Despite the name, the structures Agra Fort encloses within 1.5 miles (2.5 kilometers) of thick sandstone walls are more akin to a complex of exquisite palaces. Evidence of Shah Jahan’s time here can be seen in the white marble structures he erected during his reign. According to legend, he drew his last breaths on a marble balcony overlooking the Taj Mahal, the monument he built for his late wife.
The interior houses several smaller palaces, including the Jahangiri Mahal where the royal women lived, and Khas Mahal, where Shah Jahan made his residence. The beautifully worked Musamman Burj was where Shah Jahan’s son imprisoned him for the last seven years of his life. While you can visit independently, most multi-day Golden Triangle trips and full-day tours of Agra include a stop at the fort. Going with a guide can be particularly useful for navigating the massive complex and deepening your understanding of its history.
Agra Fort is located near the southwestern banks of the Yamuna River, about a 10- to 15-minute drive or auto-rickshaw ride from the Taj Mahal parking area. There are generally plenty of auto-rickshaws available for those who aren't coming as part of a guided tour, but you may have to bargain. The Agra Fort railway station is about a 5-minute drive from the Agra Fort Ticket Counter.
Agra Fort is open daily from sunrise to sunset. Fridays are often quieter than the rest of the week, as the Taj is closed on this day, and most tourists try to see both attractions in one day. Note that there’s also a light and sound show every evening that you can prebook online.
The view of the Taj Mahal from Agra Fort is spectacular, but it’s only one of many places across the city where you can see India’s most famous monument. For alternative angles, head over to the Taj Nature Walk, where you can get great shots of the monument framed by lush greenery. If you want to include the Yamuna River in your shot, the views from Mehtab Bagh are fantastic.
