Akbar built this grand military structure in 1565, which occupies the very center of the city of Agra. In fact, after the Taj Mahal the Agra Fort is the second most popular tourist site in Agra. Even though this 20 meter high fort was mainly constructed for military purposes, Shah Jahan converted a part of it into a comfortable palace during his reign. The Amar Singh Gate is the only entrance to the Agra Fort, which also offers a magnificent view of the Taj Mahal across the Yamuna River.

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.