Places To Visit During a Weekend Trip to Fatehpur Sikri

July 3, 2018

The medieval city of Fatehpur Sikri lies in close proximity to Agra. Fatehpur Sikri had the privilege of being the capital of the Mughal empire albeit for a short period of time. This beautiful red city in the Agra district which was built by emperor Akbar houses a magnificent mosque and three palaces. However, the city modelled on Indo-Islamic architecture suffered water shortages and was vacated soon after Emperor Akbar’s death.

Why Go There: Historical Monuments which are Architectural marvels
Ideal For: History and Culture Enthusiasts
Things to Bring Back: Miniature Taj Mahal models, clothes, leather shoes and home décor

Let’s explore the many places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri

11. Panch Mahal

Panch Mahal is a five-storey monument built by Emperor Akbar. This palace was predominantly used as a summer getaway and a recreational place by the queens and other womenfolk of the court. Also known as badger or wind tower, Panch Mahal is made of red sandstones comprising of five pavilions; each of which are adjoined to the next level by staircases. The pillars are adorned with carvings depicting Persian, Hindu and Jain elements.

There is a pool in front of the Panch Mahal known as Anoop Talao which was filled with water and served as a venue for musical performances during Akbar’s era.

Open Time: 7 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1 km
Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.
Time required: 1 hour
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

10. Jodha Bai Palace

Jodha Bai’s Palace or Jodha Bai Ka Rauza is Fatehpur Sikri complex’s largest buildings. The palace was constructed by Akbar for Jodha, his wife who was a Rajput princess. The palace is a beautiful amalgam of Hindu and Muslim architectures with distinct Gujrati and Rajasthani architectural patterns. The palace interiors are marked with motifs of hams parrot, lotus ghant mala etc.

9. Hiran Minar

The Hiran Minar is believed to have been built by Emperor Akbar in memory of his favorite elephant, Hiran. The Minar also doubled as a mile post and light house for people travelling during night time. This towering structure is 21.34 m tall with an octagonal shape at ground level and circular to the remaining portion of the tower. The tower is adorned with alternate hexagons and six-point stars.

It is believed that the tower served as a private watch tower for the womenfolk to watch sports, animal fights as well as wrestling games.

8. Diwan -I – Khas

Diwan-i-Khas or Hall of Private Audience in located inside the Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex. This magnificent structure is located in the northwest corner of the complex and houses a large and intricately carved pillar in the center. Also known as jewel house, This place was where Emperor Akbar met his private guests and dignitaries. This single-story building is made out of red sandstone with four double storeyed facades. There are four beautiful kiosks at each corner which are octagonal in shape with a circular dome adorned with an inverted lotus perched atop.

Ankh Michauli or Treasury that was constructed by Akbar during 1572-75 is located on the left side of the palace complex. The palace houses three halls which are equal in size.

Open Time: 7 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1 km
Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.
Time required: 1-2 hour
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

7. Diwan-i-Am

Diwan -i-Am or Hall of Public Audience is located inside the Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex. This edifice was constructed by Akbar in 1570 to 1580 AD. Akbar heard grievances and petitions of general public each morning at this place. Celebrations and public prayers were also held at the complex. The building was divided into three parts, front area for general public, centre area for the Emperor and adjacent space for the ladies of the royal family.

6. Birbal’s Palace

Birbal’s palace was the residence of Raja Birbal, Akbar’s Hindu Prime Minister. The edifice was built in 1571 and was apparently part of the Imperial Harem which housed Akbar’s senior queens named Ruqayya Begum and Salima Begum.

The Birbal’s palace is an architectural marvel replete with intricately carved pilasters, beautiful jharokas and elevated floral patterns.

5. Khwabgah / Daulat Khana

The Khwabgah Complex also nicknamed as Dream Palace was Emperor Akbar’s personal palace. It is a double storeyed red sandstone building with an opulent first floor. This well-planned edifice has a well-maintained pavilion besides other rooms. The library or Kutub Khana houses more than 25,000 manuscripts besides other important documents.

The bedroom called as Khilwatkada-i-Khas is beautifully ornamented with mural paintings, carved panels, Persian inscriptions and more.

The edifice also houses a storage house called as Abdar Khana which had deep shelves for storing tropical fruits like melons, grapes and mangoes for Akbar.

4. Hathi Pol

Hathi Pol is situated in the Palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri. It was constructed by Akbar between 1571 and 1585. This royal gateway is made of rubble and completed with marble and red sandstone. The edifice was named Hathi Pol as it had two 3.7 m high elephants which were beautifully carved on either side of the gate.

