Fatehpur Sikri, in addition to the Taj Mahal in Agra, is another feather in the Mughal Emperors’ cap. This medieval city, which was formerly considered the Mughal Empire’s capital, has a special place in Mughal history. The city is known for its magnificent architecture and complex carvings, and it is home to some of the most beautiful structures to behold. There are many attractions to see in Fatehpur Sikri, from palaces to masjids, that are worth seeing to appreciate the beauty of these historical structures. Here are some of the top spots to visit in Fatehpur Sikri to see the stunning architecture that represents the city’s royal history.
1- Jama Masjid
UNESCO designated Jama Masjid as a world-historic monument in 1986, making it one of the country’s largest mosques. This mosque, commonly known as the Friday Mosque, was built by Emperor Akbar between 1571 and 1572 AD. This exquisite mosque was conceived and erected under the guidance of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti. The mosque is a rectangular edifice with a large courtyard and entrances on the north, south, and east sides. The inside of the mosque is lavishly embellished with glazed tiles, inlaid stones, and murals depicting the Holy Quran.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 250 For Foreigners
2- Panch Mahal
The Panch Mahal is one of Fatehpur Sikri’s most famous attractions, displaying the delicate beauty of Mughal architecture. Emperor Akbar constructed this five-story monument, which served as a popular summer retreat for the royal family’s female members. The Panch Mahal, also known as the wind tower, is a red sandstone structure with five pavilions connected by staircases. The sculptures of Persian, Hindu and Jain motifs on the pillars are worth seeing.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 250 For Foreigners
3- Buland Darwaza
The Buland Darwaza, also known as the Gate of Magnificence, is the main entrance of Fatehpur Sikri’s Jama Masjid complex. Emperor Akbar erected this gateway in 1576 AD to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. This gate is made of red and buff sandstone and is adorned with black and white marble. This 15-story gateway, which rises to a height of 54 metres, serves as the entryway to Fatehpur Sikri. The pillars and archway of this gateway are inscribed with Holy Quran and Persian inscriptions, which is the most attractive aspect of it.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 250 For Foreigners
4- Jodha Bai Palace
The largest building inside the Fatehpur Sikri complex is Jodha Bai Palace, which is located within the complex. Akbar erected this monument in honor of his loving wife Jodha, a Rajput princess. The palace stands out the best from the rest of the complex’s construction. This location’s architecture is inspired by stunning Hindu and Muslim design motifs. Hams parrot and lotus mala themes may be found inside the construction.
Time Required- 2 To 3 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 30 For Indians & INR 260 For Foreigners
5- Archeological Museum
This museum is housed within a treasury building and is about 100 metres from the Diwan-I-Am. This location was in ruins until it was renovated between 2002 and 2004. Pre-Mughal and Mughal items discovered in Fatehpur Sikri were housed in the museum. In addition to this, there are four galleries within the museum that display monolithic stone artifacts from the prehistoric period. Moreover, there are Jain sculptures, miniature stone sculptures, and figurines on display inside the museum.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Entry Fee- No Entry Fee
6- Hiran Minar
This minar was created in honor of Emperor Akbar’s beloved elephant, Hiran. The minar served as a milepost and a lighthouse, allowing people to walk safely after dark. From the ground level, this minar rises to a height of 21.34 metres in an octagonal shape. The remaining portion of the tower is round on the other side. Hexagons and six-point stars are also options for the minar’s design. During Akbar’s rule, this tower served as a watchtower from which women could observe sports, wrestling matches, and animal fights.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 250 For Foreigners
7- Birbal’s Palace
The Birbal palace, which was the official house of Raja Birbal, Akbar’s Hindu Prime Minister, was built around 1571. This location was part of the Imperial Harem, where Ruqayya Begum and Salima Begum, Akbar’s elder queens, lived. This palace is a true representation of Mughal architecture, with complex carvings, strange jharokhas, and high floral designs on display.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 40 For Indians & INR 280 For Foreigners
8- Diwan-i-Khas
Diwan-i-Khas, or Hall of Private Audience, is located within the complex of Fatehpur Sikri Fort, about 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station. The Diwan-i-Khas is a large and intricately carved pillar in the northeast corner of the royal compound. It is a meeting spot for the Emperor’s private visitors and dignitaries. The diamond house, also known as the palace complex’s most intriguing component, is the most intriguing section of the royal complex. The four double-storey facades of this single-story square red sandstone structure. The four lovely kiosks at the building’s four corners are octagonal in design and have a circular dome with an inverted lotus on top. A lavishly ornamented square balcony surrounds the space. A single hall, with a very high ceiling, is accessible from all four sides of the palace. A balcony is connected to the gallery by bridges that run diagonally from the gallery’s corners and are supported by a Lotus-shaped Throne Pillar. A flat dome with a height of 6 metres is supported by this stone column. The king’s primary seat sat in the centre of the hall, linked to a massive pillar. Ministers and visitors are seated in the galleries. To the left of the palace complex is the Ankh Micholi or Treasury, which was erected by Akbar between 1572 and 1575. This structure is made up of three equal-sized halls. You seriously can’t afford to miss this amazing place when you are traveling to Fatehpur Sikri.
Time Required- 2 To 4 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 50 For Indians & INR 280 For Foreigners
9- Turkish Sultana’s House
Turkish Sultana’s residence is located near the north-east corner of Anoop Talao inside the Fatehpur Sikri Fort complex, about 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station. Anoop Talao Pavilion is another name for it.
The palace was built of red sandstone and has a balcony on each side. The façade and inside are magnificently adorned with carvings. This structure is thought to have been the abode of two Turkish queens of Akbar, Salima Sultan Begum and Ruqayya Begum. The Turkish queens attached to the pond most likely used it as a pleasure pavilion.
This is a square structure with floral and geometric motifs etched onto it. The harem complex’s main chamber is one among the complex’s ornate components. Richly carved panels, pilasters, columns, friezes, and brackets make up the framework. It has a portico on the west and is connected to the ground floor of the Khwabgah complex by a verandah. Stone screens with latticework can be found on both the verandah and the portico.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 270 For Foreigners
10. Hathi Pol
Hathi Pol is located on the southern corner of Caravanserai in the Fatehpur Sikri Fort palace complex, about 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station. It was constructed between 1571 and 1585 by Emperor Akbar. The Hathi pol was most likely the complex’s imperial entrance. Rubble is used to construct the gateway, which is then finished with red sandstone and marble. The gateway has battlements and is defended. The main entrance is a simple structure that stands at 5.2 metres in height. The name Hathi Pol was maintained because the gate was previously ornamented with two 3.7 m high stone carved elephants on either side. Elephants that have partially survived can be seen on both sides of the entryway. At the entrance arch, there is a 3m wide gallery accessible through a narrow stairway.
Time Required- 1 To 2 Hours
Timing- 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Entry Fee- INR 20 For Indians & INR 250 For Foreigners
