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Agra Fort is located in the ‘City of Taj’, Agra, and is regarded as an important monument along with one of the famous wonders of the world, “Taj Mahal”. It is also known as ‘The Red Fort of Agra’, ‘Fort Rouge’ and ‘Lal Quila’. This popular monument, which can be better described as a ‘Walled Palatial City’, is situated around a couple of kilometers northwest of the Taj Mahal.
Agra fort is made of red sandstone and is related to the period of the Mughal dynasty. The monument contains two gates, which are known as the ‘Amar Singh Gate’ and the ‘Delhi Gate’. The Delhi Gate was the primary entrance during the older times and was an elegant approach to the fort, leading to the portal inside, which is referred to as ‘The Elephant Gate’ or ‘Hathi Pol’. In the present times, ‘Amar Singh Gate’, serves as an in-let to the fort.
The eastern wall of the fort faces the River Yamuna with the walls rising high up to sixty nine feet, and the circumference of these walls is around two and half kilometers. The boundary walls are surrounded by a deep moat, which served as a safety measure during the wars. A number of splendid palaces made in white marble and red sandstone, along with several mosques are housed in the fort. The major interests of this old building lie in the southern wing of the fort, and only this portion is open to access for the visitors here.
History of Agra Fort
The history of the grand ‘Agra Fort’, routes back to the reign of the Mughal Dynasty, when this building was constructed between 1565 and 1571. The foundation of this majestic structure was laid down by the then Mughal Emperor, Akbar in the year 1565. But the actual building was completed six years later during the rule of Akbar’s grandson, Shah Jahan. The fort is not only regarded as an important monument in the country, it is also closely related to history and has housed the emperors of the Mughal dynasty like Babur, Humayun, Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan and Aurangzeb. This palatial city was visited by several important personalities throughout the world and also served as the state treasury during the Mughal period.
Special attractions in and around Agra Fort
- Jahangiri Mahal: As you enter the premise, this is the first building of the old structure. This was originally a palace built for Jahangir, by his father, Akbar. This is the biggest palace in the fort and represents a blend of Central Asian and Hindu styles of architecture.
- Khas Mahal: The special palace was built in 1637 and has been constructed using marble. The palace represents the Islamic-Persian architectural styles.
- Musamman Burj: This octagonal tower was built by Shah Jahan, for his most loved wife, Mumtaz. The tower is made of marble and was well ornamented originally. It is believed that this is the place where Shah Jahan spent the last few years of his life.
- Diwani-i-Khas: This was the hall for private audience of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, who built it in the year 1636-1637. The visiting kings, ambassadors and dignitaries were received here for audience with the ruler.
- Sheesh Mahal: Also referred to as the ‘Glass Palace’, this part represents the best piece of glass-mosaic decoration in the country. The walls of this palace are inlaid with tiny glass pieces and this part served as the dressing room originally.
- Nagina Masjid: Also referred to as the ‘Gem mosque’, this was a private mosque built by Shah Jahan, with arches raised for the ladies of the family.
- Mina Bazaar: The ladies market from where the ladies of the court made their purchases.
- Moti Masjid: This is another mosque near the ‘Nagina Masjid’.
Best Time to Visit
The most favorable period to visit the city and the fort is from the month of November to February.
Timings
The monument is open daily from 6 am to 5.30 pm
Location
State: Uttar Pradesh
District: Agra
Distance from nearest cities: The nearest cities are Mathura, which is around 55 kilometers and Delhi, which is around 200 kilometers away from Agra.
How to reach
Nearest airport: Agra houses an airport which is well linked to the country capital and other important destinations in the country.
Nearest railway stations: Agra is a major railway station and is well connected to other parts of the country.
Directions by road from nearby cities: Agra is well connected by road to major cities like Mathura and Delhi.
Tourism Department
U.P. Government Tourist Reception Counter
Agra Cantt., Agra
Ph.: 91 0562-22368598
Climatic Conditions:
Agra experiences hot summers, though the temperature can be quite cold in the winters. The monsoons arrive here from July to September.
Clothing
Light cottons in summers and light woolens in winters are recommended.
Tourist attractions
- Taj Mahal: The Taj Mahal is amongst the 3 world heritage sites of Agra and a part of the ‘seven wonders of the world’. It was built in 1653 A.D, by Shah Jahan, in the memory of his beloved wife, Mumtaz.
- Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb: This tomb was built by Nur Jehan and is the resting place of her father, who was the chief minister of the then Mughal Emperor Jahangir. It is often referred to as ‘Jewel Box’ and represents lattice work and designs which reflect the work at Taj Mahal. Intricately carved marble ‘jalis’ and use of Rajasthani semi precious stones like topaz, onyx, lapis lazuli, jasper and cornelian are its prominently noted features.
- Fatehpur Sikri: Located around thirty five kilometers from Agra, this monument was built by Akbar and houses the biggest gate of the world, known as ‘Buland Darwaza’.
- Chini Ka Rauza: The place is dedicated to Shah Jahan’s prime minister and is noted for its dome, which reflects a Persian style of blue tiles.
- Jama Masjid: The main noted feature is that this mosque does not have any minarets and the dome has an unusual shape. The Mosque was built in 1648 by Shah Jahan for his daughter, Jahanara Begum.
- Sikandra: Also referred to as Akbar’s tomb, this is the resting place of the Mughal Emperor. It was built in 1613 by Akbar’s son, Jahangir. This tomb is made of beautifully carved red sandstone and is located amidst a garden.
- Mehtab Bagh: A beautiful garden opposite the Taj Mahal, on the opposite banks of River Yamuna.
- Aram Bagh: This Mughal garden was built in 1528 by the then Mughal Emperor, Babur, and is the oldest garden of this dynasty in the country.
- Mariam's Tomb: This is the resting place of the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s wife, who was a Christian.
This article was contributed by Abhay Tandon
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