A walled city with a scenic view of Taj Mahal
Lal Qila is typically referred to the Red Forte in New Delhi, but then there is another Red Forte in Agra, which I felt, is superior in architecture than its New Delhi Counterpart. After getting out of Tajmahal, we decided to visit this iconic forte, that was renovated by Shah Jahan so that he can stay here and always view Tajmahal - the memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal. The man was definitely in mad love with his wife. So let me take you through a photographic journey of this place and you will feel the lavish lifestyle the Mughal emperors lived. The Forte is around 2.5 km away from Tajmahal and you can easily recognize the crimson-colored walls, made from red sandstone from a distance.
Panoramic view of the Forte from outside, the walls are 70ft high.
The entrance to the main forte area.
Mom wanted a break, I knew the day would be tough and we have to walk a lot, so I advised her to wear shoes on that day.
Look at these strong structural pieces standing firm since 15th Century.
Diwan-i-Aam, the Hall of Public Audience, where the Emperor would visit to listen to public.
Way to Khas Mahal.
The very special and most beautiful private palace, built of striking white marbles, where Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and his two daughters lived. I felt, this was the most beautiful area in Agra Fort. While Mom preferred to sit outside, I did explore the interiors.
BABUR'S BAOLI AND OVERHEAD TANKS built here in 15th century.
The unique ceiling that would keep the place cool.
An antique wall shelf.
The building from the inner side, quite elegant view.
The outer view from the Window - scenic green.
The window through which you can view the outside.
Can you see the Tajmahal ? Let me present you few more captures.
Shah Jahan must be seeing Tajmahal from here every morning.
All white marbles.
The forte was protected by the dip trench outside.
This is the only place that is allowed for public viewing.
Had to take a little trouble to capture this from outside the windows, though it was a bit risky.
I could capture these beautiful interiors of Khas Mahal with the help of zoom and you can feel how lavishly they were built. Shahjahan converted the existing red stone building according to his taste. You see that sprinkler there ? Must be a place to bathe.
The Shish Mahal, part of Shahjahan's summer palace, with some antique glass mosaic work done in its walls and ceiling, is closed for public view. These glass pieces had very high mirror quality so that they can always glitter and twinkle, even in dark and were imported from Syria.
A closer view of Diwan-i-Aam, while coming out of Khas Mahal.
Way to Jahangiri Mahal where we stopped exploring further, as Mom was tired.
Shah Jahan was later put under house arrest at this same Agra Forte by his son Aurangzeb who declared himself as the Mughal emperor after killing his three brothers. Reminded me the fact that Nothing is permanent. Captured some more photos while coming out, part of these ground floor bunkers are now being used by Indian Military Forces.
Almost 900 years old and still shining....taken from the extreme corner inside the Forte.
We booked Royale Sarovar Portico for our stay in Agra and it was quite satisfactory.
Shot with SONY α6400 with 18-135 mm Zoom Lens
A visual journey for refreshing Mom's memory :
#QilaiAkbari #agra #lalqilaagra #agraredfort
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This post will be part of my Google review of this place, a little hive marketing. I have also joined a Sony A6400 Shooters Facebook group (with 34.5k members) where I share my posts so that other photographers may also discover our blockchain and share their work here.
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