"Keeweechic's Fatehpur Sikri" Top 5 Page for this destination Fatehpur Sikri by keeweechic

Fatehpur Sikri Travel Guide: 239 reviews and 737 photos

Keeweechic's Fatehpur Sikri - Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is the ancient city of Emperor Akbar and lies only about 40kms from Agra. With a name meaning ‘The City of Victory”, it was the political capital of India’s Mughal Empire for some 10 years. In 1585, soon after construction was completed, the city was abandoned because of a shortage of water. The capital was then shifted to Lahore.

Akbar chose this site after the childless ruler visited a saint in this area called Sikri, who predicted he would have a son within 3 years. Akbar and his wife Jodhabai did indeed have a son after only one year who he named Salim after the mystic and consequently moved to the place which was to become Fatehpur. The city was built between 1571 and 1585 and was largely constructed out of red sandstone. The complex comprises temples, monuments, tombs, formal courtyards, reflecting pools and includes one of the larges mosques in India (Jama Masjid). An enormous amount of stone carvers and masons toiled on buildings which covered over 2 miles long and a mile wide. The architectural style combined both Islamic and Hindu elements and all building within the complexes are without mortar.

The city lies on a hill top and is made up of two complexes. The Palace complex is made up of the royal enclosure, the harem and official buildings of the palaces. The other complex is the ‘dargah’ of a Sufi saint with the main feature being a mosque and gateway. Today Fatehpur Sikri lies in the Agra district in Uttar Pradesh and is described as a ghost city. It is also listed as a World Heritage Site.

Photos which are taken by myself and all headings are copyright and digitally marked. Please do not use them without permission. Thanks. (c) keeweechic 2001-2008 (copyright)

Intro Updated Mar 13, 2008
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Reviews (27)

Khwabagh Things to Do (24)

The Khwabagh or bedroom has separate rooms where secret meetings were held by the Emperor and his noble men. It also had... more travel advice

Best Time To Visit Local Customs (2)

The most popular time to visit would be during the cooler months, November to March. AS the complex is open, it can be... more travel advice

Getting There Transportation (1)

Fatehpur Sikri is connected to Agra and other neighbouring centres by UPSRTC regular bus service. It is about an hours... more travel advice

Opening Hours Local Customs (2)

Fatephur Sikri is open on weekends from sunrise to sunset. Entry for under 12 yr olds is free and entry to everyone else... more travel advice

Comments (6)

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uglyscot Nov 20, 2007 at 10:14 PM

I've made sure to put this on our itinerary
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Sweetberry1 Jul 27, 2006 at 4:23 PM

What an interesting place this is.. I love the photos of the buildings. The Palace must be awesome. Is there much going on at the Meena Bazaar these days? Fantastic page CB..
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traveldave Jun 28, 2006 at 1:11 PM

I saw a TV show about Fatehpur Sikri not long ago. It's amazing that they took so much time and effort to build such a huge complex, but didn't take into account the lack of water.
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miner Jun 6, 2006 at 5:36 PM

This is a beautiful palace. It must have been an awesome experience to visit . Excellent tour as usual!!
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bugalugs May 19, 2006 at 2:11 PM

I loved the look of the Hiran Minar and I would like to think he had his favourite elephant buried here
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DaDrifter May 19, 2006 at 7:50 AM

Thanks for a lovely tour of my favourite place :-) Isn't that lotus pillar so beautiful?