Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned city in Agra. The city was held as the capital of Mughal Empire during 16th century and was abandoned within a decade or two. Fatehpur Sikri means Victorious city. It was built as a symbol of Akbar's victories during the period. Today, it stands as an interesting reminder of Mughal architecture. You can also find Jain temples inside the walled city, which indicates the growth of Jainism during Mughal reign.

During an archaeological survey in 2000, many antiques, statues and structures that are more than 1000 years old were evacuated. Many Jain statues were a part of the evacuation. Today, it stands as a heritage site and a reminder of ancient India's architecture, culture and lifestyle.

Best time to visit in Fatehpur Sikri ?

The city is open for tourists from 6 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. The museum inside the city is open from 9 am to 5 pm. The city is open throughout the week and the museum is closed on Fridays. The city is open throughout the year but the best time to visit is during winter. The pleasing climate makes it easier to walk around the city and enjoy all the attractions.

Where is Fatehpur Sikri is located ?

The city is located 37 km away from Agra. You can find many cabs for hire to reach the city from Agra and from Delhi. The city is located in Uttar Pradesh. The ancient city is just one kilometer away from the railway station. Private and government buses are available from Agra and Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri.

• Delhi and Fatehpur Sikri : 233 km (4 hours and 10 minutes)
• Agra and Fatehpur Sikri : 35.7 km (one hour)
• Bharatpur and Fatehpur Sikri : 25 km (33 minutes)

Why Fatehpur Sikri is so famous ?

A wall that runs for around 6 km covers the city. The city is covered on three sides by water. Top attractions inside the city are.

1. Buland Darwaza

This southern gate leads to a mosque. This gateway is called as Victory Arch. You can find inscription on the walls. There are three arched entrances to the portico and the central one is called as horseshoe gate. In ancient times, a horse shoe was hung in the gate for good luck. Right outside the gate, you can find a deep well.

2. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is a mosque inside Fatehpur Sikri. It was built in 1572 AD. The mosque has massive entrances, courtyards and other features. There are three mihrabs and the central one has a dome on it. The mosque is decorated with inlay work and geometric patterns.

3. Salim Chishti Tomb

This is a tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chisti, who lived for around 100 years during 15th and 16th century. The tomb is found inside the complex of the mosque. The grave is encased by a marble tomb. The grave is made with mosaic with wooden canopy. The tomb is surrounded by passageway, which is decorated with stone filled geometric designs.

4. Panch Mahal

This is a five-leveled building with each level smaller than the one below it creating a triangle. It was built for the women of the court. There are 176 columns supporting the structure

5. Birbal House

This is the residence of Akbar's favorite minister, Birbal.

6. Hiran Minar

This is called as Elephant Tower. The tower is covered with projections like the tusks of elephants. It was built as a memorial for Akbar's favorite elephant.

7. Museum

The museum is located in the treasury house of Akbar. Main Jain statues, paintings and artefacts evacuated from the city are stored inside the museum.

8. Tomb of Islam Khan

This tomb is made of red sandstone, which holds the remains of grandson of Salim Chishti who was a general in Mughal army. The tomb contains many graves of male descendants of Salim Chisti.

9. Diwan I Khas

This is a hall used for public to communicate with the king. The hall is famous for its central pillar that has a square shaped base, octagonal shaft and decorated with floral design. The hall has two stone walkways and it is said that Akbar used this hall during his period in the city.

10. Ibadat Khana

This is a meeting place and worship place of King Akbar.

11. Anup Talao

An ornamental pool with bridges and platform. Many important buildings inside the city are found around this pool.

12. Hujra I Anup Talao

Residence of one of Akbar's wife

13. Mariam uz Zamani palace

Residence of Akbar's Hindu wife Mariam. Gujarati styled building with Mughal elements.

14. Naubat Khana

This is the drum house where drummers announce the arrival of the king. It was the royal entrance during King Akbar's rule.

Entry Fees

• Entry is free for Children below the age of 15.
• Indian tourists have to pay 40 INR per head.
• Other foreign visitors have to pay 500 INR per head. On Fridays, the ticket cost will be 10 INR less for all visitors.

No separate entry ticket for the museum.

Guides

Physical and audio guides are available at the ticket counter.

History about the Fatehpur Sikri Agra

Emperor Akbar built this city in 1571. A saint, Salim Chishti lived in the place of this city. When King Akbar visited the saint, he blessed him to have three sons. The king built a whole city where the saint lived. The city was designated to be the capital after Akbar's victory at Ranthambore and Chittor. The planning and construction of the city took 15 years. Akbar took interest in the structure of the city only. The city was made with sandstones due to the availability. However, the king never thought about the water source to the city. He assumed that a small lake fed by a spring would be enough for his capital but, within a decade, the lake drained out. The city was close to Rajputana, neighboring city and this caused frequent war. Within a few years, the capital became less stable and Akbar moved back his capital to Lahore. The city was then left abandoned for 400 years.

Later in 18th century, Muhammad Shah used the city. After his death, Marathas conquered Delhi and ruled over this city. Later, it came under the control of British who used it as a fortified wall for their barracks and headquarters.

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