Agra Fort, 16th century imperial fort in Agra, India
Agra Fort is a sprawling compound of red sandstone standing on a bend of the river in northern India. The walls enclose several levels with courtyards, living quarters and gardens that stretch across a large area.
Construction began in the mid-1500s and transformed an older site into a seat of government for several generations. The compound later became the setting for power struggles and confinement within the ruling family.
Daily life at the site shows in the school groups moving through the courtyards and families gathering on the open terraces toward evening. People come here to sit quietly near the river-facing pavilions and watch the changing light on the stone walls.
The entrance sits on the western side, from where the visit unfolds logically through successive courtyards. A full walk typically takes between two and three hours, depending on how long you linger in each area.
In one corner of the compound stands a small pavilion from which you can see both riverbanks and the outline of a famous mausoleum in the distance. This viewing spot once served as a private retreat for an aging ruler who spent his final years here.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
