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Agra Fort

Agra Fort

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About Agra Fort

The Red Fort of Agra or Agra Fort is an architectural masterpiece. It was built by Emperor Akbar in 1573 and is located on the right bank of the river Yamuna. This beautiful fort is made entirely of red sandstone. The historical fort was once the erstwhile residence of the Mughals until 1638 and is now one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. It lies 2.5 kilometres from Taj Mahal.

Agra Fort is an epitome of the Majestic Mughal Dynasty. The fort is so massive that it is often referred to as a walled city. It is the perfect example of Mughal art and architecture, built purely out of red sandstone. Within the premises of Agra Fort lie the most exquisite structures like the Pearl Mosque, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I- Aam, Moti Masjid and Jahangiri Mahal. Some part of the Agra Fort is used by the Indian Army is off-limit to public access. View of Yamuna River and Taj Mahal from the fort's pavilions is mind-stirring.

History of Agra Fort

A massive red-sandstone fort located on the banks of River Yamuna was built under the commission of Emperor Akbar in 1565 and was further built by his grandson Shah Jahan. The fort, semicircular on plan, is surrounded by a 21.4 m high fortification wall. The fort was built primarily as a military structure; parts of it are still reserved under Indian Army. Later on, it was transformed it into a palace, it also became a gilded prison for eight years after his son Aurangzeb seized power in 1658. The fort houses a maze of buildings, including vast underground sections. The Amar Singh Gate to the south is the sole entry point.

Architecture of Agra Fort

The Agra Fort was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar. The Fort is made of Red sandstone which was brought all the way from Rajasthan and that was laid on the external surfaces. The architecture of the Fort is Islamic.

Agra Fort Timings and Entry Fee

TICKET FARE – The entry ticket to explore the Agra Fort is not expensive at all. You can get a ticket for a meagre amount of INR 35 per person. However, the ticket price for foreigners is INR 550. Children do not require tickets.

TIMING – You can visit the Agra Fort any time between sunrise to sunset.

TIPS FOR AGRA FORT

  • Before you plan a visit for a more wholesome experience make sure you give a read about the history of the fort.
  • Eating and smoking is not allowed inside the premises so kindly refrain from doing so.
  • Preserve the beauty of the monument by not vandalizing or littering.
  • Food items, liquor, tobacco, headphones, knives, wire, mobile charger, electronic goods (except camera) are prohibited.
  • Carry your identity cards when you visit this attraction.
  • Mobile phones are to be kept switched off.
  • It is advised to hire only approved guides and photographers with identity cards.

