FLIRTING WITH GHOSTS OF THE PAST- FATEHPUR SIKRI

Best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri, sightseeing & tourist attractions in Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, falls within the golden triangle of Delhi, Jaipur and Agra. This city was Emperor Akbar’s capital for 15 years. During its days of glory, the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri were inlaid with marble and semi-precious stones that reflected the dying rays of the setting sun; a phenomenon that convinced the first Englishman to visit the complex that the entire city was up in flames. Fatehpur Sikri now homes the remains of the sandstone bastion – the five story Panch Mahal, Akbar’s private audience chamber, the palaces of the queens, the treasury and the central courtyard suspended over a pool of water are still awe-inspiring.

Whats Famous Here: Top Tourism Places Fatehpur Sikri

Architecture of Fathepur Sikri: Four centuries ago, Emperor Akbar travelled to the sleepy little village of Fathepur Sikri to seek divine intervention from the sufi saint Salim Chisti who lived there. The greatest of the Mughal rulers had, till then, failed in one aspect – none of his three official wives could bear him an heir; that was till the holy man prophesied that he would be blessed with three sons. Within a few days, one of his queens gave birth to a male child who was named Salim after the saint. (The boy would later grow up to become Emperor Jehangir) A few months later, Akbar was the proud father of two more sons.

And Akbar said thank you as only an emperor can by building a great mosque (the 176 ft Buland Darwaza that leads to this shrine is the loftiest commemorative gate in India) that would transform the small hamlet of stone cutters and weavers forever. For it was here that Akbar also decided to build a magnificent city that served as his capital for 15 years.

Cultural Heritage: At Fatehpur Sikri, it is hard to get away from Akbar for he was the focus of all activity; his imperial duties and personal enthusiasm dictated every aspect of the city’s varied life. His energy was inexhaustible (he slept for only three hours a day). Although illiterate, he maintained a library stacked with around 24,000 manuscripts and had a relay of scholars read aloud to him. As a patron of the arts, he surrounded himself with all the available talent in the land and while most conquerors looted the treasuries of the vanquished, Akbar stole the best minds and artists from his foes. Tansen, the fabled musician whose voice could squeeze tears from animals and rain from the sky, was brought to Akbar’s court as a part of the settlement with the defeated maharaja of Rewa.
What to see:

Buland Darwaza: the 176 ft Buland Darwaza that leads to this shrine is the loftiest commemorative gate in India. A great mosque was built by Emperor Akba that would transform the small hamlet of stone cutters and weavers forever.
Panch Mahal: The sandstone bastion – the five story Panch Mahal, Akbar’s private audience chamber, the palaces of the queens, the treasury and the central courtyard suspended over a pool of water are still awe-inspiring. The palaces once dotted the new citadel were strewn with silk pillows and carpets. Perfumed water gurgled under the floor of the royal apartments to keep them cool. There were elaborate baths and formal gardens as also statehouses, public and private audience halls, delicate stone screens, a treasury brimming with gold, silver and precious gems… During its days of glory, the buildings of Fatehpur Sikri were inlaid with marble and semi-precious stones.

 

Travel to Fathepur Sikri: Places You Should Not Miss in Fatehpur Sikri  

Best time to travel: September to April

Air: The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is at Agra (40 km). It is also within striking distance from Delhi and Jaipur. . Mostly all airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of New Delhi and Agra airport.
Rail: You can take a train till Delhi, Agra or Jaipur from there you can travel to Fathehpur Sikri.

 

Road: The state transport and private operator connect this city to various major hubs like Delhi, Jaipur and Agra
Excursions from Fatehpur Sikri: 

Agra:   Once the majestic capital of Mughals. The city is home to one of the seven wonders of the world- Taj Mahal. This extravagant monument was built by mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his beloved queen Mumtaz Mahal. The Taj Mahal attracts millions of tourists every year who want tot see the beutiful symbol love.

 

Delhi: Standing on the cross roads of different cultures, Delhi is in many ways a microcosm of the nation. The capital city captures the spirit of a country that rushes forward to embrace the future while still deeply rooted in its past. The city is known for its warm and welcoming hospitality and culture. Delhi is also home to several relics left behind by numerous dynasties. One must visit Delhi to get a taste of culture of India.

 

Hotels and Resorts in Fatehpur Sikri:

There are a few small hotels in Fatehpur Sikri, including UP Tourism Development Corporation’s Gulistan Tourist Complex and an Archaeological Survey of India Guest House. One can also choose to stay in Delhi or Agra if they want to explore more luxurious accommodation options

 

Travel  Packages for Fatehpur Sikri:

Customize your travel. Write your requirements we will revert with an quote soon.

 

Flights to Fatehpur Sikri: The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is at Agra (40 km). It is also within striking distance from Delhi and Jaipur. . Mostly all airline operators such as Indian Airlines, Jet Airways and kingfisher Airlines have flights carrying passengers in and out of New Fatehpur Sikri and Agra airport.
Trains to Fatehpur Sikri: You can take a train till Delhi, Agra or Jaipur from there you can travel to Fathehpur Sikri.

 

Buses to Fatehpur Sikri: The state transport and private operator connect this city to various major hubs like Delhi, Jaipur and Agra.

 

Car Hire in Fatehpur Sikri:

To experience Fatehpur Sikri at your own pace you can take a care hire. Hire a cab and get enchanted by the captivating locations of Fatehpur Sikri. You can also hire a cab for excursions from Fatehpur Sikri

 

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *