Historical places in Delhi and Agra, India (off off Tokyo): Feb 16-20, 2018

I visited Delhi and Agra for the first time in decades. There are many historical places there.

Lar Qila or the Red Fort was a place where the Mughal Emperors lived. It was built by the 5^th Emperor Shar Jahan between 1639 and 1648. 

The fort is surrounded with long red walls.

There is a shopping arcade between the entrance gate and the main buildings.

Jama Masjid lies in the center of Old Delhi. It is one of the largest mosques in India.

We can see the scope of Old Delhi from the top the tower.　

Jantar Mantar is an observatory build in the 18^th century by a Jaipur maharaja. It locates in the center of New Delhi. Tall buildings surroun the observatory.

Agrasen ki baoli is a historical step well rebuild in the 14^th century. It was used as a reservoir. The stone architecture is 60-meter long and 15-meter wide. It has 108 steps. (See also the 2nd photo from the top)

It locates in the center of New Delhi.

The Indian gate was built between 1921 and 1931 as a memorial of 70000 Indian soldiers died in the First World War.

Qutub Minar locates in the south outskirt of Delhi. It is a Islam minaret built around 1200 by India's first Islam dynasty. The tower is 72 meter high, the tallest in the world. It was built in Islam and Hindu designs.

There is an iron pole near the minaret.  It was made in the 5th century. The pole is famous for its high resistance to corrosion.

In Agra, I visited Taji Mahal and Agra Fort, two must-see places.

I reaffirmed the beauty of Taji Mahal.

It was build by the 5^th Mugahal Emperor Sha Jahan for his dead wife Taji using 22 years (between 1631 and 1652). It was designed and made by Persian experts, not Indians, according to my tourist guide. (See also the top photo)

There were so many visitors from around the world. The ticket prices are different between foreigner and Indians. The queue was longer for Indians.

Agra Fort was built by the 3^rd Mughal Emperor Akbar. I felt it was majestic.

Part of the fort is used by the Indian force.