The Agra Fort is one of India's most important Mughal monuments and deserves as much time as the Taj Mahal itself. Built primarily in red sandstone, the fort began as a military structure under Akbar from 1565 before becoming the lavish palace of emperors Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan. The whole complex is enclosed by 21-metre walls running for two and a half kilometres.
Inside the walls you find a series of grand courtyards: the Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience), where Shah Jahan's peacock throne once stood; the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience); the delicate white marble Moti Masjid mosque; the women's quarters with their carved jali screens; and the Musamman Burj — the octagonal tower where Shah Jahan spent his final years imprisoned by his son Aurangzeb, gazing across the river at the Taj he had built.
The fort sits on the bank of the Yamuna River, about 2.5 km northwest of the Taj. Early morning is the best time to visit, before the tour groups arrive. Allow at least two hours.