Excursions From Delhi

Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is located 37 kms from Agra and is one of the most important tourist destinations in Uttar Pradesh region. Built primarily from Red Sandstone, its name was derived from the urdu word ‘Fateh’, meaning victory after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga in the battle of Khanwa. It served as the capital of Mughal Empire under Akbar's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned due to lack of water. Regarded as Akbar's crowning architectural achievment, and later included in the World Heritage Site, it presents a fine blend of Hindu and Mughal architecture.

The Mosque is said to be a copy of the mosque in Mecca and its designs has deriving a lot from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Open from sunrise to sunset, one can explore numerous famous palaces, halls, and masjids inside the Fort, some of which are:

Diwan-i-Am :-The place where Akbar heard petitions of the general public and managed the affairs relating to the administration.

Diwan-i-Khas :-This was the Hall of Private Audience and also believed to be the place where the Royal gold, diamonds and other expensive articles were kept.

Raja Birbal's house :-The house of Akbar's favorite Hindu minister-Birbal who was famous for his quick wit and wisdom.

Panch Mahal :- An extraordinary five-storey palace, it was believed to be a pleasure palace for the royals. Each storey is smaller than the one above it with 84 pillars supporting the ground floor.

Buland Darwaza :-The Grand Gateway of Fatehpur sikri, it is 175 feet tall and has Quran verses inscripted on it. One of the most visible monuments in the fort, it gradually makes a transition to a human scale in the inside.

Tomb of Salim Chisti :- One of the finest examples of Mughal architecture, it was built as a tribute to the great Sufi Saint Salim Chisti who lived here.