Agra Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, stands tall as a testament to the architectural heritage of the country. If you are planning a visit to the city, the fort is a must-visit place for you.
The Agra Fort, also known as the “Lal-Qila”, “Fort Rouge” and “Qila–Akbari”, is located near the gardens of the Taj Mahal in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. This 16th-century Mughal monument is a powerful fortress built of red sandstone with a 2.5 km-long enclosure wall. The fortress includes many mesmerising palaces such as the Jahangir Palace and the Khas Mahal (built by Shah Jahan). It also comprises audience halls such as the Diwan-i-khas and two very beautiful mosques.
Historic Significance
Long before the association of the fort with the Mughals, it belonged to the Rajput kings and was known as Badalgarh. The monument witnessed a series of occupations and wars until the 16th century. During this time, the Mughal Emperor Akbar established the city of Agra as a part of his expanding empire. Under the process, Badalgarh was reconstructed and fortified and was renamed as the Agra Fort.
The fort became the royal residence for the four generations of the Mughal dynasty and underwent a diverse array of architectural contributions by its imperial residents.
Akbar adorned the fort with numerous buildings boasting Bengali and Gujarati influences, which you can witness in the Jahangir Palace.
While Shah Jahan demolished some structures to build his lavish white marble creations. He built the Khas Mahal, where he stayed with his wife Mumtaz Mahal. The palace was embellished with pure gold and precious gems. The palaces also featured ornate ceilings, fountains, alcoved and lattice windows, offering captivating views of the Taj Mahal across the river.
Aurangzeb added an outer wall and a deep moat, ensuring the fort’s defences were impenetrable. The Britishers, on the other hand, led to the destruction of various parts of the fort, which you can witness on your trip to the fort.
Timings and Entry Fee
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 40 for Indians on Fridays and INR 50 on other days and INR 600 for foreigners on Fridays and INR 650 on other days.
How to Reach Agra Fort
Agra Fort is one of the famous tourist places to visit in Agra and has excellent connectivity with the rest of the country through air, rail and roads.
By Air
Kheria Airport in Agra is only a seasonal commercial airport that connects the city with New Delhi through occasional Air India flights. For international travellers and domestic travellers from cities other than Delhi, Indira Gandhi International Airport is the nearest airport to reach Agra, one of the best places to visit in Uttar Pradesh.
You can book a stay at one of the hotels in Delhi for a halt and begin your road trip or take a train from Delhi to reach Agra.
By Rail
Agra is located on the Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Chennai rail route that connects the city with the rest of the country. There are five railway stations in Agra, namely Agra Cantt Station, which is the main station, Agra Fort Railway Station, Raja Ki Mandi, Agra City and Idgah Railway Station. From any of these stations, you can either hire a pre-paid taxi, auto rickshaw or even a cycle rickshaw to visit Agra Fort.
Moreover, you can easily find budget-friendly hotels in Agra offering a private cab facility to let you explore the city at your leisure.
By Road
The city of Agra is well-connected with Delhi, Jaipur, Gwalior, Lucknow and Kapur through National Highways and expressways. Various state and privately-owned buses are running to and from the two major interstate bus terminals, Idgah Bus Stand and ISBT Agra.
Best Time to Visit Agra Fort
Agra Fort is open to the public throughout the year from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit Agra Fort is during the winter months from October to March, as the weather is pleasant for exploring the vast area of the fort.
The summer months from April to June are extremely hot and not suitable for sightseeing during the daytime. However, if you are looking forward to a time when the fort is less crowded with tourists, then this can be an ideal time for you. Moreover, since it is the off-season, you can easily find hotels at low prices.
The monsoon months, from July to September, are accompanied by moderate to heavy rainfall, which can hamper your outdoor activities.
If you are looking forward to witnessing the festivities in the city, then events like Taj Mahotsav can be considered as the best time to visit Agra Fort. During such events, the region is filled with Indian art, culture and cuisines, making your trip more enjoyable.
Places to visit near Agra Fort
1. Taj Mahal
If you are visiting Agra Fort, you can never miss visiting the iconic Taj Mahal, located just a short distance away from the fort.
One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal was commissioned by Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. The monument is known for its breathtaking beauty.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 250 for Indians, INR 740 for SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens and INR 1,300 (base price) for Foreigners.
- Location: Dharmapuri, Forest Colony, Tajganj, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001.
2. Fatehpur Sikri
Another UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri, is one of the best places to visit on your trip to Agra Fort. Also known as the “ City of Victory”, it was once the capital of the Mughal Empire. It is adorned with stunning architectural brilliance and historic significance.
The place offers a glimpse into the exclusive royal enclave filled with luxurious palaces, serene courtyards and bustling bazaars dedicated to queens.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM/6:30 PM (from Saturday to Thursday).It remains closed on Fridays.
- Entry Fee: NR 250 for Indians, INR 50 for SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens and INR 610 for Foreigners.
- Location: Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110.
3. Mehtab Bagh
The charbagh complex, Mehtab Bagh, lies north of the Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River. It is popularly known as the Moonlight Garden, offering a mesmerising experience throughout the day and night.
The garden was designed by Shah Jahan so that he could admire the Taj Mahal in all its beauty. The monument looks stunning on moonlit nights from the Mehtab Bagh.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 25 for Indians/ SAARC/BIMSTEC citizens and INR 200 for Foreigners.
- Location: Mehtab Bagh, 1, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001.
4. Akbar’s Tomb:
Also known as Sikandra Fort, Akbar’s Tomb stands as an architectural masterpiece testifying to the legacy of the Mughal Emperor. The monument showcases a blend of Hindu, Islamic and Persian elements, offering an insight into Akbar’s ideals of inclusivity, peace and unity.
It is one of the best-preserved Mughal structures in India, making it a must-visit place for history enthusiasts.
- Timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
- Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians/ SAARC / BIMSTEC citizens and INR 250 for foreigners.
- Location: Tomb of Akbar The Great Area, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007.
Agra Fort is one of the famous historic monuments of India, offering breathtaking views and insight into the architectural heritage of the country.
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