The Taj Mahal gets all the attention of those who come to Agra. The second most visited site is most visited, Agra Fort. It is among the most beautiful architectural pieces and has stood for four generations of the Mughal Era. It is among the first monuments designated as a historic site in India. Mughals acknowledged that the Agra Fort was a symbol of strength and prosperity. If you’re visiting Agra, it is a must to go to Agra Fort.
The Story behind Agra Fort
The Fort’s existence is mentioned in numerous documents and inscriptions dating back to the eleventh century. The Fort is thought to be in existence prior to the 11th century. In the 16th century, Emperor Akbar restored the Fort, which was originally a brick fortress, to a sandstone beauty landmark. As an edifice of bricks under the Rajput control, it was known as Badalgarh. In its time in the Mughal Era, it got the name Agra Fort.
The Fort was ruined at the time Akbar was appointed its commander and constructed the Fort completely with red Sandstone. It took him eight years to complete the massive Fort. His grandson, Shah Jahan, deliberately brought down numerous structures in order to build marble structures. This was deemed to be an enormous waste of money during his time of rule. Then, his son was able to take over the Fort and put his father in the same Fort. The story goes that Shah Jahan requested to be locked up inside the Fort inside a tower where he could watch his life looking at the Taj Mahal at the top of the tower.
The Fort was under Aurangazeb’s hands (son of Shah Jahan). No major changes were made to the Fort’s structure. Moats were added to the walls to improve the security. Following the death of Aurangazeb, there were no powerful rulers to take the Mughal rule to a halt. Smaller kingdoms struggled against the Mughal reign, and it didn’t take long before Agra was under the rule of the Marathas. In the following century, the Fort passed through numerous dynasties, making minimal or no modifications to the construction that the Fort was built upon
Then, the British took over the Fort and used it for military use until the time of independence. They constructed barracks within the Fort and destroyed several monuments to make space for the troops. After India’s independence, the Fort was placed under the supervision of the government.
The beautiful Architectural Design of the Agra Fort
It was among the first forts built by the Mughals and was constructed for military use. The massive Fort was built with walls that were 70 feet high that are still standing. The walls were constructed to be used for defence purposes. The entrances and walkways were specifically designed to be narrower in order to make it difficult for enemy forces to enter the Fort in one go.
The Fort also contains a number of tunnels that royal families could escape to the shores of River Yamuna in case of unexpected circumstances. The entrances and the paths for the tunnels were given only to descendants of the royal family, and it is believed that there are many hidden passageways in the Fort, which are still to be found.
As far as architecture is concerned, it is a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles. There are theories that the magnificent Gwalior Fort inspired Agra Fort. Each of the structures inside the Fort is unique in design. There are Gujarati buildings, Bengali-styled monuments and many more.
What can you see within Agra Fort? Agra Fort
Jahangir's Palace
It is among the most famous buildings and palaces, and it is the oldest within the Fort. Royal ladies used the Fort, which featured intricate carvings and architectural features.
Khas Mahal
It is the residence of Mumtaz Mahal, wife of Shah Jahan. The structure was built as an amalgamation of Persian and Islamic architectural styles. The walls of the interior are decorated with gems, gold, and precious stones. The palace is constructed of marble and various other stones to create flowers. Other architectural features worth mentioning are fountains, latticework ceiling art, and more.
Musamman Burj
It is also known as the Octagonal Tower. This was when Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son. In the past, from this tower, you would be able to see a spectacular picture of the Taj Mahal if you were there on an uncloudy day. This tower has been decorated with simple but beautiful inlaywork.
Diwan-i-Khas
It was the place where the rulers would gather for private audiences. Akbar designed this hall, and it was later renovated in the hands of Shah Jahan. So, you can see numerous marble sculptures, floral designs, and other decorative pieces in the Persian style. The hall was home to an iconic peacock’s throne that was later stolen from India in the 18th century. Century.
Sheesh Mahal
This mirror palace is built entirely of reflective surfaces. This mirror palace features intricate mirrors, beautiful carvings and a peaceful elegance
Shahjahani Mahal
It is a combination of Sandstone and marble. It is the first monument constructed using Sandstone, which Shah Jahan tried to remodel using marble.
The chain Jahangir's made of Justice
It is a huge chain that was made from gold. Any person who believed there was injustice during the Jehangir reign could shake the chain and make massive sounds with the 60 bells affixed to the chain. This was the grievance-redressing method used in the Jehangir rule.
Other significant structures that you can look at are our
Moti Masjid
Mina Masjid
Golden Pavilions
Time of visit
The Fort is open from dawn until sunset. The ideal moment to go is in the morning hours or after sunset to observe the effects of the sun’s rays on the Fort. The best time to visit the Fort is in winter or the beginning of summer.
It is best to go between October between October and April. The weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear for a comfortable excursion. The majority of people go to Agra Fort at night and then return for the music and light show. Find out more about the best times to travel to Agra.
how you can reach Agra Fort:
By Air:
Agra has its own domestic airport, Kheria Airport, with connections to Delhi, Varanasi, and Khajuraho. From the airport, taxis or rickshaws can take you to the fort.
By Train:
Agra is a major railway junction with three stations: Agra Cantt (main station), Agra Fort, and Idgah. Trains like Shatabdi Express connect Agra to major cities. From any station, taxis, rickshaws, or auto-rickshaws can take you to the fort.
By Local Transport:
Local buses connect Agra’s various areas. You can reach a bus stop near the fort and then take an auto-rickshaw or rickshaw for the final leg. Alternatively, cycle rickshaws offer a more traditional and scenic ride.
Entry into the Agra Fort
There are four gates to these four gates, and among them, two of them are closed. Of the four, only the southern gate is open to tourists. It is the North Gate, which is under the supervision of the Indian Army and is not accessible to the people in general. The name of Amar Singh Gate refers to its southern entrance. In the Akbar rule, this gate was known as the Akbar Darwaza, as Akbar used it for his entire entourage.
After entering the Fort through an entrance to the south, you’ll see the ticket counter at the gate.
Tickets cost per Indian:
Cash tickets INR 50 per person
Cashless tickets INR 35 per head
Light and sound show for INR 70 for each head
Children under 15 years old – no cost
The cost of a ticket for foreigners
Cash tickets – INR 650 per person
Cashless tickets are INR 550 per person
Light and sound show -INR 200 per head
Children under 15 years old – gratis
The suggested tour package is ten days from Delhi Agra Jaipur with North India Temple.
Things that aren't permitted inside the Fort
Charger for mobile phones
Headphones
Explosives are dangerous items that pose a risk.
Sharp or sharp objects
Alcohol
Tobacco items
Merchandisable items