Agra Fort holds the pride of being one of the most iconic historical landmarks in India. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and as the name implies, it is located in Agra.
Agra Fort is known for its scenic views of the Taj Mahal, rich history and splendid architecture. It is one of the best places to visit near Delhi. Before you plan your visit to this fort, you will be interested in knowing a lot of things about it. The purpose of this post is to let you know everything before your visit:
Agra Fort – An Introduction
Agra Fort was functioning as the primary abode of the kings of the Mughal era. However, this lasted only until 1638. This was the year when the headquarters was moved from Agra to Delhi.
The fort is about 2.5 km northwest of the Taj Mahal. The fort is fondly referred to as a walled city.
You might have heard about or even visited the Red Fort in Delhi; Agra Fort is called the Red Fort of Agra. The reason is that its grand fortress has been made from red sandstone basically.
Once, the fort was a military stronghold. It has been constructed by combining Hindu and Islamic architecture. It features courtyards, mosques and elaborate palaces. With its intricate designs and towering walls, this world heritage site is a remarkable symbol of Mughal. It is an attraction in Agra for travellers, architecture buffs and history enthusiasts alike.
History of Agra Fort
The origins of the Agra Fort date back to the 11th century. At that time, it was a tiny structure constructed by the Chauhan Rajputs. Nevertheless, the fort we see today was constructed and expanded by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1573. He used it as a residence and military base. Thereafter, the grandson of Akbar Shah Jahan made considerable additions to the fort. He transformed the structure into a palace by adding gardens and marble structures.
History of the fort shows that Shah Jahan spent his final years imprisoned in this fort. The reason is that he was able to see the mausoleum of his wife Mumtaz at the Taj Mahal from this fort.
The fort stands as a symbol of important historical events from invasions and battles to power transitions.
How to Reach Agra Fort?
During your trip to the Taj Mahal, you should not miss out on visiting the Agra Fort. You can reach this fort using different modes of transportation. Here are some details to know about ways to reach the Fort:
By Bus
I should say that Agra has excellent connectivity with other cities. Yes, you can find an extensive bus network. You can find private and state-run buses from Jaipur, Delhi and other nearby cities. Through these buses, you can reach the Idgah Bus Stand or ISBT Agra. From this bus stand, you can take an autorickshaw or cab to reach Agra Fort.
By Train
Agra houses a Railway Station called Agra Fort Railway Station. This station is located just around 2 km away from the Agra Fort. If you cannot find direct trains to Agra Fort Railway Station from your city, you can book trains to Agra Cantt Railway Station. This is the main railway station in Agra. It is located around 5 km from the Fort. From major cities in India, trains are operated either to Agra Fort or Agra Cantt or both. So, you can book accordingly.
By Flight
The nearest airport to Agra Fort is Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Airport. From this Agra Airport, the Agra Fort is located around 12 km away. You can hire a taxi from this airport to reach the Fort.
Alternatively, you can book flights to Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. The distance from this airport to Agra Fort is 230 km. You can travel either by cab or rely on public transportation to reach the Fort from Delhi Airport.
By Car
From Delhi, Agra Fort is located around 229 km. You can travel via the Yamuna Expressway to reach the fort by car. It will take around 5 hours of travel. If you are travelling by car, a one-day trip from Delhi to Agra Fort is possible if you start early from Delhi. You can return by night after covering the Fort and Taj Mahal on the same day from Delhi.
You can rely on Google Maps to find the best routes to reach the fort if you are travelling from other cities.
Key Attractions & Things to Do
Agra Fort Light and Sound Show
When you are at Agra Fort, you should not miss out on seeing the Light and Sound Show. This show is organized by the Government of Uttar Pradesh. However, it is conducted in the evenings. This show will take you on a visual journey through the illustrious past of the fort. This show is conducted 30 minutes after sunset every day. It is conducted in English and Hindi.
Other Things To See
Apart from the show, there are other things that you should not miss out on when you are at the Agra Fort. They are:
- The Pearl or Moti Masjid
- Diwan-i-Am
- Diwan-i-Khas
- Ghaznin Gate
- Macchi Bhavan
- Nagina Masjid
- Musamman Burj
- Shahjahani Mahal
- Babur’s Baoli
- Sheesh Mahal
- Akbari Mahal
- Anguri Bagh
- Khas Mahal
- Bengali Mahal
- Jahangir’s Hauz
- Jahangir Mahal
Best Time & Season to Visit
The fort remains open from sunrise to sunset. It means that you can explore the fort from 6 am to 6 pm on any day. However, the light and sound show is conducted only after the sunset.
You can plan your visit to the Agra Fort from November to February. During this winter season, the climate will be comfortable as summers can be very hot in Agra. For the best experience, visit either in the morning or late afternoon hours.
Duration To See
You will need 2-3 hours to completely explore Agra Fort. When you have at least 2 hours, you can explore the viewpoints, halls, mosques and the main palaces. If you love photography or if you are a history buff, you will need more time to admire the intricate scenic views and intricate architecture of the fort.
Best Restaurants & Cafes Around Agra Fort
- Mansion Tapas And Club
- Qairo
- Nuclear Lounge & Cafe
- Yes Restaurant
- Cafe’ G
- Two Saints – Bar and Kitchen
- Shivpen Ryouri Restaurant
- Treat Restaurant
- Tea’se Me
Entry Fee & Ticket Prices
For Indians, the entry fee to the Agra Fort is Rs.50. For foreigners, the entry fee is Rs.650. For kids below 15 years, free entry is permitted into the fort.
For the light and sound show, the ticket price is Rs.70 for Indian adults. For Indian students, the show ticket costs Rs.40. For foreign adults, the cost is Rs.200. For children below 15 years, no tickets apply. They can watch the show free of cost.
FAQ
1. Can I Visit Agra Fort and Taj Mahal on the Same Day?
Yes, the reason is that these two attractions are located at a distance of about 2.5 km away from each other. So, you can easily visit both these places on the same day during your visit to Agra. Most visitors, start with a visit to the Taj Mahal in the morning. Then, they head to Agra Fort in the afternoon after finishing their lunch. When this is done, they can easily watch the light and sound show after sunset at Agra Fort.
2. Can I Find Guides in Agra Fort?
Yes, you can find licensed guides at the entrance of the Agra Fort. When you hire a guide, you can understand the historical significance of the fort well. Also, the guide will explain the architectural features of the fort.
3. Can I capture Photos in Agra Fort?
Yes, photography is permitted in Agra Fort. There might be restrictions to capture some areas of the fort. Particularly, in some areas, you will not be allowed to use flash photography. It is better to follow the guidelines given by the representatives in the fort. You might have to pay for carrying a camera. The cost will vary based on the type of camera you carry.
4. What Other Places of Interest Can I Visit Near Agra Fort?
Indeed, you know that you can visit the Taj Mahal. Apart from the Taj Mahal, you can also visit other attractions like Fatehpur Sikri, Mehtab Bagh and the Tomb of Itimad-ud-Daulah. Mostly, you can find a lot of historical sites around Agra Fort.
Conclusion
Agra Fort stands as a majestic example of the rich history of India. Particularly, you can learn a lot about the Mughal architecture from this fort. Its stunning views, picturesque courtyards and elaborate palaces make this fort a destination that you cannot miss out on visiting.
You might be fascinated by history. Otherwise, you might be interested in capturing the historical architecture of the fort. In both cases, you can expect the best experience at Agra Fort.
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