Timings: Sunrise to Sunset
Time Required: 2-3 hours
Entry Fee:

  • Indians: INR 40
  • Foreigners: INR 550
  • Children (below 15): Free
    Note: Entry is through the Amar Singh Gate only.

Key Tips:

  • Prohibited items: Food, liquor, tobacco, headphones, knives, electronic goods (except cameras).
  • Carry an ID card for entry.
  • Mobile phones must be switched off.
  • Hire only approved guides and photographers.

Overview

Agra Fort, built by Emperor Akbar in 1565, is a stunning example of Mughal architecture, constructed from red sandstone on the banks of the Yamuna River. Located just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal, this UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the residence of Mughal emperors. Also known as Lal Qila or Red Fort of Agra, it’s often referred to as a walled city due to its vast size.

Notable Structures:

  1. Jehangir Mahal: Built for Akbar’s son, Jehangir, this palace features Persian verses and beautiful rosewater storage.
  2. Khas Mahal: The emperor's sleeping quarters, adorned with intricate Persian and Hindu designs.
  3. Musamman Burj: A tower where Shah Jahan spent his last years, gazing at the Taj Mahal.
  4. Sheesh Mahal: A stunning harem with intricate mirror mosaics and advanced water engineering.
  5. Diwan-i-Khas: A hall for private audiences, decorated with marble pillars and semi-precious stones.
  6. Diwan-i-Am: A hall for public gatherings, once home to the famous Peacock Throne.
  7. Moti Masjid: A pearl mosque built by Shah Jahan, closed to the public.

How to Reach:

Agra Fort is easily accessible, located just 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal. The nearest train station is Agra Cantt, and taxis or rickshaws can take you to the fort for INR 200-300.

History:

Originally known as Badalgarh, the fort was captured by Humayun and later expanded by Akbar in 1573. Shah Jahan made further modifications, and towards the end of his reign, his son Aurangzeb imprisoned him in the fort, where he spent his final years overlooking the Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort is a must-visit landmark, showcasing the grandeur of the Mughal era and offering magnificent views of the Taj Mahal and the Yamuna River.