This is an ancient city located in the district of Agra, Uttar Pradesh India. It was founded by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar in the fifteenth century. For about a decade it was the “City of Victory” under Akbar’s reign. Later on, it was abandoned due to shortage of water. This is one of the most inspiring places in terms of its breath taking architecture and technological lay out. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
It used to be a place of paramount importance during Akbar’s reign.
Fatehpur Sikri was excellent in terms of its large halls, palaces, mosques and other such medieval structures that attract a large number of visitors. It is here, that the precious “Nine jewels” or navaratnas was titled during Akbar’s reign. Legendary musician Tansen was one of them.
Eventually, it is believed that water sources dried up and the fort had to be abandoned.
The maximum temperature here is around 30 Degrees C and the minimum falls down to 8 Degrees C. The best time to be here is between November and March.
The Indian Rupee (INR) is the acceptable form of currency here.
A tourist visa applicable for the entire country (India) is sufficient.
By Road: Fatehpur Sikri is accessible by a good network of roads. Agra is well connected by roads to the major states through National Highway Number 11 (Bharatpur), 2 (Mathura) and 93 (Aligarh). You need to drive via Agra to reach Fatehpur Sikri.
By Rail: The nearest railway station is situated at Agra, which is an important railway station.
By Air: Fatehpur Sikri doesn’t have an airport of its own. Agra has a domestic airport and is connected to major destinations in the country.
International Flight:
The nearest international airport is Delhi [200 kms approx.].
· Naubat Khana – It is the Drum or the Announcement house, where all the important news and arrivals were announced in the courtyard.
Diwan-i-Am – This was the Place of Public Audience and hearing. It was here that the Mugal emperor used to converse with his subjects.
Diwan-i-Khas – This was the Place of Private Audience. The aesthetic brilliance will enthrall the tourist.
Raja Birbal's house – This is the house of the legendary smart minister of Akbar and one of his nine jewels Birbal. Indian folk tales are full of stories that reflect the wit of Birbal.
Jodhabai's palace – This was the palace of Akbar’s wife, Jodhabai. The palace depicts amazing carvings that reflect the style and grandeur of the medieval Rajputs. Jodhabai was a Rajput.
Panch Mahal – This is a five-storied palatial structure. The bottom floor has intricately carved columns that are full of extensive and delicate carvings.
Buland Darwaza – This is the 'Gate of Magnificence' leading towards the Jama Masjid.
Jama Masjid – This is easily one of the most beautiful mosques in India. The brilliant carvings and the Persian style of architecture make it one of the most captivating structures in the entire city.
Tomb of Salim Chisti: Akbar was childless until he sought the blessings of a Sufi saint by the name of Salim Chisti. After that he was blessed with a son. Akbar made a white marble encased tomb within the Jama mosque's courtyard in the saint’s honor.
Where To Eat:
One can enjoy the delicious North Indian cuisine at various local stalls and restaurants all across the city.
Where To Stay:
One can stay in the state owned guesthouses, luxury hotels and other hotels in the main town of Agra.
Delhi: [200 kms approx.] Delhi is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and also the capital of India. Having been the capital of several empires in ancient India during the reign of lot of kings and dynasties, including the British Raj, Delhi has come to occupy an important political and commercial position in the world. There are many ancient monuments, archaeological sites and museums situated here.
Mathura: [57 kms] Mathura is one of the holiest places in India. It is the birth place of Lord Krishna. It is said in the Holy Scriptures that Lord Krishna’s childhood was spent here. One can find lots of temples in this place. During the ancient period, Mathura used to be a thriving economic hub.
Agra: Here is the spectacular monument of beauty and love- the Taj Mahal. It is indeed an architectural wonder that continues to enthrall the world.
Fatehpur Sikri is a city that would enchant any person with love for architecture, designs, and history. This place is yet another example of the richness and variety in terms of designs and splendor of the ancient times. The walls and monuments may look dull, yet the aura of glory and elegance is still very much alive within these walls, inscriptions, and stones of the monuments in Fatehpur Sikri.
