Agra Fort is a world heritage site and a legend of the Mughal narrative. Due to its red sandstone element, it is also known as Lal Qila or Red Fort. Akbar, who was a Mughal emperor, is the builder of this fantastic creature. As evidence of signature markings, it also called Qila-e-Akbari.
Agra fort located at the Yamuna riverbank, and very nearest to the Taj Mahal. After many changes, Agra fort is still given shine. To visit the most famous archaeological site of Agra Fort is open all the days in a week. To know the great historic architecture, you must visit it.
Why Should You Visit Agra Fort, India?
- Agra Fort is the best historical tourist place.
- Declared as UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- See the glorious red sandstone architecture.
- Know the historical background of the previous king or emperor.
- Get extra benefits by visiting the nearest great places.
That’s why you should visit Agra Fort. Choose a holiday, to pass the whole day, in Agra Fort.
The location of the historic Agra fort is at Agra, Uttar Pradesh, in India. It is only 2.5 kilometers far from the magnificent Taj Mahal monument. Till 1638, it was the primary residence of the Mughal Dynasty. Agra fort also called a walled city. It was built by the empire Akbar, by following the Mughal architectural style.
Gradually this fort used by one emperor to another emperor. Traditionally it was known as Badalgarh. Each emperor tried to decorate the Agra fort, according to their taste. Continuous passing through the rebuilt and reconstructions process, some structures are destroyed. But with the remaining, still, it is glorious.
History of Agra Fort, India:
Emperor Akbar built this fantastic building. Many emperors or king or rulers has been taken control over the Agra Fort. In 1526, the first Panipat battle occurred between the emperors Babur and Ibrahim Lodi. Babur won the battle and made this Agra Fort. Then he decorated this fort beautifully. After Babur, Humayun got it as a coronation in 1530. Then in 1540, a war happened between the emperor Humayun and Sher Shah Suri. Sher Shah Suri made his ownership by defeating Humayun in the Agra Fort. He also changed some architectural views as his own choice. After 15 years later, in 1555, Humayun again recaptured the Agra Fort.
But after one year, Humayun lost the fort. Hemu Vikramaditya became the new owner. After that, Tughlaqanad battle happened between Hemu Vikramaditya and Tardi Beg Khan. Hemu Vikramaditya won the battle. However, in 1556 the Agra Fort again got the control of Mughal, by Akbar. This historic fort building made with only brick and known as Badalgrah. The emperor Akbar rebuilt the fort with red sandstone. Shah Jahan had given the current form of the Agra Fort. He rebuilt it by destroying some edifice. In the 17th century, the Agra Fort was taken under the empire Maratha.
- In 1761, a massive war occurred between the Marathas and Ahmad Shah. Marathas were lost, and the fort went the control of Durrani, till 1785. Marathans was again owned the fort, by Mahadji Shinde, in 1785. British won against the Marathans in the Second Anglo- Maratha War. Till 1947, at the time of Indian Government, British control over the Agra Fort.
Exploring the Agra Fort, India:
The view of Agra Fort is semi-circular shaped. Yamuna river bank located at the base. Surrounded by a massive wall, double battlemented, with red sandstone. The walls’ perimeter and high is 2 kilometer and 70 feet, accordingly. Among the four gates, the Lahore and Delhi gate is most prominent. Lahore gate turned into Amar Singh Gate. Delhi gate was used as the security and the main entrance, by Akbar. Indian army also used the Delhi Gate for security purposes. An inner gateway had, which knew as Elephant Gate. This entrances structure was built much reliable so that it became difficult to invaders to enter.
Macchi Bhavan, Khas and Shah Jahani Mahal are the most prominent than others in the Agra Fort. Diwan-I-Am, royal pavilions also included in this fort. Also, there had royal baths for the princess, worship, private market for the ladies. For emergencies, passing has secret passage at the first base. Many more attractions also included in the Agra Fort.
Things to See in Agra Fort, India:
Some things or some architectural views also included in the Agra Fort. Such as-
- Jahangir’s’ Hauz: Actually, it is a monolithic tank, which made by Jahangir. Initially, it used as a bathing place. Now, it is a part of Akbar’s’ Mahal.
