Fatehpur Sikri

The Mughal capital from 1571 to 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was created by Emperor Akbar. The site was abandoned due to its poor water supply. The ruins of Fatehpur Sikri, which include well-preserved sandstone palaces, pavilions, and a 16th-century mosque, lie around 25 miles (40 kilometers) west of Agra, near the border of Rajasthan.

How to Get There
Buses from Agra travel to Fatehpur Sikri every 30 minutes, from around 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Alternatively, you can hire a private taxi; share with other passengers to lower the cost, and remember to arrange for the taxi to wait for you.

How to Get Around
You explore the ruins on foot.

Attractions
The World Heritage-listed ruins of Fatehpur Sikri display a mix of Islamic and Indian (especially Gujarati and Rajasthani) architectural styles, clearly witnessed in the biggest of the site's palaces, the Jodh Bai Palace. Other buildings of interest include the Turkish Sultana, which has some exceptional carvings, and the five-story Panch Mahal, which has 84 columns on its lower floor. The Diwan-i-Khas (Hall of Private Audience) and Diwan-i-Am (Hall of Public Audience) are also interesting. The magnificent Jama Masjid (mosque) is entered through a striking 177-foot high (54-meter) gate. Within the mosque's courtyard is the marble tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a Sufi (Muslim mystic) whom Emperor Akbar greatly respected.

Places to Stay and Eat
Those keen to explore the ruins of Fatehpur Sikri at an unhurried pace should stay here—the accommodation choices are restricted, but perfectly acceptable for a night or two. The hotels are the nicest places to eat.

The Hotel Goverdhan Tourist Complex has mid-priced air-conditioned rooms and budget-priced non-cooled rooms (the air-conditioned rooms are in a better state). All rooms are rather characterless but comfortable. There's a decent restaurant and garden area. Agra Road; tel. +91 (0)5613 282643.

If the above hotel is full, there's the moderately priced Gulistan Tourist Complex, which has somewhat of an institutional feel to it but is still one of the area's better choices. There's a reasonably good restaurant on-site. Agra Road; tel. +91 (0)5613 282490.

General Tips
Most organized tours from Agra or Delhi only delegate a couple of hours for Fatehpur Sikri. It's worth spending longer here (especially to savor the ruins at sunset), so consider spending a full day.

For More Information
India Tourism, Agra 191 the Mall, Agra; tel. +91 (0)562 222 6378.
Agra India