Situated at a distance of just 1 hour from the land of the Taj Mahal, Agra, is the heritage town of Fatehpur Sikri—a place one must visit to witness Mughal architecture at its best! The town is dominated by red-sandstone structures and was built by one of the most prominent Mughal Emperors—Akbar! If you take a half-day Fatehpur Sikri tour, you will view a wide variety of fascinating sites that flourished during the Mughal era. Read our blog to learn more about the interesting history of the place, the famous sites to explore, and some much-needed tips to make the most of your trip to Fatehpur Sikri.
The History of Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a place that takes you back to the time when the Mughal power and supremacy was at its height. The town was the capital of the Mughal Empire during the reign of Akbar the Great. Since Akbar believed in the coexistence of Hindu and Islamic religions, his tolerant point of view is reflected in the city’s architecture which features a beautiful blend of both. Surrounded by an 11-km long fortification with several gates, Fatehpur Sikri is a heritage town that must be visited for an informative yet enjoyable getaway. Indiator offers a Fatehpur Sikri tour with a transfer to take care of all your travel needs. Keep reading to learn about the historical sites you should visit during your Fatehpur Sikri tour.
Famous Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri
While there are many popular tourist attractions in this renowned ghost town, there are some very famous sites that are a must-visit. Only choose the Fatehpur Sikri half-day tour package that includes a visit to the following sites:
- Diwan-i-Aam: The Hall of the Public Audience or Diwan-i-Aam is one of the most visited locations in Fatehpur Sikri. It used to be the place where commoners sought justice from Akbar. It features a rectangular courtyard, a platform on the west with the Emperor’s throne, and an intricately crafted jali screen that was used to separate the women from the rest of the court.
- Diwan-i-Khas: The Hall of the Private Audience or Diwan-i-Khas is where Akbar used to meet with important delegates and people of different religions to have a discussion about faith. The most famous aspect of this place is the central pillar.
- Jodha Bai Palace: Featuring Hindu columns and Muslim cupolas, the Jodha Bai Palace is the perfect example of the balance of Hindu and Islamic architecture in Fatehpur Sikri.
- Buland Darwaza: Renowned for being the highest gateway in the world, the Buland Darwaza will amaze you with just its glimpse. If grandeur was an image, this would be it!
- Salim Chishti’s Tomb: This beautiful marble mausoleum enshrines the remains of the Sufi Saint Salim Chishti. Akbar created the tomb to show his respect towards the saint who prophesied the birth of his heir.
- Jama Masjid: Counted amongst the biggest mosques in the country, the Jama Masjid is a popular religious site visited by many travelers from across the world. It showcases beautiful Persian and Indian designs and is an architectural masterpiece.
- Panch Mahal: Used for relaxation and entertainment, this pleasure palace is a five-story building that offers picturesque views of the surrounding location. It was used by the Emperor to rest and unwind.
Helpful Travel Tips for Your Trip
Now that you have a brief idea of the places you can visit on your trip to Fatehpur Sikri, let’s share some tips with you to make your trip hassle-free and seamless. Have a look at the helpful advice below.
- Always plan a half-day tour to Fatehpur Sikri with a same-day return to Agra: Fatehpur Sikri is a wonderful place to explore, but not so much to stay. The town does not have any good hotels, so it is always better to plan an Agra and Fatehpur Sikri half-day tour with a same-day return to Agra where you can book your overnight stay at a comfortable hotel. Since the distance between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri is only 36 km, this is a viable option.
- Book your tour for the winter season: Since exploring Fatehpur Sikri primarily involves walking tours, winter is the most ideal time to plan a visit. Summer season experiences a temperature of over 40℃ and monsoons receive heavy showers, which will make things inconvenient for you.
- For good photography, choose your visiting hours wisely: Fatehpur Sikri is not just a history lover’s paradise, it is also a great place for photography enthusiasts. While the place is open from sunrise to sunset, for the most stunning pictures, it is advisable to visit either before noon or right after 3:00 PM as the sunlight during this time is not too harsh.
- Purchase your tickets online: While there is a ticket counter at the entrance of Fatehpur Sikri, it is best to secure your tickets online for quick and fuss-free entry and to save time. For an even smoother experience, you can book the package from professionals like Indiator and directly head to the site as everything will be taken care of by the tour operators.
- Always choose a licensed guide: A place like Fatehpur Sikri requires the assistance of a guide to get detailed information about the historical sites you will be visiting. When you visit the town, you will find a number of people claiming to be tour guides, but most of them are just locals trying to scam you. It is always better to pick your government-licensed guide from the UP tourism or ASI guide counter. Alternatively, you could book a Fatehpur Sikri tour package online which includes a guide.
Let Indiator Be Your Trusted Travel Partner!
With all the necessary information on the history of Fatehpur Sikri, places to visit in the town, and tips to follow, you are all set to go on a tour as soon as possible. So, why wait? Visit Indiator’s website and book our half-day Fatehpur Sikri tour with a transfer today! We look forward to providing you with an unforgettable travel experience!