Agra's Red Palace

Day 8.

May 20, 2012

Week 2

Early to rise and check out of Dev Vilas! We all headed back to the train, thankfully it was only a two hour ride for Bill, Diana and myself. The rest of the group continued on to Delhi where they departed.


We were met by a new tour guide and driver. On the way to Agra we visited this ver beautiful, ancient palace. It was built in the C14th by the ruler of India at the time. He wisely married women of three different religions, to bring prosperity and peace to his (inherited) land. Yes, married them, all at once! That's why he needed a really big palace, in which they all lived!

The Red Palace through the entry room. (After a large grass courtyard where the public would gather .)

Inside of the main meeting room (see above also.) Politicians would discuss private matters with the king here.

This (2m heigh) sandstone screen was intricately hand carved.

Some more detailed hand carvings. They are everywhere, unless it's painted.

A large framed walkway, outside of the money counting roms.

Some ancient paintings still survive in this low ceiling room.

This is a large 5 story part of the palace, used for parties and overseeing the kingdom.

The deep pond and stage were sometimes used as an entertainment stage. See in the distance, right of the center; the meeting room and 5 storey tower to the left.

It is believed that water from the Ganges filled this large vase for one of the Queens to use religiously. 

There was also a tomb tower for the resident elephant. Elephants do have the same burial rights as humans in India, that's ho highly they are regarded.