Fatehpur Sikri Uttar Pradesh

Tag : Cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site

Built in : Closing days of 16th century

Year of Inscription : 1986

Reasons for Inscription : As per the criteria no (ii), (iii) and (iv) Fatehpur Sikri was inscribed in the list of World Heritage Site. Made of red sandstone and adorned with stunning architectural grandeur, this wonderful tourist spot is regarded as the first planned city in Indo-Islamic style.

Category : Archaeological site, South (East) Asian.

Timing : From sunrise to sunset

Closed on : Null

An insight into the city

The most intellectual Mughal emperor Akbar built the city in the honour of famous Sufi saint Salim Chisti. Located at a distance of around 40km from Agra, it is a medieval Indian city in Uttar Pradesh. Akbar built the city at the end of the 16th century and shifted the capital of the Mughal Empire from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. The city was later inhabited by the Mughal rulers only for around 14 years and was left secluded.

The city is perched atop a rocky ridge and there are wonderful constructions of similar designs across the city. Most of the buildings have similarity in their architectural style. The city is guarded on three sides by b walls, towers and there are seven gates.

Most of the important constructions of the city are seen to the north of the main road leading to Agra from Gaza. They form a homogenous group and a b influence of Hindu, Persian and Indo-Muslim traditions can be witnessed in their architectural style.

Diwan-i-Am, the Hall of Public Audience, is enclosed by quite a few porticos where imperial box was inserted. This is the common hall where Akbar along with his ministers used to listen to the problems and complains of his subjects and used to met out justice.

This imperial box is directly connected with Daulat Khana (Imperial Palace). To the north of this royal edifice, Diwan-i-Kas (Hall of Private Audience) is located. This monument is known mainly for its wonderful central plan which is comprised of a beautiful centre surrounded by a circular balcony: the 'throne'.

Other significant monuments in Fatehpur Sikri are the Ranch Mahal, whose height of four recessed storeys resembles a few Buddhist temples, the pavilion of Turkish Sultana or Anup Talao, the palace of Jodha Bai, the abode of Birbal, problematic 'stables' and the caravanserai.

How to Get There

Reaching Fatehpur Sikri from Delhi is convenient as the destination is well connected with the capital of the country by all modes of transportation.

Aeroplane

BY AIR

The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is the Kheria Airport. Regular flights ply from Delhi to Agra. The airport is only 40 km away from the city and hired taxis are available at a very affordable charge.

Train

BY RAIL

Reaching Agra on train is a good idea for the travelers who want to make their tour cheaper and yet memorable. From Delhi quite a few trains run on regular basis. The nearest railway station to Agra City is the Agra Cant Railway Station.

Car

BY ROAD

An efficient network of roads connects this amazing tourist spot with all major cities. However, if one is leaving from Delhi, Yamuna Expressway-Mathura-Fatehpur Sikri is the best way to reach at your destination. UPSRTC bus service is available to reach from Bharatpur (25km), Delhi and other major cities.

Popular Heritage Travel Destinations in India