- Shahjahani Mahal: The earliest attempt of Shah Jahan emperor. Into the white marble palace, Shahjahani Mahal turned to red sandstone.
- Babur’s Baoli or Step Well: This is a stepwell of stone, made by Babur, which was meet up the water demand. Also included in the earliest modifications.
- Nagina Masjid: This Nagina Masjid or Mosque made by Shah Jahan. The white marble used as the main element. It also used as a private place of worship.
- Diwan-I-AM or Hall of Public Audience: Shah Jahan also made it. Red sandstone used firstly but then used white marble for shell-plastering.
- Ghazni Gate: It is a tomb of Ghazni, which was a ruler of the Ghaznavid Empire. Due to political reasons, the British moved it into the Agra Fort.
- Bengali Mahal: Akbar made the Bengali Mahal, but got modify from Shah Jahan. Known as secret housing building, due to hidden underneath.
- Akbar’s Mahal: Remaining the Akbar’s palace ruins, where he lost his last breath. Red sandstone used to make the entire palace.
When to Visit Agra Fort, India?
Visit the Agra Fort, from sunrise to sunset, or 6 am to 6 pm. Allow opening all day in a week. From October to March month, is the best time for visiting the Agra Fort. Don’t forget to visit, the other nearest visiting place also.
How to Get There to Visit Agra Fort, India?
The famous Agra fort is connected with Delhi, Lucknow and Jaipur by road. Agra Airport, Agra fort railway station, Idgah bus stand, Agra metro rail are the nearest place of Agra fort. By following Yamuna Expressway, you can pass the 230-kilometer distance from Delhi, in around 3 hours.
Essential Tips to Visit Agra Fort, India:
- Be aware of each type of danger.
- Avoid gathering of crowds.
- Visit a team.
- Try to avoid night journey.
- Take the local currency to pay for anything.
- Make all clearance about your visas.
- Choose the best winter season to travel.
- Take the latest weather condition before starting your journey.
- Reach the nearest location of Agra fort from your location.
- Be aware of terrorism risk, women risk, natural disaster risk, and another type of risk.
The above essential tips are not applicable to the Agra Fort only. Follow each tip to travel to another location also.
Safety Concern When You Visit Agra Fort, India:
- Overall has a high risk for theft, robbery, crime, rapes.
- Women traveler faces high risk due to verbal and physical harassment.
- Lonely night journey is too risky for scams.
- Besides the above, pickpocket risks, the natural disaster also risks high in Agra Fort.
In Indian tourist areas, such type’s risks are prevalent. So be careful when you visit there.
Not only Agra fort, but India is also full of different monuments, and fantastic landmarks. These are enough to amaze any traveler. Each monument has its own identity, to make different from others. Among them, Agra fort is most beautiful and amazing. That’s why it declared as the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Frequently Asked Questions about Agra Fort:
Question: Is this Agra Fort is worth visiting?
Answer: Agra fort is known as UNESCO World Heritage Site. There also have many other visiting places, but Agra fort is a worthy one to visit. The views of Agra fort are spectacular, and also had grandeur fairy-tale.
Question: how much need to pay, when you enter into the Agra fort?
Answer: For Agra fort online ticket, as an Indian need 35 INR. As the SAARC and BIMSTEC candidates also need 35 INR. But as a foreigner need 550 INR. Children below the 15 age no need entry fee to enter.
Question: Is there having a restaurant facility for the tourist?
Answer: Dasaprakash in Agra is a specialized restaurant due to its south Indian cuisine. Esphahan is famous for the most excellent traditional Indian food. Joney’s place in Agra is a budget-friendly restaurant. You can find a rare combination in Jhankar restaurant.
Question: Is it possible to visit Taj Mahal from Agra Fort?
Answer: Yes, of course. Taj Mahal is very nearest to Agra Fort. Only 3 kilometers far, and need around 15 minutes. One can easily visit the Taj Mahal monument, besides Agra Fort visit.
Question: From where we can collect our ticket to entry into the Agra Fort?
Answer: At the entrance of Agra Fort has a ticket counter. Before entry, you must pay the entry fee. The entry fee is not the same for all. Check the list before buying it. You can collect your entry ticket, from your home, through online ticke