The City of Fatehpur Sikri

Buland Darwaza is positioned by the south wall of the Jama Masjid at Fatehpur Sikri. It is a stupendous piece of architecture about 54 meters high. Buland Darwaza was added about five years later after the completion of the Jama Masjid.

Jama Masjid was the first buildings constructed at the Fatehpur Sikri complex. This mosque is an example of Indian ancient architecture. You will find three Mihrabs in each of the seven bays of the mosque and the large central Mihrab is covered by a dome.

Tomb of Salim Chishti was dedicated to great Sufi saint Salim Chishti during the Mughals. This tomb is a single storey structure with a central square chamber and constructed with white marble. It is topped by a dome and 36 small Chattris.

Diwan-i-Aam or Hall of Public Audience was a place where the commoners of the cities were assembled to meet their respected ruler. There have a big pavilion-like multi-bayed rectangular structure for common and a balcony where the rulers sat.

Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience is famous for its central pillar and its 36 brackets support a circular platform for the emperor. This place was used as a meeting room where the important representatives of Akbar did their secret discussion.

Ibadat Khana was a religious place constructed in 1575 by Akbar. Akbar was the founder of a new Syncretistic faith known as Din-e-Ilahi and this faith was directed by him to this place.

Anup Talao is an attractive round shaped tank with a central platform which is connected with four bridges. This tank was constructed with red sandstones close to the Khawabgah complex. The tank was used as reservoir of the fresh water for the city.

Mariam-uz-Zamani's Palace is a beautiful building was reserved for Akbar's wife; popularly known as Jodha Bai who was the eldest daughter of Kachwaha Rajput, Raja Bharmal of the Rajput State of Jaipur.

Naubat Khana or drum house is place from where the musicians of Mughal Empire used to announce the arrival of the Emperor. This building is located near the Elephant Gate, the south entrance of Sikri.

Panch Mahal is a five-floored pillared pavilion with the tiers gradually diminishing in size, till the final one. It is located on the northeast direction of Jodh Bai's palace. It was constructed to lighten the heat of neighboring deserted areas.

Jamat Khana was used as a general assembly hall situated on the eastern end of the palace of Salim Chisti. This building was totally built with red sandstone and you will find some Quranic inscriptions on the wall of the palace.

Birbal's house is located close to the North West corner of Jodha bai's Mahal. Birbal was a wise man who entertained the emperor Akbar. Birbal’s house is four-square rooms, each measuring 5.12 m sq side which was constructed in 1571 ad by Akbar.

Hawa Mahal of Fatehpur Sikri is located by the northern side of Jodh Bai's Palace. The architectural works of the building is like such which lighten the heat of extremely hot summers. This Mahal is double strayed and entirely constructed with red sandstone.

Zenana Garden was used by Royal ladies of Mughal. Thus, it was enclosed by walls. But, these walls are in ruins now. This garden is still beautiful and it divided into four quarters by shallow water channels and a fishpond is located at the center of the garden.

Abdar Khana was constructed by the northern side of Anup Talao to store the drinking water for the emperor Akbar. He drank only water of Ganges River so; the building was used as a reservoir for him.

Khwabgah Mahal or the Dream Palace was the most beautiful building of Fatehpur Sikri, reserved for Akbar’s personal use. There have a separate room for secrete meetings and a personal library, attaching with a bathroom and bedroom.

Other important buildings in the city of Fatehpur Sikri are Taksal, Daftar Khana, Turkic Baths chamber, Darogha's Quarters, stables, Caravan, Hakim's quarters, Harem Sara Guest House, Zanana Rauza, Pachisi Court, Daftar Khana, Ankh Michauli, Minor Harem Sara, Ladies' Guest House, Mariyam's House etc.

Fatehpur Sikri is a lonely city about 36 km away from Agra city center. But, the transportation to this city is well connected to Agra City Center for tourism purpose. Fatehpur Sikri is one of the best historical sites in Uttar Pradesh as well as in India.

Travel by Airways
A domestic airport is located at Kheria about 7 kms awy from Agra city center and just 3 km away from Idgah Bus Stand. Agra airport has maintained a well connected network system which provides services between the cities of Agra, Khajùraho, Varanasi and back. The nearest International Airport of Agra city is located at Delhi, which takes around 41 minutes to reach at Agra.

Travel by Railways
Agra city is very well connected to Delhi by Railways. You will get lots of daily trains between Delhi and Agra like Shatabdi Express, Taj Express and Inter-city Express. Other Mail and Express trains are also available from other states. Agra's railway station is Agra Cantonment. The main railway station of Agra is the Agra Cantonment which is well connected to its neighboring states and cities like Delhi, Varanas¡, Rajasthan, etc.

Travel by Roadways
After reaching Agra Airport or Agra Cantonment railway station you have take a local journey with the buses or cabs. The main Bus Stand of Agra Idgah is about 3 km away from Airport. And your destination, Fatehpur Sikri is about 36 km from Agra city center. You can also directly reach here with bus services from its neighboring city, like Delhî, Jaipur, Lucknów, Gualior and Jhansi.