As a UP-ITE, I continue to carry a residual love for the largest, most unpredictable state in India. In terms of history and culture Uttar Pradesh has it all as it owns one of the most wannabe cities of India, Agra, where antiquity reverberates. Agra Fort is one of the cenotaphs of India, situated in the city of Agra. It is less than 2 km away from the impressive Taj Mahal. The fort got constructed by the Mughal emperor Akbar and was taken to great heights of perfection by his son Shah Jahan.

The fort is a veritable treasure trove of the Mughal architectural tradition. It is famous by many names, like Lal Qila, Fort Rouge and Red Fort of Agra. The fort is built alongside the Yamuna river and stretches almost 2.5 km. It consists of a wall built in red sandstone and several buildings inside. The wall has 2 gates, the Delhi Gate and the Amar Singh Gate. You can only enter the fort via the Amar Singh Gate. Part of the fort is still in use by the Indian Army and are not accessible to the public. The magnificent Agra Fort was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1983.
One Fort Many World
The Jahangiri Mahal - This palace was built by Akbar as a residence for his son Jehangir. The Mahal is a perfect amalgamation of Hindu and Central Asian architectural styles. The inner courtyard of the is adorned by beautiful halls, exuberant carvings on stone, heavy Gujarati brackets exquisitely carved with animal and floral motifs, piers and other gilded decorations. To the right of Jahangiri Mahal is a simple palace of Akbar's favourite queen Jodha Bai.

Khas Mahal - Built entirely of marble by Shah Jahan in 1637, the Khas Mahal or the Private Palace showcases a distinctive Islamic-Persian features. The enclosure has three pavilions overlooking the Yamuna, with a fountain opposite the central pavilion. The Khas Mahal provides the most successful archetype of painting on a white marble surface.

Musamman Burj - This is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. The inlay work here is exquisite, especially above the pillars. This was where Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, gazing at the Taj Mahal.

Sheesh Mahal - Opposite to the Mussaman Burj lies the Sheesh Mahal or the Glass Palace. It was once a royal dressing room and its walls are inlaid with tiny mirrors, one of the best specimens of glass-mosaic decoration in India. The Sheesh Mahal is composed of two large halls of equal size, each measuring 11.15m x 6.40 m. Both are connected in the centre by a broad arched opening and on the sides by two narrow passages.

Diwan-i-Khas -This was the hall of private audience. The marble pillars are inlayed with semi-precious stones in beautiful floral patterns.

Diwan - i- Am - Diwan -i -Am (hall of public audience ) holds prime importance because here was kept the precious and glorious Peacock throne ordered by Shah Jehan.

Moti Masjid - The Moti Masjid (pearl mosque), its three domes in white marble raising their heads over the red sandstone wall. Moti Masjid is known for its sheer grandeur and perfect proportions.
The De Facto
Location - Agra , Uttar Pradesh
Erected Between - 1565 and 1571 A.D
Stretch - 2.5 km
Best Time To Visit - November to February
Timings - Open Daily from 6:00 a.m to 5:00 p.m
Entrance Tariff - US $ 8

Access
Air: Agra's Kheria airport is situated 6km from the city centre. It is well connected with Delhi /Territories/DELHI/Index.htm (204km-30 minutes flight) and major places in India.
Rail: Agra is a major railway Junction and has several railway stations and connects the city to major places in the north as well as the south. Agra Cantonment Railway station is the main terminal, located south west of the city. Two of the main services are the Taj Express and the Shatabdi which connects Agra to Delhi, Gwalior, Jhansi and Bhopal .
Road: Agra is well linked by bus services to other places in the State as well as outside the state and national highways 2,3 and 11 pass through the city. The state transports have deluxe as well as ordinary buses to Delhi (every hour), Jaipur, Lucknow, Gwalior, Jhansi etc from Idgah bus station. For local travel, taxis, tempos, auto-rickshaws and cycle rickshaws are available. Bicycles can also be hired on hourly basis.

Did You Know?

• The Delhi Gate of Agra Fort is considered to be the grades gates, however it is not opened for public entrance.
• Agra fort is also a site of one of the battles during Indian Rebellion of 1857, which caused the end of the British East India Company's rule in India.
• A sound and light show is also held in the fort at 7. pm.