Open Time: 7 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1 km
Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.
Time required: 1-2 hours
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

3. Archaeological Museum

This museum is situated about 100 m from Diwan-I -Am in Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Treasury building houses the museum which is a protected structure. The structure was in ruins which was restored to its glory during 2002-04. Both pre-Mughal and Mughal artefacts which were discovered at Fatehpur Sikri are displayed in the four galleries of the museum. These galleries display artefacts such as monolithic stone tools of pre- historic period, pottery and other ancient pottery items. Jain sculptures, miniature stone sculptures, figurines of human and animals in terracotta and metal objects are also displayed at the museum.

Open Time: 9 AM to 5 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1.5 km
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

2. Buland Darwaza

Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Magnificence is the main entrance to the Jama Masjid Complex Fort in Fatehpur Sikri in the state of Uttar Pradesh. This opulent gateway in the world was constructed in 1576 AD by Emperor Akbar to celebrate victory over Gujrat. This red and buff sandstone edifice is adorned with white and black marble. The structure is 54m tall and is a 15 storied high gateway acting as an entrance to the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The pillars and archway of the Buland Darwaza are adorned with Holy Quran inscriptions and Persian inscription.

Open Time: 7 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1 km
Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

1. Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid is one of India’s largest mosques which was recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1986. This magnificent mosque was built by Emperor Akbar in 1571-72 AD. This congregational mosque also known as Friday mosque was built under the supervision of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. The rectangular structure of Jama Masjid has a huge courtyard with gateway entrance from North, South and East. Jama Masjid looks attractive with its glazed tiles, inlaid stones and paintings and intricate carvings of Holy Quran. A delicately carved tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti in the courtyard is the highlight of the place

Open Time: 6 AM to 6 PM (Closed on Friday)
Distance from the City: 1 km
Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.
Time required: 2-3 hours
Ideal for: History and Architecture Buffs
Best time to visit: October – March

Other Attractions At Fatehpur Sikri

Ibadat Khana (House of Worship)
Anup Talao (an ornamental pool)
Hujra-i-Anup Talao (residence of Akbar’s Muslim wife)
Mariam-uz-Zamani’s Palace (Building of Akbar’s Rajput Wives)
Naubat Khana (Drum House)
Pachisi Court (A square area for large board game)
Panch Mahal

How to Reach Fatehpur Sikri

Flight | Train | Bus

Nearest Airport:

Kheria airport (37.2 km)

Book Your Flights From: Goibibo Coupons | Musafir Flight Coupons | Yatra Promo Code

Nearest Railway Station:

Agra fort and Agra Cantt

Nearest Bus Stops:

Frequent bus services ply between Agra and Delhi. These buses start from Anand Vihar bus terminus in Delhi.

Book Your Bus and Save Money Using: Redbus Offers | Mybustickets Offers | Paytm Bus Offers

Where to stay

The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra | Trident Agra | Courtyard by Marriot Agra

Avail Discounts on Hotel Bookings Using: Makemytrip Hotels Coupon Code | Airbnb Discount Coupon | Travelguru Coupons

Alternatively, You can avail an entire holiday package such as Sotc which can take care of all your travel and leisure needs in an organised way.

Nearby Places to Visit

Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (243 km)
Mathura (64 km)
Vrindavan (77 km)
Deeg (60 km)
Gwalior (144 km)
Alwar (134 km)

Hidden Gems

Visit the Turkish Sultana house which is situated in close proximity to the Anoop Talao inside the Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Home to two Turkish queens of Akbar called Salima Sultan Begum and Ruqayya Begum, the place is beautifully decorated with carvings and served as a pleasure pavilion for the Turkish queens.
Visit the typical Mughal style Caravanserai which once served as a guesthouse for important people. This structure was built on the slope of a ridge which was used to build a terraced structure.
Visit the houses of Abul Fazal and Faizi which are located behind Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri Fort. These houses were built in red sandstone and are lookalikes in terms of design and layout.

CashKaro Recommendation

Travellers are suggested not to hire guides during a visit to the Fatehpur Sikri complex. Instead take an audio tour of the entire area.

Fun Way to Travel

Fatehpur Sikri is located close to Agra which lies on the Golden Triangle and connected to Delhi by NH2 Taj Expressway. You can enjoy driving your own car especially from Delhi to reach Fatehpur Sikri.

If you do not wish to take your car, you can rent one from: Avis Coupons | Makemytrip Cab Coupons

So if you are a resident of Delhi-NCR or some nearby city, then you can easily plan a quick weekend getaway to Fatehpuri Sikri and take a fun and much needed break with your friends and colleagues without spending much as RedBus offers some really great deals which you can benefit from! Don’t forget to use RedBus offer codes to earn additional cashback on every booking!