Agra Fort

About Agra Fort
Also known as the 'Red Fort' of Agra, the Agra Fort is a large 16th-century fortress of red sandstone located on the Yamuna River in the historic city of Agra, west-central Uttar Pradesh.
Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Fort stands on an ancient site and was traditionally known as Badalgarh. It was captured by Ghaznavi for some time but in the 15th century A.D. the Chauhan Rajputs occupied it. Soon after, Agra assumed the status of capital when Sikandar Lodi (A.D. 1487–1517) shifted his capital from Delhi and constructed a few buildings in the pre-existing Fort at Agra.
After the first battle of Panipat (A.D. 1526) Mughals captured the fort and ruled from it. In A.D. 1530, Humayun was crowned in it. The Fort got its present appearance during the reign of Akbar (A.D. 1556–1605).
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Read More
Agra Fort is a historical fort in the city of Agra in India. It was the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal Dynasty till 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It is about 2.5 km northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal. The Fort stands on an ancient site and was traditionally known as Badalgarh. It was captured by Ghaznavi for some time but in the 15th century A.D. the Chauhan Rajputs occupied it. Soon after, Agra assumed the status of capital when Sikandar Lodi (A.D. 1487–1517) shifted his capital from Delhi and constructed a few buildings in the pre-existing Fort at Agra.
After the first battle of Panipat (A.D. 1526) Mughals captured the fort and ruled from it. In A.D. 1530, Humayun was crowned in it. The Fort got its present appearance during the reign of Akbar (A.D. 1556–1605).
This powerful fortress of red sandstone encompasses within its 2.5-km-long enclosure walls, the imperial city of the Mughal rulers. The forbidding exteriors of this fort hide an inner paradise. There are a number of exquisite buildings like Moti Masjid - a white marble mosque akin to a perfect pearl; Diwan-E-Am, Diwan-E-Khaas, Musamman Burj - where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan died in 1666 A.D., Jahangir's Palace, Khaas Mahal and Sheesh Mahal. Read More
History

Agra Fort is known for its rich history. The fort has been owned by many emperors and rulers in the past, undergoing many changes in its appearance.
After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babur stayed in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. He later built a baoli (step well) in it. His successor, Humayun, was crowned in the fort in 1530. He was defeated at Bilgram in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri. The fort remained with the Suris till 1555, when Humayun recaptured it.
Realising the importance of its central situation, Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. Back then, it was known as Badalgarh and was built with bricks alone. Realizing its historical and situational significance, Akbar decided to rebuild it with red sandstone.
It was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current state. Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan tended to have buildings made from white marble. He destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort to make his own. Read More
After the First Battle of Panipat in 1526, Babur stayed in the fort, in the palace of Ibrahim Lodi. He later built a baoli (step well) in it. His successor, Humayun, was crowned in the fort in 1530. He was defeated at Bilgram in 1540 by Sher Shah Suri. The fort remained with the Suris till 1555, when Humayun recaptured it.
Realising the importance of its central situation, Akbar made it his capital and arrived in Agra in 1558. Back then, it was known as Badalgarh and was built with bricks alone. Realizing its historical and situational significance, Akbar decided to rebuild it with red sandstone.
It was only during the reign of Akbar's grandson, Shah Jahan, that the site took on its current state. Shah Jahan built the beautiful Taj Mahal in the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. Unlike his grandfather, Shah Jahan tended to have buildings made from white marble. He destroyed some of the earlier buildings inside the fort to make his own. Read More
Architecture

Agra Fort, an excellent example of Mughal architecture, is one of the few UNESCO World Heritage Sites in India.
The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone, punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9m wide and 10m deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22m high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction. 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.
Out of the four gates, the Delhi gate and Lahore gate are the most prominent ones. The Lahore gate was later renamed as Amar Singh Gate. Akbar used the Delhi gate as his main entrance and the gate also served as a security against the invaders. There is also an inner gateway known as the Elephant Gate. The entrances were built in such a manner that the invaders found it difficult to enter the fort even with the help of war elephants. The Indian army still uses the Delhi gate for security purposes. Read More
The fort is crescent shaped, flattened on the east with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river. It is ringed by double castellated ramparts of red sandstone, punctuated at regular intervals by bastions. A 9m wide and 10m deep moat surrounds the outer wall. An imposing 22m high inner wall imparts a feeling of invincible defensive construction. 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.
Out of the four gates, the Delhi gate and Lahore gate are the most prominent ones. The Lahore gate was later renamed as Amar Singh Gate. Akbar used the Delhi gate as his main entrance and the gate also served as a security against the invaders. There is also an inner gateway known as the Elephant Gate. The entrances were built in such a manner that the invaders found it difficult to enter the fort even with the help of war elephants. The Indian army still uses the Delhi gate for security purposes. Read More
By Flight:
1st Leg
BLR
Bengaluru
2h
AGR
Agra

