Located just around 1.5 km away from the majestic Taj Mahal, Agra fort is the second most visited historic site in Agra. Although I would like to think of this place as a prelude to the magnificent Taj since it is here all the story began. The Agra fort is probably the most extensive and intact Mughal architect in India which also laid a foundation for the Red fort in Delhi.
It had been the main residence of the emperors of the Mughal dynasty until 1638 when the capital shifted from Agra to Delhi. It feels like a walled city, a place so huge that can consist of anything and everything in it. The 94 acre fort has a semicircular plan and its walls are almost 70 ft high.
It only seemed to sink in as I walked and explored the fort. It’s enormous, the place!
The first thing you’ll see as you enter inside the fort is the Jahangir Mahal on the right. This was built by Akbar, the great Mughal emperor for his son Jahangir which later became the residence for the palace women. The bowl like structure you see in the front is Jahangir’s bath tub. It’s about 5 ft tall and I was amazed to see such a different style. Made me wonder how our modern bathtubs evolved from this?
Inside the Jahangir Mahal, you’ll see such fine intrinsic designs on red sandstone. I love how it’s so detailed. One thing to note here is this is made by Akbar who was fond of red sandstone very well clear by the Agra fort and the Delhi fort.
His grandson Shah Jahan on the other hand disliked the sandstone and favoured white marble instead which is very clear by the Taj Mahal which he built. He also demolished parts of this fort and rebuilt it using white marble.
You can easily distinguish the areas made by Akbar or Shah Jahan this way. The fort seamlessly blends both together perfectly – just like the old with the new.
The Khas Mahal, rebuilt by Shah Jahan used as bed chambers is beautifully decorated with floral designs and precious gems.
It is said that Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his very own son Aurangzeb in this fort in an area called Musamman Burj for almost 8 years. Decorated with fountains and white marble, it also has a spectacular view of the Taj Mahal. He breathe his last here pining for his wife while looking at the Taj.
The diwan-e-aam which served as the hall for common audience lies on the ground floor of the fort. An raised seat for the king is present where he used to hear to the audience woes and answer accordingly.
The hall is huge and the arches are so well symmetrical. I love how symmetrical the building is even when when machines weren’t invented.
There are so many hidden gems in here which you can only find and only marvel at the life these Mughal emperors lived. This fort is where Akbar resided, Shah Jahan spent his childhood, fell in love with Mumtaz, built the Taj Mahal and finally breath his last. This fort stands tall to narrate the story of love, family, betrayal and power.
Things to remember when you visit:
- Food items, cigarettes, lighters, matchboxes, tripods and drones are not allowed inside the premises
- You can buy tickets on premise.
- Carry a water bottle with you as it can get hot and humid.
- You would have to walk a lot since this place is huge. Wear comfortable footwear and clothes.
- Be ready to see a lot of tourists inside the premise. So the earlier you go, the better view you get.
- Hire a guide but only after checking his ID. You would appreciate this place more if you know the story behind it.
Timings:
It opens from 6am till 6pm every day.
How to Reach:
Situated just 230 km from Delhi, you can either go by air or rails. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can go on a road trip through Yamuna expressway which takes around 3 hours to reach from Delhi.
Do you have a question?
Do you have any more questions about visiting this place? Ask me and let me make your trip a little easier 🙂
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Comments
That looks incredible! I love how you’ve given practical advice. It makes it easier for visitors. As nice as it is read travel blogs gushing about how amazing a place is, all these organisational things are often left out, so it’s great to see a balance here. x
Author
Thanks Megan for this. I’ll also keep this in mind for my future travel posts. I agree, a balanced opinion is a must.
I completely agree with this, I normally feel like I need to do tons of research after reading travel blogs. But I don’t with this one! Thank you xx
angelwingsandpetticoats.com
Author
That makes me happy, Thank youuu <3
It is so majestic! I bet it is even more impressive in real life. #bloggersbest
Author
Surely is! Thanks for stopping by xx
Wow I would love to visit Indian. I love the white marble. Looks like a great place to visit and I bet very warm. Thanks for sharing with #bloggersbest x
Author
Stay tuned for more Indian places to visit and travel 🙂
I have only heard about this and read in schooo time history book.
Wish to visit here soon.
Author
It’s so close to Delhi. Visit it soooon!
Wow, this looks incredible! I really enjoyed reading this, I’d never heard of it before now!
Author
Glad you enjoyed reading this. Thanks! xx
I had a trip down the memory line with this post. Around a year and half, we had visited this place and had fallen in love with its magnificence.
Author
It surely is a place that makes you fall in love with itself.
I had visited Agra in 2011. Your post reminded me of that amazing trip. Enjoyed reading this.
Author
So glad I made you revisit the amazing time you had. Thanks for stopping by xx
I want to visit after reading your travelogue. Loved how you described each and every nook and corner of the place. Got to know so many new things. Cheers!
Author
Yayy! Thank you 🙂 This means so much, glad you found this post helpful. Let me know when you visit xx
Such delicate architecture with a marvelous story to match. I always feel educated after reading your posts. That bathtub looked huge! 😯🤗 Thank you for sharing.
Natonya | http://www.justnatonya.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you so much Natonya for stopping by xx
So happy to see you enjoy my posts.
This place is historically beautiful! I love the Byzantine vibe here. Will definitely visit the place one day, if given the chance. Thanks to your photos, you gave justice to the place!
Love, Fads | The Ästron
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Author
I actually had to look up what Byzantine is because I didn’t know. Thanks, I have already learnt a new thing today. Thank you so much Fads, so glad you liked it!
This is a great blog post I have just followed your blog and I can’t wait for the next blog post. Keep up the great work you are doing an amazing job
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Jack Deyes
jackdeyes.wordpress.com
Author
Thank you so much Jack! 🙂
Wow this place looks incredible. My brother and sister in law visited the Taj Mahal and have never got over the beauty of it all. What a wonderful travel post to read!
Rosie
Author
Thank you Rosie, yess. The place is incredible. You should visit here soon xx
The architecture is breathtaking! I loved scrolling through your photos! And thanks so much for the mini history lesson! I’m taking a lot away from this blog post!
Author
Glad you found it helpful, maybe I did something right xD
This looks amazing! I’d love to visit India one day.
Author
Visiittt sooooon.
Looks like such a wonderful place! I’d love to go there someday
thesundaydiary.co.uk
Author
What’s stopping you? Come visitttt.. <3
I’m a sucker for architecture and this fort looks like a dream! It’s amazing the things that humans accomplished without the use of modern technology. To be a fly on the wall in those days! Adding this to my bucket list!