Location: Fatehpur Sikri
Top Things to do in Fatehpur Sikri
Top Restaurants in Fatehpur Sikri
Top 10 Things to do in Fatehpur Sikri, India
Fatehpur Sikri is a town in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, India. The city itself was founded as the capital of Mughal Empire in 1571 by Emperor Akbar, serving this role from 1571 to 1585, when Akbar abandoned it due to a campaign in Punjab and was later completely abandoned in 1610.
Restaurants in Fatehpur Sikri
1. Lotus Throne
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 178 reviews
Reviewed By mikesierra - Bourne, United Kingdom
Located in the Jewel House building, the stone carved ceiling is magnificent and don't miss it if your time is short in the Fatehpur Sikri complex. There are some information plaques in English, but to get the most out of this complete attraction, it is better with a guide.
2. Diwan-I-Khas
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By mikesierra - Bourne, United Kingdom
It is strange that TripAdvisor has each of the individual buildings at the attraction of Fatehpur Sikri listed separately, when there is a single gate and entry fee of 500 Rupees! This abandon walled city is well worth seeing, as part of your journey between Agra and Jaipur. Built of red sandstone, it is ornately decorated. Look out for the stone carving in the ceiling of the Jewel House (Diwan-I-Khas). There are some information plaques in English, but to get the most out of this complete attraction, it is better with a guide. Local guides cost 450 Rupees for 2 hours for a party of up to five. Parking is outside in a somewhat aggressive market area and you need to take a shuttle bus to the attraction itself. One to two hours are required here for the complete site.
3. Jodhabai Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 168 reviews
Reviewed By mikesierra - Bourne, United Kingdom
The Jodhabai Palace is the first attraction you see, when you enter the abandoned walled city of Fatehpur Sikri. It is located 37 Kilometres from Agra, but is well worth seeing, if you have exhausted Agra or are travelling to between Agra and Jaipur. Built of red sandstone, it is ornately decorated. There are some information plaques in English, but to get the most out of this complete attraction, it is better with a guide. Local guides cost 450 Rupees for 2 hours for a party of up to five. Parking is outside in a somewhat aggressive market area and you need to take a shuttle bus to the attraction itself. One to two hours are required here for the complete site.
4. Panch Mahal - Fatehpur Sikri
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 787 reviews
Reviewed By Arun S - Pune, India
Panch Mahal is one of the most beautiful building inside the fort complex, there are five levels in this building, each floor have the different number of supporting pillars, whose architecture resembles Buddhist temple. Once can see the full view of Sikri village from the top of this building.
Fatehpur and Sikri are two places here: Fatehpur is where the fort is present and Sikri is the village next to it, also the place where the famous saint Chisti lived. Though both are very near and you can easily walk from one place to other. There is ticket to enter the Fatehpur fort, but the entry to Sikri (Jama masjid, Buland Darwaza, Chisti Dargah are here) is free. Vehicles are not allowed to enter Fatehpur, so one has to park their vehicles, which is bit far from the here. Its better to park your vehicles at the government designated parking. From there you can take the CNG buses (10 rupees each side), which runs every few minutes to Fort (Diwaan-E-Aam) complex or Sikri village. So do ask which bus you are going to sit. I preferred going to Fort (Diwan-E-Aam) first then Sikri village. There will be many local touts who will say that they can get you entered free of cost and save your money. Do not fall for them as they will cheat you by taking to Sikri complex where entry is free and then leave you after that. Better to use the government facilities in place. Once you are inside the fort then there are no touts there. But as soon as you come outside and go towards Sikri complex(where mosque, dargah etc are there) then you’ll find many touts, don’t fall in their trap, Just ignore them.
