Welcome to the Red Fort in the city of Agra. This fort has the honor of being the brainchild of one of the most powerful rulers of India - Akbar the Great. Built in 1565 by Akbar, the fort was originally meant to serve as a military establishment. Akbar's grandson Shah Jahan later converted into a palace. Completely encircled on the outside by a moat, the fort is colossal in size. It has walls that are 2.5 km in length with a height of 20 feet high. The moat was earlier filled with water, acting as a safety barrier to protect the fort against enemies. So well guarded was this that there is just one entry point for the entire fort. The building and structures inside the fort gives an impression of a city within the city. Many of the buildings inside the fort are now closed for the public. The marble pearl mosque inside the fort is one of the most stunningly beautiful mosques in India .

Diwan-e-Am

This structure was originally made out of wood but was later constructed in the present form by Shah Jahan. The throne room bears a clear influence of Shah Jahan style with the inlaid carvings and panels of marble with floral motifs. This hall of public hearing is the place where the Emperor heard the petitions of the public and met the officials .

Diwan-e-Khas

This was the hall of private audience. This hall was the home to the legendary Peacock Throne before Aurangzeb shifted it to Delhi and finally carried away to Iran .

Moti Masjid

Made out of white marble, Moti Masjid is one of the ancient mosques situated in Agra. It used to shine like a pearl and hence the name, moti being a pearl. The Moti Masjid is still considered by many to be the most beautiful of all the buildings at Agra Fort .

Musamman Burj

This place is almost tragic in nature because this is where the deposed Emperor Shah Jahan lay on his deathbed, gazing at his beloved Taj Mahal after being made prisoner by his own son. It is a beautiful octagonal tower with an open pavilion. With its openness, elevation and the benefit of cool evening breezes flowing in off the Yamuna River, this could be well have been used also as the emperor's bedroom.

The Red Fort in Agra is often referred to as the predecessor of the Delhi Red fort - it's more famous cousin. They do have an eerie resemblance, the main difference being that of a country cousin and the city cousin, one fort being in small town of Agra and the other situated in the capital city of Delhi .