Fatehpur Sikri Tour and Travel Guide: Akbar’s Mughal Walled City

A Fatehpur Sikri tour takes you to the great red sandstone city built by Emperor Akbar. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. This guide tells you what to see, when to go, how to get there and which tour suits you best.

Fatehpur Sikri is about 40 km from Agra and is part of the famous Golden Triangle tour. Shamrock Journeys, a trusted India tour operator, plans every Fatehpur Sikri tour with a private car, driver and local guide.

The Story of Fatehpur Sikri

Emperor Akbar had no son to follow him. He came to the village of Sikri to ask for the blessing of the Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti. Soon after, his son was born. To honour the saint, Akbar built a new capital here in 1571. He named it Fatehpur, the City of Victory, after his win in Gujarat.

The city was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about fourteen years. Then the court moved away, most likely because of a shortage of water and wars in the north-west. The palaces were left empty, and that is why they are so well kept today. A Fatehpur Sikri tour is the best way to see this Mughal heritage as Akbar’s court knew it.

Why Take a Fatehpur Sikri Tour

• UNESCO World Heritage Site: a complete Mughal walled city, with palaces, courts and a great mosque.
• Mughal architecture at its best: a mix of Persian, Hindu and Jain styles in carved red sandstone.
• Living faith: the white marble Dargah of Salim Chishti is still visited by people of every religion.
• Easy to reach: one hour from Agra, on the road to Jaipur.

Top Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri

Every Fatehpur Sikri tour covers these famous places.

Buland Darwaza

Buland Darwaza, the Gate of Victory, is 54 metres high and one of the tallest gateways in the world. Akbar built it to mark his victory in Gujarat. A long flight of steps leads up to it.

Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Salim Chishti

The tomb of the saint is made of white marble, with fine carved screens called jali. Visitors tie a thread on the screens and make a wish. Please cover your head and remove your shoes.

Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. Its wide courtyard holds both the Buland Darwaza and the Dargah.

Diwan-i-Khas and Diwan-i-Aam

The Diwan-i-Khas is the hall of private audience. It is famous for its single carved pillar, where Akbar is said to have sat and listened to scholars of many faiths. The Diwan-i-Aam is the open hall where he met the public.

Panch Mahal

Panch Mahal is a five-storey palace of open pillars. Each floor is smaller than the one below. The royal women came here to enjoy the cool evening breeze.

Jodha Bai’s Palace

This is the largest palace in the city. Its design mixes Rajput and Mughal styles, with carved balconies and a wide courtyard.

More to See in Fatehpur Sikri

• Birbal’s House, with some of the finest carving in the city.
• Anup Talao, the pool where the great musician Tansen is said to have sung.
• The Turkish Sultana’s House, small and richly carved.
• Hiran Minar, a tower studded with stone tusks.

Our Fatehpur Sikri Tours

Every tour is private and can be changed to suit your dates and budget. These are our most popular ways to take a Fatehpur Sikri tour:

• Heritage walk in the Mughal walled city of Fatehpur Sikri: two to three hours on foot through the palaces, courts and the great mosque with an expert guide.
• Half day Fatehpur Sikri tour from Agra: a morning or afternoon trip by private car.
• Agra to Jaipur with Fatehpur Sikri: stop here on the drive between the two cities.
• 6-day Golden Triangle tour: Delhi, Agra and Jaipur, with Fatehpur Sikri on the way.
• 7-day Golden Triangle tour: the same route at a slower pace.
• Golden Triangle tour with Ranthambore: nine days with a tiger safari.

Looking for something else? See all our India tour packages, including family tour packages and cultural tours of India.

The Mughal Heritage Trail: Delhi, Agra and Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is one of three great Mughal cities. Many guests join all three on one trip:

• A heritage walk in the Mughal walled city of Shahjahanabad, Old Delhi. See our Delhi tour packages.
• A heritage walk in the Mughal heritage of Agra, home of the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort. See our Agra tour packages.
• A heritage walk in the Mughal walled city of Fatehpur Sikri, Akbar’s lost capital.

Best Time to Visit Fatehpur Sikri

A Fatehpur Sikri tour is possible all year, but each season feels different.

• October to March: the best time to visit. Days are cool and pleasant.
• April to June: very hot. Come early in the morning.
• July to September: the monsoon season, with some rain and fewer visitors.

Early morning and late afternoon give the best light on the red sandstone.

How to Reach Fatehpur Sikri

• From Agra: about 40 km, a drive of about one hour.
• From Jaipur: about 200 km, a drive of about four hours.
• From Delhi: about 240 km through Agra.

Cars stop at the parking area. A short shuttle ride takes you up to the monuments. Our Fatehpur Sikri tour includes the car, the driver and a licensed guide who meets you at the gate.

Visitor Tips for Fatehpur Sikri

• The monuments are open from sunrise to sunset every day.
• Tickets for the palace area cost about ₹50 for Indian visitors and about ₹600 for foreign visitors. Entry to the mosque and the Dargah is free.
• Allow two to three hours for your visit.
• Cover your shoulders and knees. Carry a scarf for the Dargah.
• Wear comfortable shoes and carry water and a hat.
• Use a licensed guide. It saves time and helps you avoid touts.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does a Fatehpur Sikri tour take?

A Fatehpur Sikri tour takes two to three hours at the site. With the drive from Agra and back, allow half a day.

Can I visit Fatehpur Sikri as a day trip from Agra?

Yes. It is only about one hour from Agra. You can also stop here on the way from Agra to Jaipur.

Is Fatehpur Sikri worth visiting?

Yes. It is one of the best-kept Mughal cities in India and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Lovers of history and Mughal architecture should not miss it.

Why was Fatehpur Sikri abandoned?

Most historians say the city did not have enough water. Akbar also moved north to lead his army, and the court never came back.

What should I wear at the Dargah?

Dress modestly, cover your head and remove your shoes before you enter.

Is Fatehpur Sikri closed on any day?

No. It is open every day from sunrise to sunset.

How much does a Fatehpur Sikri tour cost?

The price depends on where you start, the car you choose and the season. Tell us your plans and we will send a clear quotation.

Extend Your Journey

Many guests add more places to their Fatehpur Sikri tour:

• Agra: the Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and the Baby Taj.
• Jaipur: the Pink City of India.
• Ranthambore: tiger safaris on the way to Jaipur.
• Delhi: Old Delhi, the Red Fort and Humayun’s Tomb.

For more ideas, browse all places to visit in India or read our India travel tips.

Plan Your India Holiday with Shamrock Journeys

Shamrock Journeys is a trusted India tour operator and holiday planner based in New Delhi. Since 2002 we have designed private India tour packages, family tour packages, honeymoon tours and cultural tours for travellers from around the world.

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