Red Fort, Agra

Red Fort - Agra

Introduction
Within a radius of 3 kilometers, on the banks of the river Yamuna rises the crescent-like Agra Fort. Designed and built by Akbar in 1565.A.D., the fort is surrounded by a 70-foot high wall. It houses the beautiful Pearl Mosque and numerous palaces including the Jahangiri Mahal, Diwan-i-Khas, Diwan-i-Am and Moti Masjid. The fort has four gates and is enclosed by a double barricaded wall of red sandstone. Many buildings were constructed within the fort of which very few remain till date. One of the most significant ones is the multi-storeyed Jahangiri Mahal built by Akbar for his wife Jodha Bai. The Mahal is reached through an impressive gateway and its inner courtyard consists of beautiful halls, profuse carvings on stone, exquisitely carved heavy brackets, piers and cross beams. Most of the panels in the eastern hall are decorated with the Persian styled stucco paintings in gold and blue. It is believed that a century later most of the structures were dismantled by Shahjahan and were replaced with white marble pavilions covered with intricate inlay work of which the most prominent ones are the Diwan-i-khas, the Mausam Burj and the Shaha Burj. Away from the waterfront he built the Moti Masjid and the Diwan-i-Am.

Tourist Information
Open from sunrise to sunset (except Mondays) Entry Fees for those above 12 years: Rs. 5.00 Best time to visit From November to February.

Access
Agra is connected to Delhi by air. One can also use the Taj Express or the Shatabdi to get there .One can even drive or bus it. (204 Km from Delhi)

Where to Stay?
Agra has a whole variety of hotels and the rest houses. UPSTDC's tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms. There is a UPSTDC tourist bungalow as well. Click her for choice of Agra Hotels

Places to Visit
Itmad-ud-daula's Tomb, Chini-Ka-rauza, Ram bagh, Fatehpur Sikri.