About Agra Fort
The construction of the Agra fort was started around 1565 when the initial structures were built by Akbar. Shahjahan replaced most of these with his marble creations. Some however survived, among them are - Delhi Gate, Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jahangiri Mahal. The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It has a total perimeter of 2.4 km, and is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone punctuated at regular intervals by bastions.
A 9 mtr wide and 10 mtr deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22 mtr high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction. The route through the Amar Singh Gate is dog-legged. The layout of the fort was determined by the course of the river, which in those days flowed alongside. The main axis is parallel to the river and the walls bridge out towards the city.
History
Abul Fazal, the court historian at Akbar’s court mentions in his ‘Aaeen-e-Akbari’ that an old, Pathan Fort existed in Agra before the Mughals came to power.
Also, pulling down a fort and building a new one on its site involved a lot of labor and time and therefore it was quite understandable that the captured citadels were renovated and fortified as per the specifications and requirements of the new occupants; which also applies to the Agra Fort.
The Agra Fort has withstood many sieges and the onslaught and ravages of times. A further input to fortify its existence to pre –Mughal period is mentioned in the ‘Tarikh-e-Daudi’, which states that this citadel was used as a state prison during the time of Kanishka.
The belief that the fort existed during the time of Ashoka the Great, is also given strength by the discovery of the remains of a short length of wall unearthed close to the Jahangiri Mahal, which is claimed to be of a Jain or Buddhist relic.
Entry to Agra Fort
The entry to Agra Fort is allowed through the Amar Singh Gate only. Some portion of this fort is used by the Indian Army. The public access to that part has been prohibited. So you cannot see that area.
However as this fort is very expansive and contains many buildings that are worth a visit so you can very well check them out. On visiting the Agra Fort, you will come across Deewan-e-Aam or the Hall of Public Audience. This hall with numerous pillars is said to be erected by Shahjahan in the year 1628. On heading little forward, you will see Royal Pavilions abounding in elegant mosques including Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid, palaces like Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish Mahal and Shah Jahani Mahal and the Zenana Mina Bazaar.
On a visit to Agra Fort, you will be attracted to the intricate carvings and the pure marbles that are used in its making. Besides, the breathtaking views of the Yamuna River and Taj Mahal from the balconies of the pavilions will leave you absolutely mesmerized.
Do’s and Don’ts
INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS VISTING AGRA FORT
- Eating and smoking is strictly prohibited inside Agra Fort. Arms, ammunitions, fire, smoking items, tobacco products, liquor, eatables (Toffees), head phones, knives, wire, mobile charger, electronic goods (except camera) are also prohibited.
- Mobile phones are to be kept switched off.
- Please avoid carrying big bags and books inside the monument, this may increase your security check time.
- Avoid touching & scratching the walls & surfaces of the monument as these are heritage sites and need special care.
- Visitors are requested not to make noise inside the monument.
Don’ts
Tourists are advised to hire service of approved guides & photographers who exhibit their identity cards.
- Don’t make noise inside the monument.
- Don’t carry big bags and books inside.
- Don’t use eatables and smoking inside.
- Don’t scratch on the walls and even write.
- Don’t use cell phones inside.
Timings
Open : Sunrise to sunset.
Distance : 5.5 Kms from Agra Cantt Railway Station.
Entry fee at Agra Fort
| Tourist Type |
Amount (Rs.) (Inclusive of ASI & ADA fees ) |
| Foreign Tourist |
300/- |
| Domestic/Indian Tourist |
20/- |
Note
- For all the World Heritage Sites tickets are available on Ticket Counters of World Heritage Sites in India.
- No Entry fee for children below the age of 15 years.
How to Reach
Air
Domestic airport is available at Agra.
Information regarding the connecting flights may be obtained from the Airport onph: +91-562-2400569 or from the following tourist offices:-
1.Govt. of India Tourism Office 191,
Mall Road,
Agra
Ph: + 91-562-2226368
2.Office of U.P. Tourism 64,
Taj Road,
Agra.
Ph: +91-562-2226431
Rail
Agra is well connected to all major cities of India.
For updates please visit the Indian Railway's website http://www.indianrail.gov.in
Road:
Agra is well connected to major cities in the country and is situated on the Golden Triangle of the Tourist Circuit (Delhi-Agra-Jaipur). It is connected to Delhi and Varanasi By NH-2, to Jaipur by NH-11 and Gwalior By NH-3. The major road distances are :