Introduction
Agra Fort, a grand red stone fort on the shores of Yamuna River in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, shows the building skill and past importance of Mughal Empire. Seen as a UNESCO World Heritage Site this large area not only worked as a army base but also as the royal home of Mughal kings playing big part in the story of Indian history. The roots of Agra Fort go back to the 15th century when it was a brick fort called “Badalgarh,” held by the Chauhan Rajputs.
In 1504, Sikandar Lodi, the Sultan of Delhi shifted his capital to Agra and built many buildings inside the fort, showing the city’s rise as an important center of power. After First Battle of Panipat in 1526, the fort fell under Mughal control.
Emperor Akbar, seeing its key role, started a big rebuild in 1565 replacing old structures with red stone buildings and finished the fort in 1573. His grandson Shah Jahan later changed parts of that fort with white marble which showed his love for grand design.
Through the years, Agra Fort saw many kings and went through lots of changes; each made a lasting mark on its form and story. Covering a space of about 94 acres, Agra Fort is a city with walls. Its round shape is highlighted by strong 70-foot-high walls and a 1.5-mile-long perimeter.
The fort has two main gates: the “Delhi Gate” and the “Amar Singh Gate” (it was earlier called the Akbari or Lahore gate). A third gate called the Khizri gate opened up to the Yamuna river. The Delhi Gate, decorated with fancy carvings and surrounded by solid towers, was the big entrance but is now shut to the public People today come in through the Amar Singh Gate, that goes into a maze of homes, yards, prayer places, and meeting rooms; each telling stories of a lost time.
The Amar Singh Darwaza is named after the brave, banished heir to the throne of Jodhpur (Marwar) Rao Amar Singh.
Watch how he came to have the indelible mark on the Agra Fort here.
Key places to visit within Agra Fort
Jahangiri Mahal: This was built by Akbar, this palace was likely built by Akbar originally for his wives. So this was perhaps the zenana. Over years it came to be known as the Jahangiri Mahal due to a giant Bath tub found in the Mahal during British rule.
Diwan-e-Aam (Room of Public Affairs): This room was used by kings to administer justice and other public affairs for ordinary citizens. Built first with red stone, it was later covered to look like white rock. The well-known Peacock Throne was once kept here.
Diwan-e-Khas (Room of Private Meetings with important officials): This is a marble shelter where the emperor had private talks with respected visitors and important people. The room is famous for its marble posts set with valuable stones.
Khas Mahal: A special home of Shah Jahan, this building looks over the Anguri Bagh (Grape Garden). It shows a mix of Persian and Islamic style, with fine marble work and detailed arches.
Sheesh Mahal: This was used as the king’s dressing space, it has small glasses all over its walls and roof, making a stunning look when they bounce light.
Musamman Burj: A eight-sided tower made by Shah Jahan, giving a wide look of the Taj Mahal. It is thought that Shah Jahan͏ was put in arrest here by his son Aurangzeb and spent his last days looking at his dear work across the Yamuna River.
Moti Masjid (Pearl Mosque): This is a clean white stone mosque made by Shah Jahan, famous for its three round tops and a big yard with calmness and peace.
Nagina Masjid: This is a simple but nice mosque made by Shah Jahan for the women of royal family. Made from white stone it has plain design with little decor, showing a feel of quiet beauty.
Meena Bazaar: Once a lively place close to the Nagina Mosque, it was made by women of Mughal workers and leaders, serving only the royal kin. Even if the market is gone now, its important past adds to the fort’s deep story.
Agra Fort is a big part of India’s old past, showing the peak of Mughal building and the power of the empire. Every building in its walls shares a tale of art skill, political tricks, and culture mix. A trip to Agra Fort isn’t just going through stone and marble; it’s a deep dive into the gift of a culture that once shaped the land’s fate.
Facilities & Amenities in Agra Fort
- Food stalls are near the entrance with drinks and snacks.
- Child-Friendly: The big yards and gardens give plenty of place for kids to enjoy.
- Wheelchair Ease: Some spots are easy to get, but a few parts may be hard to reach because of architectural structure.
- Seating Places: Seats and shady places are available all over fort for rest.
- Drinking Water: Water spots are given at different places; but it’s good to bring your own bottle.
- Public toilets: There in the main yard, but quite bad standard.
- Buggies: Buggies are not there inside Agra Fort.
- Timings: Open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM.
- Photography: Photography is allowed in many spots, but some parts might have rules. Sunrise and sunset gives lovely views, for a photographer.
- Shoe counter: There are shoe covers and places to put them close to main mausoleum.
How to Reach Agra Fort
By Air
Nearest airport – Agra Airport (7.4 km away).
Delhi airport – 230 km away.
By Train
Agra has a good train network connecting it to other parts of India.
The closest railway station to the Agra Fort is the Agra Fort Railway station. It was created by removing the Tripolia Chowk that once existed between the Agra Fort and the Jama Masjid.
The main railway station is Agra Cantonment, but there are also two other stations: Raja-ki-Mandi and Agra Fort. Some of the main trains connecting Agra to Delhi include the Palace on Wheels, Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and Taj Express.
Agra Cantonment (AGC) railway station (5 km away)
By Road
Agra has regular bus services to many important cities. The main bus stand, Idgah, has buses to Delhi, Jaipur, Mathura, and Fatehpur-Sikri. If you are traveling from Delhi to Agra, you can also hire a taxi at special discounted rates.
