The Aligarh Fort, also known as Ramgarh Quila, stands on a slight rise to the northwest of the city centre, surrounded by a wide moat. Built and rebuilt by a succession of rulers from the 16th century onward, its current form owes much to the Maratha general Mahadji Shinde, who fortified it in the late 18th century. The British captured it in 1803 and held it until independence.
The fort is in a moderate state of preservation — some sections are maintained as part of AMU's botanical gardens, others are simply enclosed behind the walls and visible from the ramparts. The gatehouse and the broad bastions are still impressive in scale. Access is possible on most days; entry is free. The interior botanical garden is a pleasant place to walk in the early morning.