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Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
https://en.wikipedia.org
Bucket List Experience

Last updated: 07 April, 2024

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.

Logistics

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.

Who to go with: organised tours

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

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

New Delhi

Viator

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 exquisite abandoned city of Fatehpur Sikri, all of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Included in this tour is a private live tour guide, private transport, A uniformed driver, Lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off in Delhi.

Price $27

Min age 10

Rating 4.92 / 5 [105 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Transfer From Agra To Jaipur with Fatehpur Sikri

Agra

Viator

Experience a safe and Comfortable journey from Agra to Jaipur in a Private Air Conditioned Car .The Tour also includes sight seeing of Fatehpur Sikri and Hotel pick up in Agra and Jaipur Hotel/Airport drop is also included in the tour .

Price ₹4,200

Min age 0

Rating 4.85 / 5 [48 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Private Transfer Agra to Jaipur via Fatehpur Sikri And Stepwell

Agra

Viator

I am providing Reliable and inexpensive Service with private Air-conditioned Car. Upto 4 Person Can Sit in Sedan Car. In SUV car Maximum 6 person can sit. Agra/Jaipur To Jaipur/Agra Transfer with Visit of Fatehpur Sikri and Stepwell on a way.

Price $120

Min age 0

Rating 4.80 / 5 [26 ratings]

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Guided Fatehpur Sikri & Abhaneri Tour From Agra To Jaipur By Car

Agra

Viator

Make the journey from Agra to Jaipur by air-conditioned minivan, visiting two of Northern India's jewels along the way. Just west of Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a small World Heritage-listed city founded by a 16th-century Mughal emperor. It has also been declared UNESCO World's Heritage Site. Continuing to Abhaneri, marvel at one of the most beautiful step well in India, known for its geometrical architecture and design. This is a unique spot for photography lovers, and something you won't see if you travel by air or train.

Price $71

Min age 0

Rating 4.70 / 5 [17 ratings]

Tour supplied by:

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Taj Mahal Sunrise Tour With Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri

Agra

Viator

Agra is home to the Taj Mahal, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and it is a famous destination for tourist because of the magnificent Mughal Infrastructure, arts & culture. The present Agra city was established by Sikandar Lodi of the Lodi Dynasty in the 16th century and later it became the capital city of the mighty Mughals. Agra is house of three UNESCO’s world heritage site. It’s a must visit tourist destination.

Price $80

Min age 0

Rating 4.91 / 5 [12 ratings]

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