THINGS TO SEE IN AGRA FORT

  • JAHANGIR MAHAL – Built in the 17th Century, Jahangir Mahal epitomizes the friendship between Bundela ruler, Bir Singh Deo and the Mughal Prince, Jahangir. The palace is a brick-and-mortar example of Indo-Islamic architecture. It was built by Bir Singh Deo to honor Jahangir during his first visit to Orchha. The building is a three storied structure of which the entrance of the palace is marked by an artistic and traditional gateway. The front wall of the structure faces to the east and is covered with turquoise tiles. This very graceful and fine structure is marked by stylishly hanging balconies, porches, and apartments.
  • JAHANGIR’S HAUZ – Jahangir’s Hauz or Jahangir’s bath tub is a monolithic tank which was carved out from a single granite's Rock including the steps on outer surface and inner surface. The bath tub was especially made for Jahangir. It is 5 feet in height, 8 feet in diameter and 25 feet in circumference. The bath tub has a Persian inscription engraved on the top of the outer surface in the artistic Nastaliq Script all around.
  • KHAS MAHAL – Located inside the Red Fort, Khas Mahal was a Mughal emperor’s private residence in Delhi. The Khas Mahal comprises of three parts: the Tasbih-Khana, the sleeping chamber, (khwabgah) and the wardrobe (tosha-khana) or sitting room (baithak). The interior is decorated with carved white marble painted with colourful floral decorations. The ceiling was also partially gilded. The marble screen was carved with the scale of justice (Mizan-i-adal), and above it is a particularly important item of Mughal art. The scale used was a depiction of the emperor's justice.
  • ANGURI BAGH – This marvellous structure was originally popular for thick creepers of grapes- their cultivation and harvesting, the garden accurately came to be called as the Garden of Grapes (Anguri Bagh) since then. Anguri Bagh is a sprawling charbagh (four complex compartments) styled garden, centrally situated in the premises of Khas Mahal in Agra Fort. It was built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1637 as his exalted place of leisure and rest.
  • AKBARI MAHAL – Akbari Mahal or Akbar Palace is situated between Jahangiri Mahal and Bengali Burj inside the Agra Fort. Akbar's Harem was housed in this palace. The Palace was designed and constructed in such a manner that whichever entrance the women used to enter the palace they were protected by purdah.
  • SHEESH MAHAL – One of the most exquisite constructions in the Agra Fort, the Sheesh Mahal is a 'harem' or dressing room that employs the most sophisticated water engineering designs. The inside of this construction is beautifully decorated with a mosaic of myriad tiny mirrors, hence giving it its name.
  • BABUR’S BAOLI – Babur built a stone Baoli/(Step-Well) in Agra Fort which was three-storey. Stepwell are certainly one of India’s most unusual, but little-known, contributions to architecture. They influenced many other structures in Indian architecture, especially many that incorporate water into their design.
  • SHAHJAHANI MAHAL – The Shahjahani Mahal is situated between the white marble Khas Mahal and Red Sandstone Jahangiri Mahal. The exquisite building structure was made in an attempt of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to convert an existing red stone building in accordance with his taste. It is his earliest palace in Agra Fort and has a large hall and side rooms, and an octagonal tower on the river side.
  • MUSAMMAN BURJ – Towards the left of the Khas Mahal lies the Musamman Burj, which was also built by Shah Jahan. Octagonal in shape, this tower has an open pavilion which allowed the cool evening breeze to flow right through it. This was the place where Shah Jahan spent his last days whilst he looked out over to the tomb of his beloved wife, the Taj Mahal.
  • NAGINA MASJID – This shrine was built by emperor Shah Jahan as a private mosque for the ladies of the court.
  • MACCHI BHAVAN – Macchi Bhawan or the Fish Chamber is so called for it was believed that it was used to rear gold fishes for the emperor. It issituated in front of the Diwan-I-Khas, and is believed to have marble fountains and tanks. However, Badshah Nama terms this building as the treasury for imperial ornaments and jewels.
  • GHAZNI GATE – The Ghazni Gate belonged to the tomb of Mahmud Ghaznavi after his death in 1030 A.D. The tomb at Ghazni was then brought by the British in 1842. The made of local Deodar wood of Ghaznin and bears an Arabic inscription carved on the upper side. It mentions Mahmud with his epithets.
  • DIWAN-I-KHAS – To the right of the Sheesh Mahal lies the Diwan - I - Khaas, which was a hall especially for private audiences. It is intricately decorated with marble pillars that are studded with floral patterns of semi - precious stones. Adjacent to this is the Mammam-E-Shahi or the Shah Burj, used as the summer retreat.
  • DIWANI-I-AM – This was the hall that was open to the general public. It was here that the very famous Peacock Throne was situated, and the room where the throne once used to be is richly decorated with white marble.
  • MOTI MASJID – Also known as the Pearl Mosque, it is an extremely beautiful structure situated at Agra Fort. The building of the mosque is closed to visitors as of now. Near the Moti Masjid lies the Mina Masjid, which was the private shrine of Emperor Shah Jahan.
  • AGRA FORT LIGHT AND SOUND SHOW – UP Tourism organises Light and Sound Show which provides an insight into the history of the monument, which is a visual delight. The show takes place every day in both Hindi language and in English. The ticket price for Indians is INR 70 whereas for foreigners is INR 200.

