AGRA FORT Location : Agra Built By : Emperor Akbar Known For : Exquisite Architecture in Red Sandstone Famous As : World Heritage Site

Agra Fort - Gigantic Red Sandstone Enjoining a Curve in the River Yamuna

Agra Fort

Agra Fatehpur Sikri

Taj Mahal Monuments of Uttar Pradesh

Historical Overview Amar Vilas Hotel

It is here that the hands touch the sky. It might be if you stand on the colossal ramparts, you feel like touching the sky... or simply. The hands of craftsmenship touch the sky of appreciation. This great monument of red sandstone dominating a bend in the river Yamuna, 2km northwest of Taj Mahal, was constructed by Mughal emperor Akbar in the 16th century, when he shifted his capital from Lahore. Interestingly, Akbar, Jehangir and Shah Jahan all contributed to the construction of this magnificent fort. Therefore, you must visit this massive complex for its impressive architectural styles, a rare amalgamation of the aesthetic sensibilities of three different Mughal kings over the sleeves of time. Come, experience a grandeur like never before.

Explore The Yore

Jahangiri Mahal, Agra Fort

The Fort, though appearing impregnable from outside and as fulfilling its military purpose, was more like a city on the inside, with many buildings, streets and shops. Its colossal double walls rise 69 ft in height and measure 2.5 km in circumference, encircled by a moat and contain an intrinsic matrix of buildings, splendid mosques and ambrosial palaces. Walk through the pultritudinous gateways that marks the history to reach the sprawling Hathi Pol (Elephant Gate). Walk straight to reach the Jehangiri Mahal, situated north of the gate at the end of a spacious lawn. Built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jehangir, the palace is the largest private residence in the fort, a su[perb blend of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. Don't miss the profuse carvings on stone, heavy brackets exquisitely carved with animal and floral motifs, piers and cross beams with remnants of the rich gilded decorations that adorn the walls. Wander around the Nagina Mahal, built as a harem for the royal ladies, the Zeena Meena Bazaar where the queens shopped and the elegant Diwan-i-Khas, where the emperor dealt with his dignitaries. Don't miss the exquisite Persian inscription carved out of a single block of sandstone, that records Jehangir's marriage to Mehrunissa (Nur Jahan).

Walk through the Anguri Bagh to reach the famous Diwan-i-Khass, the Hall of Private Audience where secret 'Darbars' (meetings) with the close kinsmen were held. Walk to the right of Diwan-i-khas and you will be at the Hammam-i-Shahi or the Shah Burj. It is an airy apartment, attached to the residential quarters which was used as a summer retreat. To see an exquisite lattice work, enter the most famed Diwan-i-Am or 'The Hall of Public Audiences'. Once the royal women could watch the court without being seen by others from the pavilion through jali (lattice) screens. Today, you can only see the erstwhile glory floating on its ramparts.

Reaching Up to The Wonder

Indian Airlines/Alliance Air connects Agra to Delhi, Khajuraho and Varanasi with a thrice a week flight. The airport in Kheria is about 6 km from downtown and tourists can get multiple plying options to reach their desired destination. Agra being an important centre of the Central Railway, is well connected to all parts of the country. The two fastest connections from Delhi are the super-fast Shatabdi Express (journey time 2 hours) and Taj Express (2.5 hours). Both the trains return to Delhi in the evening, making even a day-long excursion to Agra possible. Driving on NH 2 from Delhi is a pleasure because of its four-lane double carriageway with very good and smooth surface. The 200 km distance from Delhi can easily be covered in less than four hours. The fort is open daily from 6 am to 5.30 pm.