Fatehpur Sikri

फ़तेहपुर सीकरी

A red sandstone new capital built by Emperor Akbar in 1571, abandoned after only 14 years due to water shortages. Its palace complex is so well preserved that it feels like a city frozen in time.

Fatehpur Sikri lies about 37 km west of Agra. Emperor Akbar founded the capital here in 1571 to give thanks to the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, who had foretold the birth of his son. In 1585, due to water shortages and warfare on the northwest frontier, the court moved to Lahore. The whole city has kept its 16th-century appearance, and it was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1986. Within the palace enclosure (ticketed), highlights include the five-storey Panch Mahal, with colonnades that step back at each level; the Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience), where a richly carved central pillar supports Akbar's throne and where he debated with scholars of different faiths; the Jodha Bai Palace of a Hindu queen; the finely carved Turkish Sultana's House; and a giant chessboard in the courtyard. Beside the palace, the Jama Masjid (free admission) has the 54 m tall Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Magnificence, built to commemorate the conquest of Gujarat, and the white marble tomb of Salim Chishti, where worshippers tie threads to the carved stone lattice windows, praying for children. Admission is 610 rupees for foreigners (about 50 yuan), open from sunrise to sunset. Getting there: a hired car from Agra costs about 1,500-2,000 rupees return, or take a bus from Idgah Bus Station for about 1 hour. An official shuttle runs from the parking lot to the site for 10 rupees. Plan 2-2.5 hours; it can be a convenient stop on the way from Agra to Jaipur. Notes: touts and incense sellers near the mosque are very persistent, so do not follow them. The steps of the Buland Darwaza are steep, and you must take off your shoes to enter the mosque.

Fatehpur Sikri

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby