Situated 40 kilometers from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a renowned tourist attraction in the Agra district. Founded in 1571 by Mughal Emperor Akbar, this predominantly red sandstone city served as the capital of his empire for fifteen years. Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Fatehpur Sikri boasts iconic monuments such as Jodha Bai's Palace, Jama Mosque, Buland Darwaza, and the Tomb of Salim Chisti. The Imperial Complex, inspired by Arab and Central Asian tent encampments, is a meticulously arranged ensemble of pavilions on a carefully designed piece of land.
Fatehpur Sikri is a captivating fusion of architectural brilliance and religious reverence. Commissioned by Akbar to honor Sheikh Salim Chisti, whose accurate prophecy of the birth of a Mughal heir unfolded during Akbar's visit to Sikri, the city stands as a testament to this divine prediction. In tribute to the prophecy, Akbar constructed the city and the Jama Masjid, a breathtaking mosque still in active use. Additionally, he embarked on the creation of three palaces, each dedicated to his favorite wives—one Hindu, one Muslim, and one Christian. As an Indo-Islamic masterpiece, Fatehpur Sikri radiates its most splendid charm during the sunset hours.
True to its name, the Hall of Public Audience served as a venue for public meetings and gatherings, facilitating the resolution of public grievances by the Emperor. This multi-bayed rectangular pavilion-like structure, standing on 49 pillars, overlooks a spacious open area. The Diwan-i-Aam includes a Jharokha-type chamber, also called Takht-i-Murassa, adorned with intricate decorations on pillars and walls. The ministers were designated to sit on the marble Bethak, while the hall was divided by two gateways and three aisles.
Designed in the Persian architectural style, this structure served as the hall for a private audience, exclusively for royal members to engage in discussions on private matters. Adorned with a roof featuring four Chattris, the architectural masterpiece is distinguished by a central pillar with a square base and an octagonal shaft, gaining renown for its craftsmanship. The base and shaft are enhanced by intricate floral and geometrical designs, adding to the building's aesthetic appeal. Additionally, thirty-six meandering paths provide support to Akbar's platform, connecting to every corner of the first floor through four stone walkways.
A remarkable edifice within Fatehpur Sikri, the Panch Mahal showcases design elements reminiscent of a Buddhist Temple. Comprising entirely of columns, it features four stories of diminishing size, arranged asymmetrically above the ground floor. Housing 176 columns with Jaalis or screens, indicates the historical practice of the Purdah System followed by the Queens. The pavilion offers a magnificent view of the fort, and in front of it lies the Anoop Talab, a pool that once served as a venue for musical concerts.
Erected in the 17th century, the Jami Masjid, also recognized as the Friday Mosque stands as one of the first structures in the city and is now a designated World Heritage Site. A highly frequented destination in Agra, it is revered by devotees as a pilgrimage site. The mosque features a single dome and two colonnaded halls on each side, with sculpted Mihrabs embellishing the smaller rooms and the main chamber. Representing a blend of Islamic and Persian architectural styles, the mosque exhibits golden inscriptions against a royal blue backdrop, showcasing a harmonious fusion. Inside, watercolor paintings adorn the interiors, offering glimpses of stylized floral designs. Notably, the dome is supported by corbelled pendentives, a departure from the more common use of squinches for dome support.
Established in 1575 CE, the Ibadat Khana, also known as the House of Worship, served as a meeting place where Akbar initiated the foundations of Din-e-Ilahi. It was a space where spiritual leaders from various religions convened to engage in discussions about the teachings of their respective faiths.
Housing the final resting place of the Sufi saint Salim Chisti, this tomb stands as an exquisite representation of Mughal Architecture within the courtyard of the mosque. Emperor Akbar constructed this tomb as a gesture of reverence for Salim Chisti, who had prophesied the birth of Jahangir, Akbar's successor. The main structure is surrounded by marble screens on all sides, with the entrance to the central chamber intricately carved with Quranic patterns and inscriptions. The marble floor is adorned with multicolored stones, and the inner chamber features a wooden canopy with a mosaic of mother-of-pearl. Renowned for its blessings for childbirth, devotees from across the country visit the tomb in the hopes of their wishes being fulfilled. As a symbolic gesture of their aspirations, people tie threads over the marble screens dedicated to Salim Chisti.
The nearest airport is the Agra Airport, approximately 40 kilometers away from Fatehpur Sikri.
The Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station is well-connected to major cities like Agra, Jaipur, and Delhi.
Fatehpur Sikri is well-connected. State-run buses and private buses operate from major cities to Fatehpur Sikri. One can drive to Fatehpur Sikri or hire a private taxi or cab. The city is well-connected by road, and driving provides flexibility in terms of exploring nearby attractions.
Uttar Pradesh
Visitors can find local eateries and small restaurants that offer traditional North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Chaat, samosas, pakoras, kebabs, kormas, Mughlai biryanis, jalebi, and petha are all must-try delicacies here.
Hindi is widely spoken here but English is also understood in tourist areas.
Winter is the best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri, ideally from October to March when the weather is cool and pleasant aiding exploration.
