Exploring Fatehpur Sikri: A Glimpse into India’s Rich Cultural Heritage

Fatehpur Sikri is a historic city that was built by the Akbar as the capital city of the Mughals. But they left the city in 1585 due to the shortage of water there. Fatehpur Sikri Fort is about 40km from Agra. The fort is built with Red Sandstone. Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well that showcase the rich cultural heritage of India and is a popular tourist destination. The architecture of the Fatehpur Fort is quite like the Taj Mahal. Tourists who visit Agra to see the Taj Mahal, don’t miss visiting the Fatehpur Sikri fort as well. The charm of the fort is due to the magnificent architecture of the buildings there. The fort also has a beautiful lake which gives an extra charm to the place.

Attractions in Fatehpur Sikri

There are many other attractions in Fatehpur that you should not miss. Buland Darwaza, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai’s Palace and Salim Chisti’s Tomb are also the most visited places of the Fatehpur Sikri. Apart from this, there are three marble mosques which are Moti Masjid, Nagina Masjid and Mina Masjid. Interesting facts about Panch Mahal: Panch Mahal was once the residence of the royal ladies of the Mughal court. This five-story building has 176 columns, each with a unique design, and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding landscape.

Fatehpur Sikri Gates

There are big and ancient designed gates there to enter in the city. The gates of the city include: Buland Darwaza, Delhi Gate, Lal Gate, Agra Gate, Birbal Gate, Chandanpal Gate, Gwalior Gate, Chor Gate and Ajmere Gate. Buland Darwaza is the tallest gate of Fatehpur Sikri. This is about 40 meters (131 feet) high and is made of red sandstone and marble. The gate is an excellent example of Mughal architecture and is adorned with intricate carvings and calligraphy. Buland Darwaja is also considered one of the tallest and grandest gates in India.

Important Buildings in Fatehpur Sikri

The three popular buildings were built there for the purpose of worship are Jama Masjid, Ibadat Khana, and the Jamat Khana. The Jama Masjid is still used to worship there and it is one of the largest mosques in India. The mosque has a capacity to accommodate over 25,000 worshippers at once. The mosque is known for its stunning architecture, which is a blend of Indian, Persian, and Islamic styles.

Halls in Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-i-Aam and Diwan-i-Khas are the two important halls in the city that used to hear public complaints and to hold royal meetings.

Other Monuments of Fatehpur Sikri

The other monuments in the Fatehpur Sikri are Anup Talao, Hujra-i-Anup Talao, Naubat Khana, Pachisi Court and Hiran Minar.

When to Visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri opens all days of the week for the visitors. It remains open from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm daily for the visitors.

Autumn and winter is the best time to visit the Fatehpur Fort. So, most tourists can be seen here from October to March. In summers it remains very hot, so you can enjoy it to its fullest.

Fatehpur Sikri to Taj Mahal Agra Distance

It is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles), if you go from Fatehpur Sikri to Agra for Taj Mahal.

You can go from Fatehpur Sikri to Taj Mahal in Agra by several ways.

By road: You can take a taxi or a bus to cover the distance.

By train: You can take a train from Fatehpur Sikri railway station to Agra Cantt railway station, and then take a taxi or a bus to the Taj Mahal.

In conclusion, Fatehpur Sikri is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring India’s rich cultural heritage. The city’s magnificent structures, intricate carvings, and stunning architecture are a testament to the skill and craftsmanship of the Mughal era. Visiting Fatehpur Sikri is like taking a step back in time and experiencing the grandeur and opulence of the Mughal court.