Agra Fort

Inscribed as the world heritage site by UNESCO, Agra Fort is yet another beautiful monument that emerged from the Mughal era. Built-in the year 1573, it was the main residence for Mughal emperors before they moved their capital from Agra to Delhi in the year 1638. The Agra Fort is built at a distance of only 2.5 km to its sister monument Taj Mahal and has seen the reign of many emperors of different dynasties for centuries. All these had a tremendous impact on Agra Fort’s architecture. The fort can be described as a walled city and comprises many exquisite structures such as Jahangir Mahal, Moti Masjid, Macchi Bhawan, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am, and Khaas Mahal. The site was traditionally called Badalgarh and was made with bricks alone. The structure was of paramount importance for the Mughal rulers and hence Akbar decided to rebuild it. It took 4000 workers a total duration of eight years to complete this historical monument. It was reconstructed using red Sandstones from the Barauli area Dhaulpur district, in Rajasthan.

Agra Fort Information

• Location - Agra
• Timings    - Sunrise to sunset; every day
• Entry - Only through Amar Singh Gate
• Entry Fee - ? 40 (Indians); ? 650 (foreigners); free entry for kids below the age of 15 years
• Still and Video Cameras    - Allowed
• Commissioned by    - Emperor Akbar
• Architectural Style - Mughal style
• Status - UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Area - 94 acres
• Year of Establishment - 1573
• Best Time to Visit - October to February
• Material Used - Red sandstone and marble

History of Agra Fort

Agra Fort has a very rich history and has witnessed many ups and downs. After Babur defeated Ibrahim Lodi in the first battle of Panipat in the year 1526, he captured his residence. The fort underwent some modifications after that. A ‘Baoli’, i.e. a stepwell was constructed inside the fort. The fort also witnessed the coronation of Babur’s successor Humayun in the year 1530. However the latter lost the monument to Sher Shah Suri at Bilgram in the year 1540. The fort went through minor architectural changes under the ownership of the Emperor of the Sur Empire for the next fifteen years. However, in the year 1555, Humayun recaptured Agra as well as the fort only to lose it a year later to Hemu Vikramaditya, the general and military commander of Adil Shah Suri. Hemu pursued the fleeing army of Tardi Beg Khan, the military commander of Mughals to Delhi, and was met by Mughals in the Battle of Tughlaqabad.

After Akbar regained possession of the monument in the year 1556, he decided to rebuild it with red sandstones, an element characteristic of his architectural taste.

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It was in the reign of his grandson, Shah Jahan that the fort underwent modifications and took its current form to become one of the most visited tourist places in Agra. In the early 17th century, the fort was captured by the Maratha Empire. The later years witnessed numerous changes in ownership of the fort, mostly the Maratha emperors and their opponents including Mughals.

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In 1761, the Marathas were defeated by Ahmad Shah Durrani, and the fort became the residence for the Durrani dynasty until 1785. In the year 1785, the Agra Fort was recaptured by the Marathas under the leadership of Mahadji Shinde. Later the Marathas lost the fort to Britishers in the Anglo-Maratha war. However, after the independence of India in 1947, the fort was handed over to the government of India.

Major Attractions Near Agra Fort

Discover the soul of Agra Fort through these iconic landmarks

20-25 Minutes

Approximately 7 km

Mehtab Bagh

Located across the Yamuna River, this historic Mughal garden offers stunning sunset views of the Taj Mahal and a peaceful atmosphere.

15-20 Minutes

Approximately 5 km

Itimad-ud-Daulah's Tomb

Often called the "Baby Taj," this exquisite Mughal mausoleum is renowned for its intricate marble inlay work and elegant Persian-inspired architecture.

10-15 Minutes

Approximately 2.5 km

Taj Mahal

One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is an architectural masterpiece built by Emperor Shah Jahan and remains India's most iconic monument.

How to Reach Agra Fort

To reach Agra Fort, you'll need to cover significant distances from major cities. Here are the most convenient ways to travel to Agra Fort.

By Air

Agra Fort can be reached conveniently via nearby domestic and international airports. Agra Airport offers limited services, while Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport serves as the primary gateway for domestic and international travelers visiting Agra.

Nearest Airport to Agra Fort: Agra Airport (Kheria Airport) – Approximately 8 km

Second Nearest Airport to Agra Fort: Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi – Approximately 230 km

Third Nearest Airport to Agra Fort: Jaipur International Airport – Approximately 240 km

By Train

Agra Fort enjoys excellent railway connectivity through several major railway stations in the city. Travelers arriving from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, and other major cities can easily access the monument via frequent train services.

Nearest Railway Station to Agra Fort: Agra Fort Railway Station – Approximately 1 km

Second Nearest Railway Station to Agra Fort: Agra Cantt Railway Station – Approximately 5 km

Third Nearest Railway Station to Agra Fort: Raja Ki Mandi Railway Station – Approximately 4 km

By Road

Agra Fort is well connected by national highways and expressways, including the Yamuna Expressway and Agra-Lucknow Expressway. Regular buses, taxis, and private vehicles provide easy access from major cities across North India.

Delhi to Agra Fort: Approximately 230 km

Jaipur to Agra Fort: Approximately 240 km

Lucknow to Agra Fort: Approximately 335 km

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