Fatehpur Sikri | Complete information & best things to know.

Everything to know about Fatehpur Sikri

Introduction

Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city located in Agra, Uttar Pradesh. The city was built by Akbar during the 16th century, around 500 years ago. Previously the city was one of the main and most prominent cities of the Mughal Empire, and the primary purpose behind its construction was to celebrate Akbar’s victory in Gujrat. Fatehpur Sikri means “City of Victory.” During Akbar’s ruling time, the city was a very bustling and important place. People from different parts of the Mughal Empire visit the city in search of work and to complete their studies. However, after only a few decades, the city is abandoned owing to water scarcity and other major problems.

The city is constructed on a slightly high hill to show off the power and wealth of the Mughal Emperors. One of the impressive features of Fatehpur Sikri is its ironically beautiful architecture, detailed and difficult cravings, amazing domes, and iconic structures made up of red sandstones. The city’s architectural style is so unique and impressive; it’s a perfect blend of Persian, Hindu, and Islamic influences, which shows the diverse preferences of Mughal rulers.

The city is so beautiful and unique, which is why UNESCO also noticed the elegance of the city and recognized it as a World Heritage Site, which clearly means the place is recognized as an important and significant part of the world’s history. Over the course of time, the city gained a lot of attention from tourists and became one of the most visited tourist attractions in Uttar Pradesh. Local people and tourists from all over the world especially visit the place to experience its beautiful and unique architecture.

History of Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is an ancient city located in Agra. The city was built by Akbar during the 16th century, around 500 years ago. The city served as the main capital city of the Mughal Empire for over 14 years, from 1571 to 1585. The iconic city was built to pay honor and tribute to Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who was a resident of the city. 

The Fatehpur Sikri was built by Emperor Akbar, a prominent and powerful ruler in India, for three reasons. Firstly, he wants to celebrate his victory in the Gujrat battle; second,  he wants to show off his power, wealth, and strength by constructing a huge and iconic capital city for all the people; and third, the city was in a perfect location that was chosen wisely, as the place was a very important trading road. This made it the perfect place to control all the trade and grow his business, along with promoting religious peace and mutual understanding. 

Although a lot of efforts had been put into constructing the iconic city, sadly, it didn’t last long. The city gets abandoned owing to water scarcity and other political issues. To tackle this problem, Emperor Akbar decided to move the capital city back to Agra. But even though the city gets completely abandoned, its charm and beauty don’t fade away completely. The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is visited by locals as well as tourists from different countries. Its iconic buildings and significant history generate curiosity amongst tourists to visit the place.

Fatehpur Sikri architecture and visual appearance

Fatehpur Sikri’s architectural style is so unique and impressive; it’s a perfect blend of Persian, Hindu, and Islamic influences, which shows the diverse preferences of Mughal rulers. Its huge red buildings, made up of red sandstone decorated with beautiful marble decorations, add another charm to the city’s beauty. One of the major attractions of the city is the Buland Darwaza, a huge and amazing gateway showcasing the authenticity of the Mughal Empire.

The city was built by Akbar with a lot of planning and thought behind it. The city’s streets and areas are so big, which makes it feel and look like a grand and spacious city. Even minor details had been put in place to make the city’s buildings and monuments look attractive and amazing. The city is really amazing and beautiful, especially its beautiful architecture and majestic appearance, which add another charm to its beauty.

Information on reaching the fort if you’re planning to visit

How to reach Fatehpur Sikri, Agra

By Air: The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is Agra Airport. The distance between the Agra Airport and the city is approximately 40 km. You can either take an autorickshaw, bus, taxi, or hire a taxi to reach there.

By Train: The nearest train station to Fatehpur Sikri is the Fatehpur Sikri railway station (FTS). The distance between them is approximately 300 m.

By Road: Fatehpur Sikri is well connected to major cities in Uttar Pradesh and neighboring states like Delhi and Mumbai through roads. Moreover, you can easily reach the city from Agra, which is around 35 kilometers away. Alternately, you can use bus facilities to reach the city.

By personal Vehicle: If you have your vehicle you can use Google Maps to reach there.

Fatehpur Sikri Address:  Fatehpur Sikri, Agra 283110, Uttar Pradesh.

