Agra in Uttar Pradesh state has been undoubtedly one of the most visited cities in India, thanks to the magnificent Taj Mahal. The white marble structure by the Yamuna River was built by the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal. While it is definitely a reason why tourists flock to Agra, we cannot deny the charm of the equally mesmerizing other monuments and one of them being the Agra Fort adjacent to it. Built of red sandstone entirely, the UNESCO heritage site is also famously called the Lal Qila. It is a testament to the royalty of the Mughal architecture and their regal way of living. The Agra Fort light and sound show is an unmissable part when you visit the city.
To plan a visit to the Agra fort, make sure to select a stay that is close to these monuments. This will not only save your travel time but allow you to explore the splendid fort at your own pace. Make it hassle-free by booking a suite at the Jaypee Palace Hotel & Convention Centre in Agra. But to be well-planned ahead and know about the Agra Fort history, Agra Fort timings and the Red Fort Agra ticket price will only make your exploration a lot better.
History
When visiting a historical place, it is very important to know a bit about its history. Know some interesting facts about it. This 70-foot-tall structure was created of red sandstone which gave it the popular moniker of the ‘Lal’ (red) ‘Qila’ (fort). The structure even from before the 11th century got its actual glory as a red fort when the Mughal emperor Akbar decided to rebuild it with red sandstone.
In the 16th century, this vast fort area was built in eight years, which was connected to the Taj Mahal. Some of the structures inside the fort were later rebuilt by Akbar’s son, Emperor Shah Jahan using white marble. Agra Fort is also the place where Shah Jahan was imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb till his death. It is said that Shah Jahan asked Aurangzeb to prison him inside this fort so that he could watch his wife’s tomb (Taj Mahal) visible easily from there. Post Aurangzeb’s death, the fort was captured by Marathas and later taken over by the British rulers.
Post-Independence, the Indian government overlooks its management.
What to See?
Even though there are four gates to the fort originally, the only gate that allows entrance is the Amar Singh Gate. You will get to see a plethora of structures, a museum and gardens inside the fort. Some of the unmissable sight-seeing spots are Jahangir Palace, Khas Mahal, Diwan-I-Am, Diwan-I-Khas, Sheesh Mahal, Anguri Bagh, Jahangir’s Chain of Justice, Musamman Burj to name a few. The best time to go around the evenings as the entire structure is brightly lit giving it a lustrous vibe. The Agra Fort light and sound show is a must-see when in Agra. It is conducted in Hindi and English languages separately for one hour between 7 pm to 9 pm. This show is held in the Diwan-e-Aam area and narrates the history of the Agra fort engagingly.
Agra Fort Ticket Price
You do not have to scout for the Red Fort Agra ticket price as we have all the basic details queued up for you. The entry fee for Indians is Rs 50 per person for adults and children below 15 years are allowed to enter for free. The Red Fort Agra ticket price for foreign visitors varies. Foreign tourists above 15 years of age have to pay Rs 650 per person. On Fridays, they must pay Rs 600 for an entry ticket.
The Agra Fort light and sound show tickets are as follows:
- Adults: Rs 70
- Students: Rs 40
- Foreign tourists: Rs 400
- Children below 15 years: Free
How To Get There?
You can reach Agra Fort by railway, airport or vehicle. The nearest railway stations are Agra Cantt, Agra Fort, and Raja Ki Mandi. You can also directly fly to the city as the Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya or Agra Airport is 5 km away from the main city and well-connected to cities like Delhi, Jaipur and Lucknow. There are also local buses, cabs and autos to commute internally.
And make your Agra visit a lot more enjoyable by staying at the Jaypee Palace Hotel and Convention Centre, a five-star luxurious hotel with modern facilities. It is located just a few minutes away from the Agra Fort, the Taj Mahal and the commercial hub of the city. Stay like royals in this lavish hotel made of Mughal-style architecture including red sandstone and white marble décor. You can explore five restaurants, a spa, a gym, unique amusing packages and a comfortable stay in one of the plush 341 rooms with contemporary amenities. So, next time you are planning to visit Agra Fort, do check out Jaypee Hotels website.
References – How to Spend Three Days in Agra and See the Taj Mahal?
