Agra's Other Attraction

Agra, India is most known for the Taj Mahal but another impressive destination is the Agra Fort. We made our way there after the Taj. First, I am going to back up to our journey to Agra from Delhi. So we flew into the Delhi airport and sight saw around Delhi for the Day, blog is coming for that. After we ate a late lunch we made the 3-4 hour to drive. We made good time to Agra but then sat in traffic for another 3 hours trying to get to the hotel.There was a dignitary in town and most of the major roads were closed. There was also a wedding procession going on with lights, drums, floats, basically the whole nine yards. As we were sitting in traffic, my blond hair was once again the object of stares and comments. My other group members thought it was hysterical that the "golden princess" as I was dubbed was getting hit on in a traffic jam. My favorite was "come on baby just talk to me". 

But I digress, back to Agra. So after the Taj we did some souvenir shopping at a marble inlay shop. I even tried my hand at shaping/carving the marble. 

I am very skeptical of what he is trying to tell me....

After this we made our way to the Agra Fort. Sometimes called the "Red Fort" due to the red sandstone. The fort was commissioned by a Mughal Emperor in 1565. The fort was later converted into a palace by Shāh Jahān.

The Amar Singh Gate into the fort 

This used to be a moat

The Delhi Gate is the most monumental gate of the fort's four. It was built in 1568 both to enhance security and as the king's formal gate, and includes features related to both. It is embellished with white marble. A wooden drawbridge was used to cross the moat and reach the gate from the mainland; inside, an inner gateway called Hathi Pol ("Elephant Gate") – guarded by two life-sized stone elephants with their riders – added another layer of security. However, tourists cannot enter through it because the Indian Military still uses part of the fort.

Jahangir Palace

Jahangir Palace entrance

Fort interior

Yup, I like to pose

The marble palace portion built by Shah Jahan. Troy was a little too tall for the doorway.

View from Dīwān-e-'Ām (Hall of Public Audience)

Shah Jahan was overthrown by his son and held captive in the fort. It is rumored he died here in the Muasamman Burj.

Muasamman Burj

Dīwān-e-'Ām (Hall of Public Audience) 

Dīwān-e-Khās (hall of private audience)

After leaving the fort it was time to hit the road and head back to Delhi to catch our flight. It was a quick weekend trip but packed full of Indian history and monuments. One pleasant surprise we found in the Delhi airport was a STARBUCKS! It was nice to have an amenity from home :-)