Agra Fort Travel Guide
Captivating Stronghold of Mughal Emperors
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The vast, imposing sandstone citadel standing on the banks of the Yamuna and from where another classic view of the Taj Mahal can be had was parliament, prison and royal court for the Mughal emperors. It houses palaces, mosques and great gardens and is perhaps the most imposing reminder of the power of these noble rulers in India and a must-visit for anyone in the city.
Sat squat on the banks of the Yamuna Agra’s immense fort would be a major draw in its own right if it was not for its more famous neighbour, the Taj Mahal. The perimeter walls - home to squawking parrots - stretch 2.4 km and inside are some of the world’s most beautiful royal buildings.
Flattened on the east the fort is crescent shaped with a long, nearly straight wall facing the river, construction began in 1565 when the initial structures were built by Akbar the Great, but most of these were replaced by Shah Jahan with his own marble creations. Some however survived, among them the Delhi Gate, the Amar Singh Gate, Akbari Mahal and the Jehangir Mahal.
Attractions in Agra Fort
Once inside the dog-leg of the Amar Singh Gate the first building of note is the Jehangir Mahal at the end of a spacious lawn and built by Akbar as women’s quarters; it is the only building that survives among his originals. The Anguri Bagh are formal 85m sq gardens whilst the Golden Pavilions’ curved chala roofs are based on the roof shape of Bengali village huts. The Khaas Mahal is situated in between the golden pavilions. Built entirely of marble by Shah Jahan the palace demonstrates distinctive Islamic-Persian features.
Just below the Diwan-i-Khas hall is the Sheesh Mahal or Glass Palace. Believed to have been the harem dressing room its walls are inlaid with thousands of tiny mirrors which are the best examples of glass-mosaic decoration anywhere in India. To the right of the Sheesh Mahal is the Diwan-i-Khas, the hall of Private Audience, and nearby is the Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, where the clever positioning of pillars gives the visitor an uninterrupted view of the throne; on the back wall of the pavilion are jali screens to enable the women of the court to watch without being seen.
Activities in Agra Fort
A visit with a local guide is essential to understand the evolving nature of the various buildings within the fort. Allow around 3 hours to explore.
Relaxing
Agra Fort has several gardens to enjoy. Laid out in the traditional charbagh style they are the perfect place to relax. Alternatively find a spot with a view of the Taj Mahal and enjoy a few moments of peace.
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