The Agra Fort built by the Mughal, Akbar in 1565 was expanded over the years from a military fortress to a lavish Imperial Palace with over 500 buildings. Remember that India was the heart of the trade routes from the Far East to the west and there were numerous wars over this territory. This is also the fort where Shah Jahan (who commissioned the Taj Mahal for his wife) was imprisoned by his son until his death. His prison quarters (not a cell at all) overlooked the river and the construction site of the Taj Mahal. That view is recreated in one of the pictures.
This afternoon we had a cooking class by a local Indian family followed by a delicious meal. Finally a visit to a factory that does jewel inlay (Pietra Dura) for a demonstration, and of course a chance to purchase their wares. Coming back to the hotel was slowed down by a herd of cows in the road, but we are really used to that by now.
