Vrindavan, Mathura and Agra - A quick visit to the cities of love

[laluks]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

Taj seems to have changed quite a lot since my last visit in 2004. May be another visit is due

Do I see a Delhi - Hyderabad Bolero run being planned?

[MileCruncher]

Originally Posted by laluks

Do I see a Delhi - Hyderabad Bolero run being planned?

I have done the Delhi - Hyderabad sector too many times, so not exactly enthused anymore. But may have to do sometime as both of us want to see Bhimbetka, Panchmarhi, Shivpuri and Pench ( All these fall on the Hyd - Del Sector thru NS Link)

OT: My last time in Agra was part of my Honeymoon Road Trip covering Delhi - Agra - Orcha - Khajuraho - Panna - Gwalior - Delhi in 2004. So may be the time has come to do a revisit. That time we had stayed in the UPTDC's Circuit House near the East Gate which generally is reserved for ministers.

[laluks]

Originally Posted by MileCruncher

I have done the Delhi - Hyderabad sector too many times, so not exactly enthused anymore. But may have to do sometime as both of us want to see Bhimbetka, Panchmarhi, Shivpuri and Pench ( All these fall on the Hyd - Del Sector thru NS Link)

OT: My last time in Agra was part of my Honeymoon Road Trip covering Delhi - Agra - Orcha - Khajuraho - Panna - Gwalior - Delhi in 2004. So may be the time has come to do a revisit. That time we had stayed in the UPTDC's Circuit House near the East Gate which generally is reserved for ministers.

Oh man, you are great!!

[Majic]

Good morning LalukS, i am waiting for the post for the day.Can't wait for more, i have one tab on Humblehd and another on this one!

[laluks]

Originally Posted by Majic

Good morning LalukS, i am waiting for the post for the day.Can't wait for more, i have one tab on Humblehd and another on this one!

Majic, I still need to work for a living
Patience please, by evening I'll post the updates..

[Majic]

Ok, i understand, well looking forward to more postings!

[laluks]

Originally Posted by Majic

Ok, i understand, well looking forward to more postings!

Sorry Majic, to have kept you waiting - too long.

Here I am back to the thread. In between I had taken time to complete these threads.

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...humbleh-d.html (HumbLeh’d)

and

http://www.team-bhp.com/forum/travel...mmangundi.html (Swifted : Bisle, Belur, Halebid, Chikmagalur, Kemmangundi)

Now that they are completed this thread will get the due.

[laluks]

Day 2, September 12 2009 Continued

Agra Fort


Agra Fort, on the banks of Yamuna, is one of the best Mughal forts in India. It is made of red sandstones. Construction began in 1565, by Akbar. Sha jahan converted this military fort to a palace like atmosphere by constructing more buildings inside in white marble. It later became his own prison for over 8 years when his son Aurangazeb seized power in 1658.


This picture (courtesy - Lonely Planet) will give you the orientation of the fort.


I shall try to explain each of these locations inside the fort by photographs and some text.


continued...

[laluks]

Day 2, September 12 2009 Continued

Agra Fort


I reached Agra Fort by 10:00AM.

If you have enough time, you can hire a guide and slowly indulge. You have to be careful in choosing or avoiding a guide, there are many and can often cause an annoyance since they just don't leave you.

I saw this at the circle before parking.


Details about Agra Fort


Orientation of Agra Fort


Agra Fort is a world Heritage Site.


The outer walls have two gates - Amar Singh Gate and Delhi Gate (Main Gate). Delhi Gate is at the west and is closed now.

The entry is through the Amar Singh Gate to the south. The gates are in red sandstone and has twin towers. To confuse invaders there are several right angled turns before reaching the gate. This dog legged design confuses the attackers. You have to cross a moat full of crocodiles to reach the gate. Thankfully now we have a bridge, the moat is dry and no crocodiles.

Outer wall and the moat


You can see Taj Mahal


Outer walls


The Amar Singh Gate



These gates pierces the outer wall.















After entering through this gate, there is another entrance - Hathi(elephant) Pol that pierces the inner wall.





There is one more gate - Lahori gate. I could not get to see this gate. This gate leads to the Chandni market.






continued...

[Majic]

Lalu KS , nice to see that you have started this thread once again, the wait was worth it as the photos are good, looking out for more, i would also check on your other travelogues

[laluks]

Day 2, September 12 2009 Continued

Agra Fort

Jahangir's Palace and Hauz-i-Jahgangir.

This palace was built by Akbar for his son Jehangir. This is the largest private residence in the fort. It has a mix of Indian and central asian architectural styles.

Jahangir's Palace



Inside the courtyard






Views from the Palace. You can see Yamuna river and Taj Mahal






Some work on the sandstone





Hauz-i-Jahangir is in front of the palace. It is a huge bowl carved out of a single stone. It could have been used for bathing.







continued...

[laluks]

Day 2, September 12 2009 Continued

Agra Fort

Muthaman Burj is the white marble octagaonal tower and Khas Mahal is the white marbled palace.












There is a beautiful carved fountain in the center. This is the place where Shah Jahan was imprisoned till he died. From here there is a good view of Taj Mahal. Mina Masjid here was his private mosque.























Chain of justice. This was interesting to note.







Shish Mahal, with its wall with mirrors was closed for restoration.







continued...

[laluks]

With only buildings to see and history to read, I guess everybody lost interest

[SS-Traveller]

Originally Posted by laluks

With only buildings to see and history to read, I guess everybody lost interest

I guess the number of eyeballs you got on your Leh thread is being compensated here! Here are a few interesting graphic images of the Taj Mahal from a conference I organized at Agra back in 2005. Maybe that will help perk up viewer interest!

[laluks]

Thanks SST. Hope it helps