Fatehpur was the Mughal empire capital for around 12-15 years (around 1570-1585), when Emperor Akbar shifted his capital from Agra to here. But later due to the shortage of water, he had to shift the capital back to Agra. It is told that Emperor was not having any sons despite having many wives. He visited many Dargah and Temples to wish for a chid, but in vain. At last he visited a saint called in Fatehpur Sikri and finally he became father. In respect to this saint, he decided to shift his capital from Agra to Fatehpur near Sikri village. Also Akbar’s famous Navratna (nine gems and ministers) were chosen here. You’ll find the Birbal (his prime minister) palace, Todarmal (Finance minister), Tansen (Famous singer) palaces in the first complex. You can also a place inside the first complex where the famous singing competition happened between the Tansen (one of the gem in Akbar’s Navratna) and Baiju Bawara. It was said that during the singing competition Baiju Bawara melted the marvel rock by singing the Raaga and defeated Tansen. There are also three palaces inside the fort for Emperor’s 3 wives (the Hindu queen, Muslim Queen and Christian queen), Among these Jodha bai (the Hindu Queen) palace is biggest of all. Overall a well maintained site and worth visiting.
5. Buland Darwaza
Overall Ratings
4 based on 372 reviews
Reviewed By lotusdiamond - delhi
Bulund Darwaza, you must have read in history sometime. amazing mughal structure. Park your vehicle in Govt. parking only and take receipt. Don't take guide or any help from locals at this place. Don't accept any entry tickets from any guide or agent. Go to the ticket window and directly buy from there, no long queues. In case you wish to take services of guide take only ASI recognized only and bargain a lot with him, they may charge Rs 300/- approx after bargaining. Plenty of Guides are available. Inside you need to walk a lot so ensure you are wearing comfortable clothing and shoes. Avoid visiting during peak of summers and peak of day time as it becomes too hot. Carry your umbrella and water bottle. Don't buy any handicraft or souvenirs from inside, they charge too high. Don't listen to guide. You get all these items at Agra at much lessor rates. Place is very photogenic and good for photography lovers. Advise to foreign visitors avoid interacting with locals as they may cheat you. Be smart as you know everything about this place. Enjoy your visit, amazing structure and stone carvings. Must visit place.
6. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti
Overall Ratings
4 based on 329 reviews
Reviewed By lotusdiamond - delhi
This monument is tomb of Sufi saint Sheikh salim chisti situated inside fatehpur sikri ( Buland Darwaza). Made of white marble and beautiful white marble carvings. It is customary to tie a thread/string after you make a wish. You may be pressed to give donation after that which you may politely ignore. Salim chisti believed to blessed with miraculous powers and blessed Emperor Akbar with son. In return Emperor akbar built this city and this tomb. Be careful of touts/guides/agents at this place. don't just listen to them and walk confidently as you know everything about this place.
7. Maryamuzzamani Palace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 76 reviews
Reviewed By tripsmaker
It is the palace of emperor Akbar's Rajput wives, including Mariam-uz-Zamani.
Mariam-uz-Zamani was a Hindu wife of emperor Akbar, she also referred to as Harkha Bai or Jodhabai. The building was built around a courtyard having Gujarati architectural influence and surrounded by beautiful Gardens. Interior and exterior walls were decorated with rich carving and floral motifs. The building had paintings of Lord Krishna.
8. Birbal Bhavan
Overall Ratings
4 based on 117 reviews
Reviewed By smoboz - Glasgow
Birbal Bhavan is one of the many buildings situated within the Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Built in 1571 reputedly to house Akbar's harem it ended up becoming home to his favourite courtier Raja Birbal Bhavan. It combines Mughal type of architecture with Persian art. It is typical of other buildings on the site and features intricately carved red sandstone arches and columns.
9. Jama Masjid
Overall Ratings
4 based on 137 reviews
Reviewed By Arifur R - Sylhet City, Bangladesh
The khanqah of Sheikh Salim existed earlier at this place. Akbar's son Jahangir was born in the village of Sikri in 1569 and that year Akbar constructed a religious compound to commemorate the Sheikh who had predicted the birth. the Mosque is beautiful.
10. Khwabgah
Overall Ratings
4 based on 64 reviews
Reviewed By cg2792 - Suffolk, United Kingdom
Really unsual but beautiful area of the Fatehpur Sikri complex. Definitely recommend a guide or audio guide to be able to appreciate the history of this ghost city and understand the history of each building and area.