- Around 1 flights are flying daily from Bengaluru to Agra. Out of which none are direct and 1 are connecting flights on this route.
- You will board your Bengaluru to Agra flight from the Kempegowda International Airport and deboard it at Agra airport.
- IndiGo has the maximum flights with approximately 1 flights between Mumbai and Agra.
- The lowest airfare of Bengaluru to Agra flight is Rs 4190 and the average airfare is Rs 4500 depending on the airline, timings and availability.
2nd Leg
AGR
Agra
30min
AGF
Agra Fort

- Agra Fort is 12km from Agra airport. You have multiple options to reach Agra Fort from Agra Airport - cab, bus, car, etc.
- The fastest and most convenient way is to take a cab and arrive directly at the Agra Fort.
- You can also travel by buses that ply regularly on this route. You can reach the Idgah bus stand and take a bus to reach Agra Fort.
- Alternatively, you can also rent a self-drive car or hire a cab, which you can use for your trip around Agra Fort and nearby places.
Total travel time : 2h 30min
By Train:
1st Leg
BLR
Bengaluru
34h 10min
AGR
Agra

- There are around 1 trains runs from Bengaluru to Agra on a weekly basis.
- The first train from Bengaluru to Agra is SBC NDLS EXP (06527) departs at 19.20 and train runs daily from SBC.
- The last train from Bengaluru to Agra is SBC NDLS EXP (06527) departs at 19.20 and train runs daily from SBC.
- The fastest train from Bengaluru to Agra is SBC NDLS EXP (06527) departs at 19.20 and train runs daily from SBC.
2nd Leg
AGR
Agra
20min
AGF
Agra Fort

- Agra Fort is 5.0km from Agra Cantonment Rly Stn via Gwalior Road. You have multiple options to reach Taj Mahal - cab, train, bus, car, etc.
- The fastest and most convenient way is to take a cab and arrive directly at the Agra Fort. Many local agents and travel companies provide taxi service for the same. You can also travel by buses that ply regularly on this route.
- Another option is to take a train from Cantonment Rly Stn to Agra Fort Rly STn. As many as 3 trains runs between Cantt and Agra Fort station everyday. The fastest train is INDORE - BAREILLY Weekly Express which covers the distance in25min .
- Alternatively, you can also rent a self-drive car or hire a cab, which you can use for your trip around Agra Fort and nearby places.
Total travel time : 34h 30min
By Road:
Direct
BLR
Bengaluru
23h
AGF
Agra Fort

- The driving distance between Bengaluru to Agra Fort is approximately 2160km via Srinagar - Kanyakumari Hwy and NH 44.
- You could follow the following route by road: Bengaluru-Anantpur-Hyderabad-Nagpur-Jhansi-Agra-Agra Fort.
- Alternatively, you can travel by bus. However there are no direct buses from Bengaluru to Agra Fort.
- You will need to change buses between Bengaluru-Pune, Pune-Indore, Indore-Agra, Agra-Agra Fort. Buses ply regularly between these cities.
Total travel time : 23h
Current Weather:
Seasonal Temperature Variation & Best Months to Visit:
Monthly Temperature Graph:
Seasonal Temperature Variation:

- Agra summers from March to May are scorching with day temperatures in the 37.8°C to 46.1°C zone.
- The southwest monsoon brings moderate rainfall from June to September.
- Winter temperatures occasionally drop to a chilly 1.7°Calthough the average low is 7.8°C during the peak of January.
Best Months to Visit:

- The best time to visit Agra is from November to March when the temperatures are comfortable.
- Winter is mild, but nights are occasionally chilly, and mornings misty and the weather pleasant.
- The worst time to visit Agra is May when summer peaks with temperatures often soaring up to 46.1°C during the day.
Taj Mahal

- Regarded as the best example of Mughal architecture, the Taj Mahal is a breathtaking ivory-white marble mausoleum in the Indian city of Agra.
- It was commissioned in 1632 by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan to house the tomb of his favourite wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
- The construction project employed some 20,000 artisans under the guidance of a board of architects led by the court architect to the emperor, Ustad Ahmad Lahauri.
- The complex is set around a large 300-metre square charbagh or Mughal garden. The garden uses raised pathways that divide each of the four-quarters of the garden into 16 sunken parterres or flowerbeds.
- Outside the walls are several additional mausoleums, including those of Shah Jahan's other wives, and a larger tomb for Mumtaz's favourite servant.
- Over the centuries the Taj Mahal has been subject to neglect and decay.
Mehtab Bagh

