Barely
2 km from Taj Mahal, Agra Fort stands on the same bank of River Yamuna.
The main part of the fort was constructed under Akbar The Great. It was
chosen as a world heritage site in 1983. The construction went on for
centuries. It started in 1156 and finally, reached its culmination point
in 1605. Shah Jahan built most of the delicate marble buildings inside
the fortress. Stretching across 2.5 km, the two main gateways of the
mighty fort are known as the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. One can
enter the fort only from the latter as a part of the fort is in use by
the Indian Army and barred from the public view. The 16th century lavish
lifestyle of Mughals is sure to impress anyone. Amar Singh Gate enters
into a Great Courtyard with Diwan-I-Am or Hall of Public Audience on its
right side.
Shah Jahan built this multi-pillared structure in 1628. There are royal
pavilions, Nagina Masjid, Mina Masjid, Macchi Bhavan, Khas Mahal, Shish
Mahal, Shah Jahani Mahal and the Zenana Mina Bazaar to explore. Each of
these structures has beautiful carvings unique to it and many of them
are made of pure marble. They are cooled naturally, as the wanter runs
through the hollow walls. Its balconies open up to the beautiful views
of River Yamuna and Taj Mahal. It is said that it was in Musamman Burj
in Agra Fort that Aurungzeb imprisoned his father, so that he could
glimpse the tomb of her beloved to his last breath. The guides still
place a mirror in the hole which captures the reflection of Taj in a
miniature version to demonstrate how Shah Jahan died viewing the
monument of his love. There are well-maintained gardens too.
