Agra Fort is a massive red sandstone Mughal fortress on the banks of the Yamuna River, and — alongside the Taj Mahal, visible from its walls — one of Agra's two UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
History
The fort was largely rebuilt in red sandstone starting in 1565 under Emperor Akbar, on the site of an earlier fortress, and served as the main residence of Mughal emperors until the capital shifted to Delhi. It holds a poignant historical footnote: Shah Jahan, builder of the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned here for the final years of his life by his own son, Aurangzeb, reportedly with a view of the Taj Mahal from his cell.
What to See
Highlights include the Jahangir Mahal (a palace built for Akbar's son), the Khas Mahal, and the Sheesh Mahal (Mirror Palace), along with the fort's massive double walls and moat. Not all of the fort's interior is open to the public, as parts remain in military use.
Entry Fees
A ticketed entry applies, with differential pricing for Indian and foreign visitors, similar to the Taj Mahal.
Best Time to Visit
Morning, both for cooler weather and clearer views across to the Taj Mahal from the fort's riverside walls.
How to Reach
Agra Fort is a short distance from the Taj Mahal, within the city and easily combined in the same day's sightseeing.
