The Agra Fort (Qila Agra) is a historical fort in the city of Agra, and also known as Agra's Red Fort.
Mughal emperor Humayun was crowned at this fort. It was later renovated by the Mughal emperor Akbar from 1565 and the present-day structure was completed in 1573.
It served as the main residence of the rulers of the Mughal dynasty until 1638, when the capital was shifted from Agra to Delhi. It was also known as the "Lal-Qila" or "Qila-i-Akbari". Before being captured by the British, the last Indian rulers to have occupied it were the Marathas.
In 1983, the Agra fort was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its importance during the Mughal Dynasty. It is about 2.5 kilometers (1.6 mi) northwest of its more famous sister monument, the Taj Mahal.
The fort can be more accurately described as a walled city. It was later renovated by Shah Jahan.
Only about 30% of the site is accessible for visitors since it’s still used by the Indian army. What is accessible is a real...
Wat Thammaram (วัดธรรมาราม)
Wat Thammaram prior called Wat Thamma or the Monastery of the Dharma (the teachings of the Buddha) is located off the city island in the western area of Ayutthaya north of Wat Kasatrathirat.
In situ are monastic structures of modern construction. Remains of the old outer wall, the crystal wall, and the lower part of the old gates still can still be seen.
It is related in the Royal Chronicles of Ayutthaya that on this spot during the siege of Ayutthaya in 1569 Phraya Thamma had set up his stockade to defend the west side of the city of Ayutthaya against the Burmese; an important strategical position because it lies across from Sop Sawan Monastery and was in front of the Rear Palace.
The King of Hongsawadi, Bhureng Noung, planned to launch a decisive attack to seize
Ayutthaya, although Prince Thammaracha of Phitsanulok feared that an attack on the city
would cost dearly in soldiers. He decided to use a ruse instead. He summoned Phraya Chakri, who was one of ...
Wat Sala Pun (also known as Wat Sala Pun Worawihan or วัดศาลาปูนวรวิหาร in Thai, meaning “Monastery of the Pavilion of Lime”) is an active Buddhist temple located off the main city island of Ayutthaya. It is situated in the northwestern area of the ancient city, approximately 2-3 kilometers from the central historical park. Unlike many of Ayutthaya’s iconic ruins, which were devastated during the Burmese invasion of 1767, Wat Sala Pun is a well-preserved, functioning monastery and a second-class royal temple of the Maha Nikaya sect, ranked as “worawiharn” (4th grade) under Thailand’s royal temple classification system established in 1913.
The temple’s exact construction date remains unknown due to limited historical records, but its architecture and features suggest origins in the Late Ayutthaya period (roughly 16th-18th centuries), reflecting the kingdom’s architectural evolution during its prosperous middle and late eras.
The temple remains active ...
Wat Sanam Chai (วัดสนามไชย) is a small, active Buddhist temple located in the historic region of Ayutthaya Thailand, outside the main city island.
It is situated in the Ban Pom Sub-district (ตำบลบ้านป้อม), along the west bank of the Chao Phraya River, approximately 5-6 km southwest of the Ayutthaya Historical Park’s core ruins. This places it in a quieter, riverside area amid lush greenery and local communities, away from the major tourist crowds. The temple is affiliated with the Maha Nikaya sect of Thai Theravada Buddhism and serves as a local place of worship rather than a prominent archaeological site. Its name translates to “Temple of the Victory Field,” evoking themes of triumph and prosperity, which aligns with Ayutthaya’s royal and military heritage.
History
The origins of Wat Sanam Chai are rooted in the Ayutthaya Kingdom (1351–1767 CE), a period when Ayutthaya was the thriving capital of Siam (modern Thailand), known for its grand temples, ...
