Introduction

Nestled on the west banks of River Yamuna, this crescent shaped fort was commissioned by Akbar, one of the greatest Mughal Emperors, in 1565. Since then, his descendants Jehangir, Shah Jahan and even Aurangzeb have added extensions to the fort. Surrounded by mighty ramparts, the complex has within the fort has several palaces, gardens, halls, and other historical structures. A visit to the Agra Fort complements visits to the Taj Mahal, as the fort itself offers great views of the Taj Mahal from across the Yamuna.

Visitors enter the fort through the Amar Singh Gate, one of the fort’s four original gates and the only one to remain open now. This gate is looks especially majestic because of the old defense-related features, such as square bastion flanked by round towers and a treacherous entrance with trap points.

Once inside, sprawling lawns leading to the oldest surviving constructions of the fort, Jehangir Mehal greet you. Commissioned by Akbar, this was the women’s quarters. Its architecture bears a strong resemblance to that of Hindu and Rajputana styles and includes features such as traditionally craved balconies, decorative motifs, and cenotaphs. Adjacent to the Jehangir Mahal is Jodha Bai’s Palace.

On the left hand side of the entrance is the Anguri Bagh and facing it is the Khas Mahal, the sleeping quarters of the emperor. Added by Emperor Shah Jahan, it is built of marble and is a fusion of Islamic, Persian, and Hindu architecture. Flanking the Khas Mahal are the Golden Pavilions, which were gilded and are assumed to be the rooms of Shah Jahan’s daughters.

Perhaps the part of the fort that offers the best views of the Taj is Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan is said to have been imprisoned by his son. It is said, he spent his last days in this room, looking at the Taj Mahal, his beloved wife’s tomb.

One of the highlights of the fort is the Sheesh Mahal, which gets its name from the multitude of tiny mirrors that adorn the walls of the palace. Another important building is the Diwan-i-am, the hall of public audience, where the emperor’s durbar was held. At the far end of the hall is the richly-decorated throne alcove.

The other buildings in the complex include Diwan-i-khas, Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid. Moti Masjid, the pearl mosque and Diwan-i-Khas, the hall of private audience, are currently closed to the public. Nagina Masjid was the mosque built specially for the ladies of the court. Footwear has to be removed and left outside before entering the mosque.

Special Attributes

A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Nuisance

Touts

Dressing restrictions

Dress in whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Tongas, Buses, Auto Rickshaws, Taxis, Cycle Rickshaws

Enjoyed by

All

Exposure

The Agra Fort is huge! For large parts you will be outside where the sun will be strong. Wear a hat and lots of sunscreen and always carry a bottle of water. Even within the rooms of the fort, while it can be cool there will be no climate control.

Avoidable Season

April, May, June, July, August, September

Facilities

Lockers are available for storing items not allowed inside.

Things Not Allowed

Large bags, Luggage and Professional video cameras with more than 8 mm lens.

Tip

The Agra Development authority charges a one-time fee of Rs 500 from non-Indians for visits to the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort, Itmud-ad-Daulah, Sikandra and Fatehpur Sikri. You can opt for a day pass, which costs the same, and just pay for the entrance ticket at each monument. Also, non-Indians can get a discount of Rs 50 on each ticket at the Agra Fort if visited on the same day as the Taj Mahal. Just remember to show the Taj ticket. You can end your tour of the fort by attending the son-et-lumiere or the sound and light show organized by the Archeological Survey of India.

Type of site

Monument/Architectural landmark