Agra Fort, Agra: The Ultimate Visitor Guide

About 3 kilometers from the Taj Mahal stands the majestic fort of Agra—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the most powerful Mughals in the 16th and 17th centuries.

Often perceived as just a chaotic ensemble of red and white palaces, Agra Fort has a deeper history involving succession wars and British colonial takeovers. This guide will help you reach, navigate, and understand the Fort without needing to hire a tour guide.

Contents:

• Overview

• Reaching the Fort

• Exploring the Fort

• Sightseeing Agra

Agra Fort Overview

Agra Fort was originally a brick fort named Badalgarh that was held by various Rajput rulers. The present structure was rebuilt in red sandstone by the Mughal Emperor Akbar between 1565 and 1573 after he made Agra his capital. Subsequent emperors, most notably Shah Jahan, modified the fort, making it a rich blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles.

Spread over 94 acres and enclosed by a 2.5-kilometer-long red sandstone wall, it features a semicircular design surrounded by a moat. The inner area includes a number of impressive buildings and palaces, such as the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), and a marble tower called Musamman Burj, where Shah Jahan spent his final years under house arrest.

Is Agra Fort worth it?

Agra Fort draws about 1.7 million visitors annually, making it the second most popular attraction in Agra after the Taj Mahal. A visit to Agra Fort is well worth it for anyone interested in exploring Mughal heritage, architecture, and the opulent lifestyle of their royal courts. It's also strategically located atop a hill and offers picturesque views of the Yamuna river and the Taj Mahal.

Can I fit Agra Fort in a day trip from Delhi?

Yes! Most visitors do a day trip from Delhi to see the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort. Some also squeeze in an hour for Baby Taj.

If you're traveling by train, depart early in the morning (6 AM - 9 AM) and catch the same train to Delhi at night. You have to book separate tickets through IRCTC.

Reaching the Fort

Where is the Agra Fort located?

The Agra Fort is located in the city of Agra, about a 15-minute drive from the Taj Mahal.

Do I need tickets to enter the Fort?

Yes! Entering the Agra Fort requires a ticket. The fee varies by nationality, but it is free to enter for children under the age of 15. For more details, see our Agra Fort Ticket Guide.

Can I visit the Agra Fort in summer?

Although the best time to visit Agra is September to March, the Agra Fort is open all year round, and a summer visit is still possible. Plan your visit around sunrise or sunset, as Agra sees very high summer temperatures.

What are the opening hours of the Agra Fort?

Sunrise to sunset. Approximately 06:30 AM to 06:30 PM, all days of the week

Exploring The Fort

What's there to see inside the Fort?

The fort includes a number of impressive buildings and palaces, such as

• Jahangiri Mahal—A palace built by Akbar that got the name of his son Jahangir because of his bath kept outside.

• Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience)—The hall emperors used for public addresses and court sessions.

• Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience)—The hall where the emperor held private meetings.

• Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace)—A summer palace known for its intricate mirror work.

• Khas Mahal (Royal Palace)—Shah Jahan's main residence with 2 adjoining palaces for his daughters

• Musamman Burj—A beautiful marble tower where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb and where he spent his final years gazing at the Taj Mahal.

How long does it take to see the Fort?

The Fort has 3 main courtyards surrounded by palaces and buildings. Seeing them all can take you 2 - 3 hours depending on how deeply you wish to explore.

What can I carry inside?

• Large backpacks, food items, and sharp objects are strictly prohibited inside

• Non-professional cameras are allowed, but drones and tripods require permission

Are there restrooms inside?

Yes, there are multiple restrooms inside the fort complex, which are well maintained and easily identifiable by signage.

Are there cafes and restaurants inside the fort?

No, Agra Fort has no eateries inside. Carrying food items inside is also restricted.

Do I need a human guide to see the Agra Fort?

While Agra Fort is a bit tricky to navigate, a human guide is not necessary. Instead, opt for an audio guide and carry an offline site map for reference.

Sightseeing Agra

Most people start their Agra trip with a visit to the Taj Mahal, followed by Agra Fort. You can definitely visit them in the reverse order.

Apart from that, there are other places you should see in Agra:

Akbar's Tomb

The Tomb of Akbar in Sikandra, about 12 kilometers from the Taj Mahal, is a lesser-known gem. It's usually not crowded and offers a relaxing retreat from the city's hustle and bustle.

Baby Taj (Itmad-ud-Daula)

Nicknamed "Baby Taj", Itmad-ud-Daulah is the tomb of Mirza Ghiyas Beg, Emperor Jahangir's father-in-law. It predates the Taj Mahal by a few years and served as a precursor to its design—signifying a transition from red sandstone to white marble in Mughal architecture.

Fatehpur Sikri

Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site and also built by Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur Sikri was the Mughal capital for a brief period of time before getting abandoned due to water shortage.