Important information about the Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri opening and closing timings

Day	Timings
Monday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Tuesday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Wednesday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Thursday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Saturday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm
Sunday	6:00 am – 6:30 pm

Fatehpur Sikri ticket price

Nationalism & Category	Ticket price
Indians	INR 40
Foreigners	INR 550
Children (below the age of 15)	Free

Main attractions of Fatehpur Sikri

Buland Darwaza: The Buland Darwaza is one of the tallest gateways in the entire world. The gateway was built to celebrate Akbar’s victory over Gujarat. The gateway is an architectural marvel with beautiful, detailed, difficult cravings, and many more special things.

Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti: The Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti is a beautiful tomb made up of white marble and totally dedicated to the Sudi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. It is a peaceful site and very famous among tourists. A lot of effort and perfection were put into making the tomb so beautiful and amazing, especially the perfect marble lattice work.

Jama Masjid: The Jama Masjid is one of the largest and biggest mosques present in India. The Jama Masjid is a perfect blend of Islamic and Hindu designs. The tomb features beautiful domes, towering minarets and a big courtyard.

Diwan-i-Khas: The Diwan-i-Khas is a building specially used by the Emperor Akbar for private meetings and discussions. That is why the Diwan-i-Khas is also known as the hall of privates. It is a big courtyard surrounded by raised platforms where Emperor Akbar used to sit and do his meetings.

Panch Mahal: The Panch Mahal is definitely a piece of architectural perfection. It’s a tall, five-story building that looks like a pyramid from the outside. One of the interesting things about the mahal is that each level is smaller than the one below it. Earlier, the mahal was used as a place to relax and enjoy the amazing views of the surroundings.

Diwan-i-Am: Diwan-i- Am is a big courtyard where Emperor Akbar used to meet his people. Its a big courtyard and raised area where the Akbar used to sit.

Anup Talao: Anup Talao is a beautiful pool located in front of the Diwan-i-Khas. The place is mostly used for musical performances and entertainment. It’s a great place to visit, especially if you’re a fan of live music performances.

Amazing things you can do in Fatehpur Sikri in a glance

• Visiting the worlds tallest gateway known as Buland Darwaza is a must.
• Visit the iconic Jama Masjid mosque to explore the beauty of its beautiful tall towers.
• Explore the beautiful and famous places like Diwan-i-khas and Diwan-i-am, where Emperor Akbar used to sit and do his important meetings.
• Check out the beautiful Anup pool in front of the Diwan-i-khas.
• Explore the Panch Mahal and, one of the interesting things about the mahal is that each level is smaller than the one below it.

Most unique and lesser known facts about Fatehpur Sikri at a glance

Here are some of the most unique lesser known facts about the city.

• The city was abandoned due to the scarcity of water and other political issues. To tackle this problem, Emperor Akbar decided to move the capital city back to Agra.
• The city is also referred to as a “ghost city” because it gets abandoned after only a few decades of construction.
• The Emperor holds a keen interest in astronomy, which is why he decided to build the Jantar Mantar observatory in the city to study and know more about stars and objects outside the Earth.
• The city is so charming and beautiful, which is why various Bollywood movies and television shows related to Indian history are being shot in the city.
• Buland Darwaaza is the worlds highest gateway present in the city.

Is it worth it visiting Fatehpur Sikri?

It is totally worth it to visit Fatehpur Sikri; it is one of the most beautiful yet historical-feeling cities I have seen till now. The pretty monument and building are a must-see once in a lifetime.

Suggestions

• During the summers, don’t visit the tourist attractions of the city during the daytime due to the high temperatures, and try to bring a water bottle along with you.
• Wear comfortable clothes, as you have to do a lot of trekking to explore the entire tourist places.
• Try to bring some snacks with you that you can eat during the exploring time.

Who should visit Fatehpur Sikri?

• According to me, people who are busy in their hectic day-to-day lives and who want to plan a trip in a interesting place should visit the city.
• History enthusiasts must visit the city, as it has pretty monuments and budlings in which reflects the history.
• College going students finding a place for a trip with their friends can visit the city.
• Families can also visit the city.

Best time to visit the place

The best time to visit the park is during the mild, cold period from October to March, which is great for exploring the whole big city.

Nearby attractions from Fatehpur Sikri

Here are some of the most visited nearby attractions from the city.

• Taj Mahal, Agra
• Keoladeo National Park
• Mathura Vrindavan
• Sikandra
• Fatehpur Sikri Fort
• Bharatpur Palace

Fatehpur Sikri pictures

Visit official website by clicking here.

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