Agra
Fort is located on the banks of the Yamuna near the railway station.
Agra is well connected by air with Khajuraho, Varanasi, and Delhi. It
has good rail and bus connections with major Indian cities. From the
city, there are taxis,

tempos,
auto-rickshaws, and cycle rickshaws to carry one to the fort. Prepaid
taxis and autos from the railway station are also available. Bicycles
can also be hired on hourly basis.
The high red sandstone
ramparts of this great monument stretch for almost 2.5 kilometres,
dominating a bend in the river Yamuna. Emperor Akbar laid the foundation
of this majestic citadel and it developed as a stronghold of the Mughal
Empire under successive generations. Shahjahan constructed the graceful
Diwan-i-Am or the Hall of Public Audiences, made of red sandstone, in
1628. Three rows of white polished stucco pillars topped by peacock
arches support the flat roof. Today, this Hall is bereft of brocade
decorations, silk carpets and satin canopies that would have enhanced
the elegance of the settings when the Emperor sat down with his subjects
to hear their complaints.
Even though public access is limited
to the southern wing of the fort, it is more than enough to get a feel
of the glorious Mughal period. It may be mentioned that this fort was
the very place where his son Aurangzeb imprisoned Shah Jahan for 7 years
till his death. The fort houses some very elegant halls and royal
pavilions, the Diwan-i-Aam and the Diwan-I-Khas halls being the most
important ones. The fort also has some very beautiful mosques and
palaces that were mostly built by Shah Jahan. The Sheesh Mahal and the
Khas Mahal are two of the most beautiful palaces within the fort. Don't
forget to have a look at the Anguri Bagh (the Grape Garden), which is
really a treat to the eyes. The Mussaman Burj tower, which boasts of a
beautiful marble balcony, is another place to be visited within the
fort. The most touching aspect of this place is that Shah Jahan breathed
his last here as he continued to gaze at his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal's
tomb, the Taj Mahal.
Diwan-e-AmThis structure was
originally made out of wood but was later constructed in the present
form by Shah Jahan. The throne room bears a clear influence of Shah
Jahan style with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with floral
motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard
the petitions of the public and met the officials. The hall of public
hearing gives way to the Nagina Mosque and the Ladies bazar where only
ladies merchants were allowed to sell items to the Moghal ladies.
Diwan-e-KhasThis
was the hall of private audience. This hall was also added by Shah
Jahan. This hall is divided into two rooms connected by three arches and
it was here that the famous peacock throne was kept before being shifted
to Delhi by Aurangzeb and finally carried away to Iran.
Moti
Masjid
Moti
Masjid is situated to the right of Diwan-E-Aam of the Agra Fort. One can
see the domes of the Moti Masjid, which is the prettiest of all the
buildings at Agra Fort. Moti Masjid is a white marble structure built by
Shahjahan for his family members and court chiefs. Moti Masjid made out
of white marble is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra. It used
to shine like a pearl once upon a time and hence the name.
Mina
MasjidJust above the Sheesh Mahal is situated the Mina Masjid,
which is believed to be constructed by Shahjahan for strictly private
use. The Mina Masjid is enclosed on all the four sides by high walls.
The marble mosque has three small arches in its facade, which are plain
and unadorned.