PLACES TO VISIT NEAR AGRA FORT

  • JAMA MASJID – Deemed as one of the largest mosques in India, Jama Masjid is a 17th-century assemblage Masjid (Mosque). Built by Jahanara Begum, Padshah Begum (First Lady) of the Mughal Empire, Jama Masjid stands opposite the Agra Fort.
  • TAJ MAHAL – Once the winner of the New 7 Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is a beautiful palace constructed with white marble and looks mesmerizing standing gracefully near the right bank of the Yamuna River. Considered the Symbol of Love, the Taj Mahal was built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his lovable wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
  • ITMAD-UD-DULAH’S TOMB – Built by Nur Jahan, the Empress of Hindustan, for her father Mirzā Ghiyās Beg, Itimad-Ud-Daulah’s Tomb is a lovable and honorable tribute from a daughter to her father. Often known as the Baby Taj, the tomb was named after Mirzā Ghiyās Beg title name Itimad-Ud-Daulah which means pillar of the State.
  • SADAR BAZAAR – Sadar Bazar is one of the prominent markets of Dilli-06 and is always bustling with hawkers and porters. It is located on the western side of Khari Baoli, as well as Chandni Chowk, and is known as the largest wholesale market of household items in Delhi. It is famous for its jewellery and clothing markets, which are sold at amazing prices.
  • MEHTAB BAGH – The last of Eleven Mughal-built gardens alongside the Yamuna River, Mehtab Bagh is the Charbagh compound in Agra. Situated north side of the Taj Mahal and the Agra fort the Mehtab Bagh is a beautiful Garden with an airy structure, white plaster walkways, decorative pools, and fountains.

HOTELS NEAR AGRA FORT

  • TAJ HOTEL & CONVENTION – One of the best Hotels in Agra, The Taj Hotel and Convention Center is known for its luxurious facilities. Magnificent rooms with the touch of the Nawabi culture and tempting menus serving authentic Mughlai food that will make your experience more vibrant and memorable.
  • RADISSON BLU – The Radisson Blu is a sophisticated retreat set in the heart of Agra and is known as one of the best hotels in Agra. The hotel features spacious rooms equipped with all the modern amenities to make your stay comfortable.
  • DOUBLE TREE BY HLTON – Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Agra offers the experience of an unforgettable stay in the stately 5-star hotel. With fancy rooms, a fitness center, and an expanded pool, Double Tree by Hilton Hotel Agra is worth staying hotel situated 4 km away from the Taj Mahal.
  • COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT (AGRA) – Nestled near the bustling bazaars of Agra, this luxurious retreat features elegant rooms, poolside restaurants, a well-equipped gym and a soothing spa. Courtyard by Marriott delivers rejuvenation like none other. The Taj Mahal is a mere 2 km away from the hotel, making for ease of exploration.
  • HOLIDAY INN – Situated in the commercial center of Agra, Holiday Inn is known for its generous hospitality and services. With spacious rooms with relaxing interiors, Holiday Inn is a stunning Hotel for a stay in Agra.
  • ITC MUGHAL – A LUXURY COLLECTION RESORT & SPA – A luxurious spread across an area of 23 acres, the ITC Mughal provides offers its customers an incomparable vacation with spacious rooms, lush green gardens, swimming pools, and a signature in-house spa for relaxation.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

The best time to visit Agra Fort is during autumn and winter seasons between the months of November and February.

How to Reach

The Agra Fort is located just 2.5 km away from the opulent Taj Mahal hence it is a very good idea to combine these two destinations together. The nearest railway station to the Red Fort of Agra is, of course, Agra Cantonment or Agra Cantt as it is more commonly known as. If you are a first-time traveller to Agra, get down at the station and make your way to the prepaid booth in order to book a transport - Cab or Rickshaw - at a reasonable price. The taxi fare is usually between INR 200 - 300 as the distance between the station and the fort is around 13 km.

AGRA FORT

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Agra Fort, also called Red Fort, was established during the rule of the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1573 and depicts the grandeur of the architecture in historic India. Located on the banks of Yamuna River, this red sandstone structure houses some exquisite structures such as Pearl Mosque, Diwan-I-Khas, Diwan-I-Aam, Jahangiri Mahal, and Moti Masjid within its premises.

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Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ)

What Is The Best Time To Visit Agra Fort?

Agra Fort is open daily from sunrise until sunset. The best time to go is from November to February, when the weather is dry and not too hot.

What Can We Expect To See In Agra Fort?

There are a number of monumental structures that one can see and be amused with in the Agra Fort. Some of these are Jahangir Mahal, Akbari Mahal, Sheesh Mahal, Khas Mahal etc.

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