Fatehpur Sikri, located in the state of Uttar Pradesh, during the reign of Akbar I was the capital of the Mughal Empire, but due to lack of water, the capital was forced to move to Agra. Since 1986, the city has been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, Fatehpur Sikri is considered a “ghost town”, although it is home to more than 250,000 people.
According to allcitycodes.com, Fatehpur Sikri is also famous for its sweets – Non Khatai.
How to get there
The nearest airport is located in Agra, which is 39 km from Fatehpur Sikri. The railway station is located 1 km from the city center.
Tourist buses stop at Fatehpur Sikri for an hour and a half, which is not enough time to explore the city. Alternatively, you can take a bus in Agra (fare 40 INR, travel time about 1 hour). Buses run every 30 minutes between 07:00 and 19:00. The last bus to Agra departs from the city bazaar at 19:00.
An auto rickshaw between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri will cost 800 INR, you can also catch a taxi for 1600 INR.
There are regular buses from Fatehpur Sikri to Bharatpur (35 INR, 20 min) and Jaipur (140 INR, 4 h 30 min). The bus stop is located near the city bazaar.
Attractions and attractions of Fatehpur Sikri
Several architectural styles are mixed in the appearance of Fatehpur Sikri – elements of Hinduism and Jainism were used in the construction, which were closely intertwined with Islamic trends, and red sandstone served as the main material for construction.
From a historical point of view, several important buildings can be distinguished in the city: Buland Darwaza, is a gateway, one of the largest in the world, also known as the “Gate of Splendor”. An example of early Mughal architecture with simple ornamentation, carvings with verses from the Qur’an and tall arches.
The Royal Palace Complex, on the territory of which there are several most beautiful objects – Ank Michauli, the former Treasury building. The walls of the building are decorated with mythical sea creatures that act as a talisman. Another building located nearby is the Jodh Bai’s Palace, which combines Hindu and Muslim styles. Nearby is another palace – Hawa Mahal or the palace of the wind, which is a structure of stone lattices.
Naubat Khana is a drum house used during solemn ceremonies to announce the arrival of the emperor.
Also interesting are the five-storey Birbal’s Bhavan Palace; Panch Mahal Palace – a five-story building with columns, from the roof of which a beautiful view of the surroundings opens; the house of Raja Birbal’s House, the grand vizier who served at the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar, as well as the Karawan Serai palace and the 21 m high Hiran Minar tower.
On the territory of the complex is one of the best examples of Mughal architecture in India, the Jama Masjid mosque, which was built in 1580-1581. In front of the entrance to the mosque is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti (Tomb of Salim Chishti) with carved lattices and intricate ornaments.
The palace complex is open from dawn to dusk, the ticket price will be 485 INR.
