The Agra Fort, also known as the Lal Qila or Red Fort, is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River in Agra, at a distance of 4.5 km from Agra Cantonment Railway Station and 2.5 km from Taj Mahal. It is among the prime places to visit in Agra City. With Uttar Pradesh. The Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of India’s finest forts.
Agra Fort was originally a brick fort known as Badalgarh, which was held by the Hindu Rajput king Raja Badal Singh (1475 AD). The first Delhi sultan to move his capital from Delhi to Agra was Sikandar Lodi. His son Ibrahim Lodi held the fort for nine years after Sikandar Lodi died in 1517, before he was defeated and killed in the battle of Panipat in 1526. During the Lodi time, several palaces, wells and a mosque were built within the fort.
The fort, planally semi-circular, is surrounded by a fortification wall of 21.4 m high. Two walls made of red sandstone encircle the fort. Dual ramparts at regular intervals contain huge circular bastions. On its four sides there are four gates; one of the gates was named khizri-gate which opens to the front of the river where ghats were given. The fort extends over an area of approximately 94 acres.
Timing: 6 AM to 6 PM
Entrance fee: Indians Rs.20, foreigners Rs.300
