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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

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.

Price from: £8
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

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.

When to do it

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.

 

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

All Inclusive Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Tour - Private Day Trip from Delhi

All Inclusive Taj Mahal Sunrise and Agra Fort Tour - Private Day Trip from Delhi

New Delhi

Enjoy a full-day tour of Agra, departing from Delhi in the early morning in order to arrive at the iconic Taj Mahal by sunrise. Following a...

$34 | Rating 4.97 / 5 [418 ratings]

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Private Tour With Taj Mahal , Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Single Day by Car

Private Tour With Taj Mahal , Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Single Day by Car

Agra

Agra Taj Mahal Private Day Tour is day tour will be start from Agra at 07.00 Hrs in the morning  from your place wherever you are staying an...

$40 | Rating 4.5 / 5 [10 ratings]

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Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Entrance tickets and Lunch,

Private Guided Tour to Taj Mahal and Agra Fort with Entrance tickets and Lunch,

New Delhi

Cherish a lifetime opportunity of exploring the worlds most beautiful monumnent the Taj Mahal by reaching agra through drive .Taj Mahal wasn...

$45 | Rating 4.93 / 5 [170 ratings]

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From Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Day Tour with 5 Star Lunch

From Delhi: Taj Mahal and Agra Fort Private Day Tour with 5 Star Lunch

New Delhi

Visit the magnificent history of the Taj and Agra city in the private day tour, get a chance to experience the beauty of the city Agra and l...

$50 | Rating 4.95 / 5 [214 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand Imperial Hotel

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:

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra

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

Agra

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.

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Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Kinari Bazaar

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

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Taj Mahal

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..

Ud Daulah’s Tomb
Experience

Ud Daulah’s Tomb

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

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Overview >