- Mehtab Bagh is a charbagh complex in Agra, North India. It lies north of the Agra Fort and Agra Fort on the opposite side of the Yamuna River.
- Built by Emperor Babur in the early 1500s and the width of the gardens perfectly aligns with those of the Agra Fort.
- It was then famously known as the “moonlit pleasure garden” when Emperor Shah Jahan identified it as the ideal site from which to admire the mausoleum.
- To protect the Taj from the erosive effects of the sand blown across the river, the park was reconstructed and is now one the best places from which to view the great mausoleum.
- The view of the Taj from the fountain directly in front of the entrance gate is a classic and It's a popular spot at sunset.
Chini Ka Roza

- Chini ka Rauza is a funerary monument, rauza in Agra, India, containing the tomb of Allama Afzal Khan Mullah.
- Allama Afzal Khan Mullah was a scholar and poet who was the Prime Minister of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
- Chini ka Rauza is situated just 1 kilometer north of Itmad-Ud-Daulah Tomb, on the eastern bank of Yamuna river in Agra.
- The facade of the monument is also known its glazed tile work, called kashi or chini in Mughal era buildings.
- The structure's architectural style is unusual because of the exotic architectural style and is unusually plain possessing a sultanate style unproportional dome.
Itmad-ud-Daulah

- The Itmad-ud-Daulah's Tomb is one of the most impressive architectural wonders of the city of Agra.
- Often described as a "jewel box", sometimes called the "Bachcha Taj", the tomb of I'timād-ud-Daulah is often regarded as a draft of the Agra Fort.
- The tomb, represents a transition between the first phase of monumental Mughal architecture – primarily built from red sandstone with marble decorations, to its second phase, based purely on white marble.
- Despite the similarities, the tomb of Itimad-Ud-Daulah is considered a more delicate artwork than Agra Fort, with marble lattice screens and fine carvings.
- Many tourists that visit Agra for the Agra Fort also look for the Itmad-ud-Daulah’s Tomb.
Boating at Yamuna

- You can opt for an unobstructed view of the Agra Fort at sunset or sunrise with a boat ride on Yamuna.
- Multiple private operators allow you to explore Agra with a for a full-day Agra Fort tour which includes a evening boat ride trip .
- This will be half hour ride on a traditional Indian styled boat and will let you take in the view of Agra Fort during sunset.
- As the sun lowers in the sky, the orange glow projects on the Taj intensifies, turning its pure white dome into a kaleidoscope of colour.
- The best alternative to a boat ride is watching the sunset from across the river at Mehtab Bagh. Getting there takes around 20 minutes by tuk-tuk from Agra’s centre.
Savour Mughlai Cuisine

- Agra is a great place to sample traditional Mughlai cuisine, which combines Persian influences, such as nuts and dried fruits, with aromatic North Indian spices.
- It's no surprise that the Muslim empire left indelible imprints on Agra's cuisine as well, much like it has in Delhi and other parts of North India.
- There are two distinct areas where you can find some of the best restaurants in Agra – Taj Ganj area and Sadar Bazaar.
- The Taj Ganj area has the most restaurants in Agra that cater to the backpacker tourist crowd so expect budget rooftop restaurants with multi-cuisine menus. Many have views of the Taj which is a huge drawcard here.
- Sadar Bazaar has a lot more restaurants than Taj Ganj with a focus on Indian dishes rather than multi-cuisine menus.
- Located in Sadar Bazaar, Agra Cantt, Jai Hind Restaurant is among the most popular one's for Muglai food. A family-owned restaurant, it provides great food in a homely environment.
Shopping at Kinari Bazaar

- One of the largest wholesale markets of Agra, a visit to this bazaar will be an experience of you will not forget easily.
- This is a wholesale market which suggests that the price range of the products will be one of the best in the region.
- There are many wholesalers and retailers in this popular bazaar. The place offers a wide range of handicrafts, glassware, marbles, textiles, leather and rugs.
- A usual day in this market starts from 11AM and you will have plenty of time to shop as it mostly starts getting closed from 9PM onwards.
- You’ll find clothing, shoes, fabrics, jewellery, spices, marblework, snack stalls and what seems like 20 million other people.
- Even if you’re not buying anything, just walking the streets is an experience in itself.
Drama at Kalakriti

- Spend your evening enjoying the amazing 'Mohabbat The Taj' show that depicts the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in the famous theater Kalakriti Cultural and Convention Center.
- This is a great evening performance with beautiful dance, costumes, music and storytelling of the story behind the Agra Fort.
- You will be blown away by the creative dance and dramatic lighting with the 12’ x 12’ Agra Fort replica as well as the lavish lifestyle of the Mughal Empire.
- Over 80 talented artists lively perform a story Mohabbat The Taj depicting the romantic love story of Emperor Shajahan and his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal in a world class theater.
- This will be subsequently followed by an entertaining light and sound show over the 12’x12’ Taj replica.
- The live show is in both Hindi and Urdu languages and interpretation is available in English, French and German through headphones.