over an area of about 94 acres of land. It was built with bricks in the inner core with red sandstone on external surfaces. Some 4,000 builders worked on it daily for eight years and completed it in 1573. Agra Fort Consists of two main buildings, the Hall of Public Audience (Diwan-i-Aam) and the Hall of Private Audience (Diwan-i-Khas), each had a specific function. Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan, his own father, in this fort for 8 years until he died in 1666 and was buried in the Taj Mahal. It is rumoured that Shah Jahan died in Muasamman Burj (Jasmine Tower), a tower with a marble balcony with a view of the Taj Mahal.
Agra Fort had four entrance gate and out of which southern Gate also know as Amar Singh Gate alone is open for visitors. It was built mainly for defence Purposes and you can also notice that the entrances are narrow so that the enemies can’t enter the fort at once.
What makes Agra Fort unique is its multi-dimensional experience .It is part palace, part museum, and part military fortress. Visitors don’t just see stone walls, they experience the politics of the Mughal court the tragedy of Shah Jahan’s final years. The fort has seen the glory and fall of the Mughal dynasty. It played a crucial role during the Indian Rebellion of 1857, and later came under British control. Its transformation over centuries from a Hindu site called Badalgarh, to a Mughal fort and later as a British military base shows reflects India’s layered history.
Top Tourists Places
Nearby Tourist Spot:
There are several places nearby Agra Fort like Taj Mahal Akbar’s Tomb, Mankameshwar Temple, Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb, Jama Masjid, Mehtab Bagh, Soami Bagh & Fatehpur Sikri
1. Taj Mahal
A UNESCO World Heritage Site built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife Mumtaz Mahal. Located on the banks of the Yamuna River, it symbolizes love and is one of the most iconic monuments in the world.
2. Akbar’s Tomb
Akbar’s Tomb is the final resting place of the great Mughal Emperor Akbar Located in Sikandra. Built in a mix of red sandstone and white marble.
3. Mankameshwar Temple
Mankameshwar Temple is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It's believed that Lord Shiva himself established the Lingam here, situated near Agra Fort.
4. Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb
Also called as “Baby Taj,” Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb was commissioned by Nur Jahan for her father. Built with white marble and inlaid with semi-precious stones, it’s considered a precursor to the Taj Mahal.
5. Jama Masjid (Agra)
Built in 1648 by Shah Jahan's daughter Jahanara Begum the Jama Masjid in Agra is a large mosque known for its red sandstone architecture Persian inscriptions and peaceful ambiance
6. Mehtab Bagh
Mehtab Bagh is a riverside garden complex located directly across the Yamuna River from the Taj Mahal. Originally built by Babur the garden was later restored as a serene viewing point for visitors.
7. Soami Bagh
Soami Bagh known as Radha Soami Samadh. It is a spiritual complex in Agra and the mausoleum of the Radha Soami faith's founder.
8. Fatehpur Sikri
It was the capital of the Mughal Empire under Emperor Akbar. Though abandoned due to water scarcity, it remains one of India’s most impressive Mughal architectural complexes.
Tips for Visiting Agra Fort:
Generally Agra Fort can be seen between Sun rise & sun set and it is advisable to wear dress which covers knees and shoulders. Carry water bottles, cameras (without tripods), milk bottles and essential medicines for small children if required, and mobile phones (kept on silent or switched off and other items are strictly prohibited. If you want to know the detailed history and architecture regarding the Agra Fort then you can take local guide as the travel guide of Agra Fort helps us to understand the fascinating stories of emperors, battles, and the fort's transformation over centuries.
Entry Fee:
For Indians: INR 50 per person; On Fridays INR 40 per person for Indians
For foreigners: INR 650 per person; on Fridays INR 600 per person for foreigners
Children under the age of 15 are free.
Things to do in Agra Fort
You can explore Jahangir Palace and Khas Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Am, Sheesh Mahal and the Musamman Burj inside Agra Fort.
What to expect in Agra Fort:
History enthusiasts will love the splendid architecture and this place itself is a photographer's delight. From Red Fort you can have scenic view of Taj Mahal and you can see the public & private places used by the emperors and also experience the exquisite mirror work in Sheesh Mahal
Best Time To Visit Agra Fort
The best time to visit Agra Fort is between October and February as the climate during this period is pleasant. Reaching Agra Fort Early Morning is the best option as there won’t be much crowd at that time and you can witness the monument peacefully. People also visit this place in the evening and stay back for the light and sound show that take place around 08:30 PM which gives a brief description about the history of Mughal Emperors and Agra Fort.
How To Reach Agra Fort?
- By Air: Agra Airport is 6 kilometres east of the city. You can take different forms of transportation or hire a taxi from the airport to get to Agra.
- By Train: Agra Fort Railway Station is one of the main train stations in the city and there are several train connections available for Agra.
- By Road: National highway Yamuna Expressway, also known as the Taj Expressway connect major cities with Agra, which has a well-developed road network.
