Bucket list experience:
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
Credit Shutterstock.com/LeChen66
Completed by the Mughal emperor Akbar in 1573 on the site of a ruined fortification, Agra Fort bears a striking resemblance to Delhi’s Red Fort.
Massive, rust-red sandstone walls of around two and a half kilometres enclose 94 acres, its eastern flank overlooking a bend in the Yamuna River and within sight of the Taj Mahal.
It’s the south-eastern section, behind the Amar Singh gate entrance, that holds the most interest: gardens, open-sided audience halls, pavilions and royal apartments plus a couple of dainty mosques.
Infamously imprisoned by his own son, it was from here that emperor Shah Jahan spent his final days gazing across at his beloved Taj.
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Destination Guide >The fort stands between the Yamuna River and central Agra, and around 2km from the Taj Mahal. Entrance is via the Amar Singh Gate at the slightly greener edge of the city though you’re unlikely to be walking here.
Booking tickets in advance is rarely necessary and the fort can be visited independently. Unofficial guides often tout for custom by the entrance and inside – some are very good but you should always agree a price beforehand.
Make sure you’ve got plenty of water or drinks as it covers a large area and you’ll probably spend longer than planned visiting.
The site is open all year round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset (though it’s best to check exact times at the ticket booth).
The English-language sound and light show starts immediately after the Hindi-language version – check timings at the ticket booth.
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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[1.4 miles]
One of Agra’s oldest and most characterful hotels revamped for the modern traveller yet retaining its vintage feel and ambience.
Official star rating:
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[3 miles]
Agra’s finest hotel boasts unfussy luxury with uninterrupted views of the Taj Mahal and architecture of refined Mughal and Rajput design.
Official star rating:
Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
Uttar Pradesh, India
Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the relentlessly congested and clamourous city of Agra and its hinterland host an array of superb Mughal architecture, along with vigorous bazaars.
India
India’s cultural essence combined with its most iconic sights and greatest bucket list experiences, all distilled into one compact, diverse and vibrant region.
Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[0.8 miles]
One of Agra’s cheeriest markets is a fun and colourful Aladdin’s cave of everything from cosmetics and perfume to decorative knick-knacks and artefacts.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[2.1 miles]
India’s iconic landmark and one of the world’s most beautiful buildings readily matches, if not exceeds, the hype. Built in 1653 by the great Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to entomb his wife, Mumtaz.
Best for ages: 13+ | Free
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[1.8 miles]
Sometimes referred to as the ‘baby Taj’, this outstanding 17th-century noble’s tomb with formal gardens showcases the kind of pietra dura inlay on white marble that reached its apogee with the Taj Mahal.
Best for ages: 18+ | £2
