Fatehpur Sikri

Buland Darwaza

The very name Buland Darwaza translates itself to the magnificent gate from Urdu. The structure has a total height of 54 m from the ground; it was built in the year 1601 by Akbar, to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.

The architecture of the gateway is unique in its own way and showcases the brilliance of the crafters. The structure is made out of red sandstone with carvings in marble and granite inlays.

An inscription in Persian narrates, Jesus son of Mary said "The world is a bridge pass over it but build no houses upon it. He who hopes for a day, may hope for eternity; but the world endures but an hour spent in prayer for the rest is unseen".

Diwan-i-Khas

Diwani-i-Khas was the hall of private audience.It is one of the most interestingly beautiful buildings in the area. The most elegant things to see here is the central tower, which is also known as the 'Lotus Throne', and is an example of the fine details in stone carving.

The pillars here supports a walkway, which connects the four corners of the first floor to a central circular platform that was meant for the emperor. The hall was meant for special invitees and religious leaders, who wanted a private audience with the Emperor.

Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti

The Tomb of Seikh Salim Chisti is the most important buildings in the complex, which was built between the 1580 and 1581. The structure is carved out of white marble and is one of the finest examples of the artistic stone carvings mastery in the medieval period.

The architecture is a fusion of Hindu and Mughal styles and surrounded by detailed carved marble screens known as Jaalis from all the sides.

The mausoleum belongs to the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, who lived in a ridge near the city. The place at one point of time served as a major centre of the Sufi movement in India.

Jama Masjid

Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri is one of the most notable tourist destinations for people visiting Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh. Agra is usually the base if you wish to visit Fatehpur Sikri end explore the place. Agra is well connected to Delhi and some other major Indian cities by air. The Taj Express or the Shatabdi express are the options if you are looking to travel by rail. Located at a distance of 204 km from Delhi, many people also prefer to drive down to Fatehpur Sikri.

Jama Masjid is an awe inspiring structure. The mosque was built in 1571 under the patronage of the Mughal Emperor, Akbar the Great. The mosque is one of the largest in the world. The temple, quite like all other Mughal architecture, is built on a raised platform and has a large central dome with surrounding minarets and other smaller domes. The exalted courtyard is used for religious gatherings now, where devout Muslims gather to pray. Jama Masjid in Fatehpur Sikri in Uttar Pradesh is built with a combination of red sandstone and fine, white marble.

Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal is an elaborate, columnar five-storey structure built as a pleasure palace of sorts by King Akbar. He used it to relax and unwind and for entertainment purposes. The palace has an open-sided theme wherein each floor is smaller than the last and every floor is held up by asymmetrical pillars.

The palace was also specially planned to cater to the emperor's queens and princess. A special screen was installed to act as a purdah for the women watching shows from inside. The palace lies close to the Anup Talao which was a beautiful and one-of-a-kind water tank built by King Akbar for water storage and distribution purposes.

Birbal Palace

Birbal’s Palace in Fatehpur Sikri is considered to be one of the prime palaces of the Mughal era. According to history, the palace was also used as the residence of King Akbar’s senior queens—Ruqayya Begum and Salima Sultan Begum.

The palace is unique because it boasts of both Hindu and Mughal architectural influences. In a way, it represented the merge of two cultures—a fact which is evident in the colour, shape and carvings inside and outside the palace. Birbal was respected for his great wit and was often relied upon during entertainment programmes.