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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 10 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Amar Grover

In the late 1500s, the Mughal Emperor Akbar constructed a new capital near Agra – Fatehpur Sikri.

The Mughals’ first planned city was monumental in scale and design, and notable for the mastery and finesse of its predominantly red sandstone architecture. The city’s rather abrupt abandonment after fifteen years remains a mystery, though a lack of water is usually cited as the cause.

Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the atmospheric ‘ghost city’ provides a fascinating and unique insight into the Mughal court. Huge colonnaded courtyards, lofty audience halls, a treasury and royal apartments skilfully blend Muslim and Hindu traditions – in keeping with Akbar’s enlightened perspective.

While you’re there

The magnificent 16th-century Jami Masjid (or principal mosque) remains in use and childless women still come to the lattice-screened marble tomb-shrine of a Sufi saint, seeking divine intervention for a child.

The large caravanserai (whose numerous rooms once sheltered merchants) and the peculiar hiran minar (a watchtower and hide bristling with stone ‘tusks’) get relatively few visitors.

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around

Getting there & doing it

Most visitors drive from nearby Agra or Bharatpur either as a day trip or as a pause on the journey to/from these destinations and Jaipur. The earthy, bustling village of Fatehpur stands beside the site.

There are information plaques for the most important buildings but local guides can provide a more informed view of the complex. Official guides are available beside the entrances. Unofficial guides have a habit of shadowing visitors; some are very good, but you MUST agree a fee beforehand.

When to do it

It’s open all year round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Remember, May and June are ferociously hot and uncomfortable.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Private Full Day Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri Tour from Delhi by Car

Private Full Day Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri Tour from Delhi by Car

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Discover the treasures of the Mughal Empire of India on a private full-day tour of Agra. See the Taj Mahal, visit the Agra Fort and the ex...

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Private Tour With Taj Mahal , Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri in Single Day by Car

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Private Transfer From Agra To Jaipur with Fatehpur Sikri

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Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour With Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience

Agra

Uttar Pradesh, India

Home to the iconic Taj Mahal, the relentlessly congested and clamourous city of Agra and its hinterland host an array of superb Mughal architecture, along with vigorous bazaars.

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Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..

Keoladeo National Park
Experience

Keoladeo National Park

Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[20.2 miles]

Over 350 species of migratory birds winter in this former royal hunting ground,  formerly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary. Spread over thirty square kilometres, it’s classified as an internationally important wetland that’s also home to resident species.

Best for ages: 8+ | £5

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