Well connected via Yamuna Expressway from Delhi (4-5 hours drive)
Local Transportation
After arriving in Agra, you will need local transport to reach the Agra Fort. Taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws are easily available to take you to your destination. Prepaid taxis are also an option if you want to explore places near the city. If you enjoy adventure, you can rent a bicycle by the hour from different locations.
To know more : Agra Fort: Mughal Opulence and Imperial Splendor
Ticket and Entry Details:
Ticket
Foreign Tourists: Rs 650 (Rs 600 on Fridays)
Indian Tourists: Rs 50 (Rs 40 on Fridays)
Children below 15 years: Free entry
Note: Please carry a valid ID for verification.
Entry Details
Open: Sunrise to sunset (6AM – 6 PM).
The entry to Agra Fort is allowed through the Amar Singh Gate only.
Some portion of this fort is used by the Indian Army.
The public access to that part has been prohibited.
For Online Ticket Booking Agra Fort
Light and Sound Show Details For Agra Fort
Hindi Show – 30 minutes after Sunset.
English Show – Immediate after Hindi Show
Ticket rates – Indian Rupees
Indian – 70/-
Foreigner – 200/-
Student – 40/-
For more details please contact
Rahi Tourist Bungalow,
Raja Ki Mandi, Agra.
Ph. 0562-2850120/2226431/2421204
For more detail Agra Fort Light and Sound
Light & Sound show is presently not in operation.
Duration To Explore Agra Fort
(Approx. 2-3 Hours)
Amar Singh Gate (Entry Point) – 15 mins
Go in through the Amar Singh Gate, which is the main entrance for Agra Fort for tourists. Stroll by the huge walls and enjoy the fort’s big design.
Jahangiri Mahal – 15 mins
First building inside the Agra Fort, made by Akbar for his wife’s. Look at the detailed rock cuts and massive rooms.
Diwan-e-Aam – 15 mins
This is the place where kings spok͏e to general public. This area once housed the famous Peacock Throne.
Diwan-e-Khaas – 10 mins
This is the personal room for and royal get-togethers. Look at the marble posts with shiny stones and the Pachisi Yard.
Khaas Mahal & Angoori Bagh – 15 mins
Khaas Mahal was the emperor’s private palace. Angoori Bagh was a king’s garden famous for planting grapes.
Sheesh Mahal – 15 mins
A beautiful palace with thousands of tiny mirrors reflecting light. This Mahal also used as dressing room for the queens.
Moti Masjid – 10 mins
This place is also called the Pearl Mosque, known for its serene white marble architecture.
Musamman Burj – 20 mins
This has an octagonal tower offering stunning views of the Taj Mahal. This is where Shah Jahan was imprisoned in his final years.
Nagina Masjid & Meena Bazaar – 10 mins
A small, elegant mosque for royal women. The remains of Meena Bazaar, once a shopping place for Mughal nobility.
End: Exit via Amar Singh Gate
Nearby Places to Visit After Visiting Agra Fort
Itimad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb (Baby Taj): 3 km away from Agra Fort.
Mehtab Bagh: 4.7 km away from Agra Fort.
Fatehpur Sikri: 37 km away, UNESCO site, from Agra Fort.
Akbar’s Tomb, Sikandra: 12 km away from Agra fort.
The Taj Mahal: 2.9 km away from Agra Fort.
Things to Keep in Mind While Visiting Agra Fort
Be careful of monkeys in some places its best not to feed or get close to them.
The terrain is uneven, there is climbing involved and some surfaces may require care.
Wear comfortable footwear.
Keep a hat and sunglasses.
Carry a bottle of wa͏ter.
Apply sunscreen creams.
Luggage should be stored in the cloakroom.
Smoking and drinking are strictly prohibited.
Eating and littering are also restricted.
Take a guided tour for the best experience.
Emergency Contacts
Tourism Offices
Office of UP. Tourism 64, Taj Road, Agra
Phone: +91-0562-2226431
Timing: 10:00 AM to 5:00PM (excluding declared holiday & Sunday)
Government of India Tourism Office, 191, The Mall,
Phone: +91 562 2226368 /+91 562 2226378
U.P. Tourism Reception Counter, Agra Cantt, Railway Station
Phone: +91 562 2421204
Timing: 06:30 AM to 09:30PM (excluding declared holiday & Sunday)
Other Useful Contacts
Police Station: +91 9454402764
Superintendent of Police (city): +91 9454401007
Foreigners Regional Registration Office, Police Line Agra: +91 9454401717 (LIU)
For more details Emergency Contacts
FAQs about Agra Fort
- Is photography allowed inside Agra Fort?
- Yes, photography is permitted in most areas, but some sections may have restrictions.
- Are there tour guides available?
- Yes, you will get many tour guides and hire them at the entrance. You may also avail Pathbeat Audio guides available here. It covers all major monuments in Agra along with the story of the city.
- What is the duration to explore the fort?
- If you are going for a thorough visit it will take around 2 to 3 hours.
- Is there any particular day of the week when Agra Fort closed?
- Agra Fort isn’t closed on any day of the week. It opens throughout the year. The opening time of Agra Fort is at sunrise, and the closing time is at sunset.
- Which gate is accessible for tourists in Agra Fort?
- Amar Singh Gate (earlier Akabari Gate / Lahore Gate) is used for entry to the Agra Fort.
- Is Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort same?
- No, Fatehpur Sikri and Agra Fort are two different places. Fatehpur Sikri is a separate town and a place of tourist interest about 40 km from Agra, with similar red sandstone buildings in Mughal-style architecture.
