"Fatehpur Sikri" Fatehpur Sikri by Canadienne

Fatehpur Sikri Travel Guide: 239 reviews and 737 photos

The legend of Fatehpur Sikri begins. . .

The Mughal Emperor Akbar was heirless, so he made a pilgrimage to the renowned Sufi saint, Sheik Salim Chisti, who lived in a city called Sikri, to seek his blessings. When a son -- later to be known as Jahangir -- was born to him, then two more, Akbar named his first-born after the saint as a mark of his gratitude. His thanks went even further in that he built the capital of his empire in the city of Sikri, adding Fatehpur to the name of the city, meaning “town of victory.”

Begun in 1571, the new capital contained elaborate palaces, formal courtyards, reflecting pools, harems, tombs and a great mosque. The complex covered over a wide expanse of land and required thousands of labourers to see it to completion. It was largely constructed from red sandstone, which was available locally and which contributed to the striking beauty of the buildings.

Work was completed after fifteen years, and it became apparent shortly thereafter that there wasn’t enough water to support the capital and its people. The city was abandoned.

Map of Palace Complex

Located about 37 km from Agra, the city today is populated by approximately 30,000 people. Although it is an easy daytrip from Agra and the Taj Mahal, I didn’t find that it was overrun with tourists by any means. The lack of visitors contributed even more to the feeling that the complex was a ghost-town of sorts.

I definitely recommend a visit.

Last visit to Fatehpur Sikri: Dec 2000
Intro Updated Apr 15, 2003
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Reviews (11)

Panch Mahal & Anoop Talao - Fatehpur Sikri

Panch Mahal Things to Do (9)

One of the most striking buildings in Fatehpur Sikri's palace complex is the Panch Mahal (Five-Storeyed Palace). Akbar's... more travel advice

Diwan-i-Khas (in background) - Fatehpur Sikri

Diwan-i-Khas Things to Do (9)

The palace complex is divided into public and private spaces ~ the Diwan-I-Kas is one of the buildings that were part of... more travel advice

Hiran Minar, behind the tree :-) - Fatehpur Sikri

Hiran Minar Things to Do (9)

Although this is a poor photo of it, the Hiran Minar is a small tower covered with prongs. It is pretty visible from the... more travel advice

Buland Darwaza Things to Do (9)

This massive gateway is the entrance to the religious complex, found to the North-East of the palace complex of Fatehpur... more travel advice

Favorites (1)
Fatehpur Sikri - Royal Palace & Mosque

Warnings and Dangers (1)
Hornets/Wasps in Fatehpur Sikri

Comments (12)

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willy_wonka Feb 28, 2005 at 8:54 PM

im looking into india for a future destination... your page has been helpful, and whet my appetite to see the region even more! lovely page!
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OlivierB Apr 10, 2004 at 12:23 PM

Great pictures of India. I really enjoyed Gujarat but didnt get to see Bhuj. That will be my next trip !
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dr.firas Apr 9, 2004 at 2:38 AM

You had a fantastic adventure and good times in this exoctic place Stevie dear, I like the place you are lucky to see this beauty!
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Bwana_Brown Mar 12, 2004 at 6:45 PM

Stevie, what an amazing page! The majesty of these buildings is truly something to behold! It gives one pause to think when you realize that this was all for naught - except that we now are able to pause, contemplate and admire its beauty!
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Sharrie Feb 22, 2004 at 11:05 PM

We'll check it out if we can find time!
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acemj Jan 11, 2004 at 8:12 AM

Another solid India page. Don't know how I missed it. FS is spectacular.
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mrclay2000 Oct 20, 2003 at 6:52 PM

Love these Indian mosques! These and the type in Samarkand and elsewhere. . . great slants on my Turkish ideas.
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jmarkoos Apr 26, 2003 at 4:43 AM

Your recommend is great Stevie! Thank you for sharing:-)
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Bonobo2005 Apr 26, 2003 at 4:10 AM

the marble screens are so amazing! Another very enjoyable page!
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globerover Apr 22, 2003 at 7:23 PM

Excellent pics and tips; I have been there in 1978 and I still recall the unique athmosphere of Fatehpur Sikri; your page brings back wonderful memories;