Agra Fort

Aside from the Taj Mahal, Agra has one of the finest Mughal forts in India, the Agra Fort. A massive red sandstone structure located on the banks of the Yamuna River, construction on the fort was started in 1565 by the Mughal Emperor Akbar, and further additions in white marble were subsequently made up till the reign of his grandson Shah Jahan. Originally built for military purposes, it was later used as a palace, and eventually even served as a prison where Shah Jahan was confined for 8 years by his son Aurangzeb, who seized power in 1658. The fort runs along a length of 2.5 kilometres within enclosed walls, it encompasses several exquisite palaces such as the Shah Jahani Mahal, Jahangiri Mahal, Khas Mahal, audience halls named Diwan-i-Am and the Diwan-i-Khas, a Fish Pavilion, the Nagina Masjid, Garden of Grapes and the Pearl Mosque. A world heritage site, it is a testament to architecture which deserves a visit.