Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a city in Agra District, which was constructed by Mughal Emperor Akbar in the beginning of 1570. The city was constructed to honour Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti, who used to live in a cavern on the ridge at Sikri.

This saint predicted the birth of another son of Akbar, after the death of his twins. When in 1569, a son was born to Akbar he named him Salim to honour the saint. Prince Salim later succeeded Akbar to the throne of the Mughal Empire, as Emperor Jahangir.

Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to Sikri in 1571 and named the city as Fatehabad. This city served as the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 till 1585 and was later called Fatehpur Sikri.

Designed as per Mughal architecture, with an amalgamation of Indian, Persian and Islamic architecture, this city has a rocky ridge, which is 3 km long and 1 km wide. The entire city is built using locally quarried red sandstone, which is also known as 'Sikri sandstone'.

The city is bounded on three sides by a 6 km long wall, which is fortified by towers and has seven gates. Some of the important buildings in this city are Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid and Tomb of Salim Chisti. Ibadat Khana, Naubat Khana, Mariam-uz-Zamani's Palace, Panch Mahal and Birbal's House are other notable monuments within the city.

UNESCO declared this complex, along with royal palaces, courts and the Jama Masjid, a World Heritage Site in 1986. Located 38.8 km away from the Taj Mahal, this city can be reached using tour buses that depart after every half hour between 7 am and 7pm, from Idgah Bus Station in Agra. Alternatively, taxis can be hired from Agra city to reach Fatehpur Sikri.   

Timing:         6 am- 7:30 pm (Daily)
Admission Fees:    INR485 (Foreigners)
            INR50 (Indians)