Forts in Aligarh
- 01
Aligarh Fort
A ruined polygonal fort on a rise above the city, ringed by a deep ditch and ravines, where the British took the Maratha garrison in 1803.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Winter mornings, October to March, when the ditch and ramparts are comfortable to walk
- Tickets
- Entry rules, hours and fees are not published. The fort is an ASI-protected monument looked after by the university, and part of the interior is used by a university department and a small school, so confirm access locally before you go.
Places of worship in Aligarh
- 02
Jama Masjid, Upper Fort (Oopar Kot)
A 1720s Mughal-era Jama Masjid on the highest ground in Aligarh's old city, known for its gold-adorned domes and minarets.
- Time needed
- 30 to 45 minutes
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Mornings outside prayer times; avoid Friday midday
- Tickets
- Open to worshippers; non-Muslim visitors should check at the gate and avoid prayer times and Friday. Remove shoes, dress modestly and ask before taking photographs.
Culture in Aligarh
- 03
Maulana Azad Library, AMU
The seven-storey central library of Aligarh Muslim University, holding thousands of rare manuscripts, Mughal farmans and early printed books.
- Time needed
- 30 to 60 minutes
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, October to March
- Tickets
- Reading rooms serve members of the university. Public access to the manuscript collection is not published; contact the library in advance and carry photo ID.
Museums in Aligarh
- 04
Sir Syed House and Sir Syed Academy Museum
The former home of AMU's founder, now a memorial museum with galleries on Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, his associates and the early college.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes to 1 hour
- Walking
- Easy
- Best time
- Weekday mornings, October to March
- Tickets
- Hours and entry fees are inconsistently reported, with sources giving different days and times and conflicting fee figures. Check with the academy or the university before visiting.
Landmarks in Aligarh
- 05
Strachey Hall and Victoria Gate, AMU
The oldest corner of Aligarh Muslim University, where Victoria Gate and Strachey Hall show how the Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental College grew from 1875.
- Time needed
- 1 to 2 hours
- Walking
- Moderate
- Best time
- Weekday mornings in cooler months, October to March
- Tickets
- The campus is an open academic site with its own entry and security procedures. Visitor rules and photography limits are not published; ask at the gate, carry photo ID and dress modestly.
