Agra Fort

Agra Fort, a World Heritage Site

With the Taj Mahal overshadowing it, one can easily forget that Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India.

Construction of the massive red-stone fort on the bank of the Yamuna river, was begun by Emperor Akbar in 1565. Further additions were made, particularly by his grandson Shah Jahan, using his favorite building material – white marble.

The huge red-sandstone Jehangir’s Palace was built by Akbar for his son Jehangir. It blends Indian and Central Asian architectural styles.

Jehangir’s Palace

In front of the palace is the Hauz-i-Jehangir, a huge bowl carved out of a single block of stone, which was used for bathing.

Hauz-i-Jehangir

Inside Jehangir’s Palace

View of the Taj Mahal from Jehangir’s Palace

Balcony (Jehangir’s Palace)

Jehangir built two doli (palanquins carried by porters) style quarters for his two unmarried daughters.

Doli style quarters

In the courtyard of the large harem quarters is the Anguri Bagh.

Anguri Bagh

This used to be a deep pool full of fishes for Akbar to practice his archery skills.

Diwan-i-Khas or the Hall of Private Audiences was reserved for important dignitaries or foreign representatives. The legendary peacock throne was originally housed here.

Diwan-i-Khas – You can see the Taj Mahal from this dias