Bucket list experience:
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.
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.
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Destination Guide >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.
It’s open all year round, seven days a week, from sunrise to sunset. Remember, May and June are ferociously hot and uncomfortable.
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Destination guides including or relevant to this experience
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.
India
India’s cultural essence combined with its most iconic sights and greatest bucket list experiences, all distilled into one compact, diverse and vibrant region.
Other worthwhile experiences near this experience if you have time or interest..
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
Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India[24.8 miles]
A welfare centre that looks after and rehabilitates formerly captive and abused elephants, and an education centre that teaches the importance of elephant conservation.
Best for ages: 8+ | £15
