Fatehpur Sikri

The royal city at Fatehpur Sikri, situated 37 kms west of Agra, was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar as his dream capital.

The Legend Behind the City
According to contemporary sources, Akbar was without an heir for a long time. Therefore, he made a pilgrimage to the renowned Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti, to seek his blessings. Finally, a son -- later to be known as Jehangir -- was born to him, and as a mark of his gratitude Akbar named him after the saint and built the new capital to mark his birth. Work on the ambitious project, featuring elaborate palaces, formal courtyards, reflecting pools, harems, tombs and a great mosque, began in 1571. A large number of skilled masons and craftsmen toiled on an area that was over two miles long and a mile wide; they used a brilliant red sandstone available locally, which provides the buildings with much of their iridiscence. But destiny has its own way- just after fifteen years of the completion of work, the fabulous city had to be abandoned due to acute shortage of water.

Fatehpur Sikri : A Mughal Marvel
Fatehpur Sikri, today, has gained the status of a World Heritage site. Inside the complex there are numerous sites which will leave you wonderstruck. The Panch Mahal , or Palace of Five Storeys, and the Buland Darwaza, a massive gate which provides entrance to the complex, remain unsurpassed in their beauty and elegance. The mammoth chess board bears connotations to the cultural politics inherent in the Mughal era. It is believed that here human figures were used as chess pieces and moved at the emperor's will. Other aweinspiring structures inside Fatehpur include the Jama Masjid (Imperial Mosque), Salim Chisti tomb, Diwani- Aam, and Jodh Bai's Palace. The entire city is a harmonius blend of Muslim and Hindu motifs.
Fatehpur Sikri : Information
Location : 37 kms from Agra.

How to Reach : Agra is the most easily accessible tourist destination in India. The city has excellent air, rail and road links. While in Agra, the best way to visit Fatehpur Sikri is by a taxi.

Timings : 6AM- 7:30PM everyday.

Entry Fee
Foreigners : Rs 485.00

Indian Nationals : Rs 50.00

Accommodation : Accommodation facilities in Agra are quite good . Apart from hotels there's the UPSTDC's tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal. It offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms. There's a UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow as well.