9 Amazing Must-Visit Places in Fatehpur Sikri (2024)
Fatehpur Sikri, built by the great Mughal emperor Akbar is one of the renowned palatial townships of medieval India. The walls of this complex cover some of the most beautiful monuments of our country and the Mughal empire’s pride.
There are a lot of places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri, which carries traditional and historical prominence. If you are in Agra or have a plan to visit the city, never miss the beauty and ambiance of Fatehpur Sikri.
So let’s get down to some of the best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri.
9 Amazing Must-Visit Places in Fatehpur Sikri
1. Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of India’s giant mosques situated at the heart of the renowned Fatehpur Sikri complex, built in the 16th century under the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar, who wanted this mosque to be the original site in the entire Fatehpur Sikri.
One of the largest prayer halls of India can be witnessed in the center of the Jama Masjid. The Islamic scriptures, carved into the walls using the royal Mughal craftsmanship, this place is an architectural marvel. The red sandstone and the pearl marble works add to the beauty of this monument. This is definitely a must-visit place in Fatehpur Sikri.
Location
Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
2. Buland Darwaza
One of the most important gateways of our nation, Buland Darwaza, is the massive gateway to the Jama Masjid, one of the most special constructs of the Mughal Dynasty in India. When you visit Buland Darwaza, don’t forget to take a picture of yourself standing in front of the most significant gateway in the world.
Buland Darwaza is also a memorial of Akbar’s army defeating Gujarat in the battle of 1756. Like the Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza is also built of Red sandstone and White marbles and uses buff and black marble for decors. The Buland Darwaza is also a great Mughal architecture model as we can see the Arabian and Persian inscriptions of the Holy Quran on the walls.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
3. Jodha Bai Palace
The royal, epic saga of Jodha Bai and Mughal emperor Akbar is a gem. The princess of Malwa, Jodha Bai, was smart and one of the most powerful females during the reign of the Mughal Dynasty. Her palace is housed inside the complex of Fatehpur Sikri and is the only building that is constructed as a mixture of Royal Rajasthani and Mughal craftsmanship, making it a must-visit place in Fatehpur Sikri.
Not many buildings or monuments were constructed during the reign of Mughals at their province in the Indian style that makes Jodha Bai Palace an absolute wonder. Jodha Bai even had a temple inside her palace, decorated with some finely written scriptures and paintings. It is still preserved as a prominent site inside the complex of Fatehpur Sikri.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
4. Panch Mahal
The complex of Fatehpur Sikri is a site of amusement and provides us with a perfect trace of how the royalty used to live in the 15th and 16th centuries. The palace of Panch Mahal used to be a leisure retreat for the king, noblemen, and especially for queens and other noblewomen.
Photo By Manuel Menal Image Source
This one again resembles the construct of Jodha Bai Palace. As she was Akbar’s first wife, Panch Mahal has signs of Indian architecture combined with Mughal and Persian hands. Since it used to be a leisure retreat, the whole place was designed for entertainment and eye-catching decors that fill the area. It is indeed a wonderful feeling to witness these places, which are a treat to the eyes.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
5. Keoladeo National Park
Keoladeo National park or popularly known as the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary is one of the oldest bird sanctuaries and one of the biggest in the world too. It is a hub of nearly more than 200 birds and is visited by flocks of migratory birds during the specific seasons.
The Mid third and the fourth quarter would be the best time to pay a visit to Keoladeo National park, which is located within 25 km to the Fatehpur Sikri complex. So plan a visit to the bird sanctuary and also get to witness a lot of wildlife which too are part of this abode.
The trip will not be a disappointment for the history enthusiasts too, as the palace of Bharatpur and a government-owned museum is a part of this complex, which has a lot of authentic Rajasthani and Gujarati collections. It will be a great and different experience cherishing the memories of both during your trip.
Location
Nearby Bharatpur, Rajasthan
How to Reach?
The park is approximately 27 km from the complex of Fatehpur Sikri. You can quickly get a cab or rickshaw, or there is also public transport available.
6. Hiran Minar
The renowned emperor of the Mughal dynasty, Akbar, was widely known for his love for elephants. Hiran was his favorite elephant, and he built this large watchtower to commemorate him. Like the other structures of the Fatehpur Sikri complex, the Hiran Minar is a construct of excellent Mughal architecture.
The elephant tuskers used as a décor symbolized Hiran, and the tower was also named after the elephant. You can get a beautiful breathtaking view of the complex from the top of the tower. The pictures show that this tower used to be a gallery to watch the games, bullfights, etc. from a distance.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
7. Birbal’s Palace
Birbal’s palace is the palace of the most famous courtier and the most celebrated one in the Navaratnas of the Akbar’s royal court. The folklores and Folktales of Akbar and Birbal has been a prominent part of our childhood stories, and now we are visiting the abode of the smartest courtier of the Akbar or the entire Mughal dynasty.
The palace of Birbal is also a tremendous Mughal architecture built by Akbar for his favorite minister. A part of the castle served as the abode for two of Akbar’s wives, Ruqayya Begum and Saima Begum.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
8. Sheikh Salim Chisti Tomb
Sheikh Salim Chisti was more like a teacher, a guru, and an advisor for the Mughal emperor Akbar. He was a Sufi saint who lived inside the walls of Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar respected him and even named his first son, Salim, after his name. This building was once the living abode of Sheikh Salim Chisti, and now his resting place is constructed within the same walls.
No wonder as this one is also a marvel created by the artisans in a royal Mughal style. Currently, this is also a significant place of worship as it witnesses a massive influx of devotees on the death anniversary of the Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chisti. He was also considered one of the greatest preachers of his times and behind many good deeds of Emperor Akbar. The Mausoleum is situated in a prime location of the complex of Fatehpur Sikri.
Don’t forget to pay a visit to this divine abode, and experience the peaceful and spiritual ambiance.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
9. Archaeological Museum
This place in Fatehpur Sikri is reserved for the significant history enthusiasts whose cravings are not yet fulfilled by the monuments. The archaeological museum, built inside the Fatehpur Sikri complex, is a prime location of interest for all the history fanatics as there is a lot to witness here.
Even this building was constructed during the reign of Akbar, and it currently houses a vast collection of the entire Mughal history. It was just two decades back, the museum was renovated to its base, and the antiques exhibited here are simply excellent.
The collection of antiques is not limited to the Mughal period as even the findings tracing back to Iron Age are also displayed here.
Location
Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri, Netaji Subhash Marg, Agra, UP
How to Reach?
1 km from the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
Conclusion
The above mentioned are some of the most prominent buildings inside the walls of Fatehpur Sikri, and there’s a lot more to explore within the complex. Traces of Akbar, his empire, engraved in every brick of this complex, closely connected his reign.
A visit to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra will be a memory for a lifetime.
