12 Best Tourist Sites in Fatehpur Sikri: Worth Exploring

In this travel guide, we will talk about the best tourist sites in Fatehpur Sikri that everyone, coming to Fatehpur Sikri must visit.

In addition to the glory of the Taj Mahal in Agra, the Mughal Emperors left behind Fatehpur Sikri, another crowning achievement. In the Mughal empire’s history, this historic city has an important role to play because it was once thought to be the capital of the Empire. 

It’s one of the best places in Uttar Pradesh. Some of the world’s most beautiful structures can be found in this city, which is known for its magnificent architecture and intricate carvings. Fatehpur Sikri’s palaces and masjids are among the many must-see attractions. Each one offers a unique perspective on the city’s rich history.

Before diving deeper, let’s have a quick look at the best tourist sites in Fatehpur Sikri.

Best Tourist Sites in Fatehpur Sikri

1. Buland Darwaza

The name “Buland Darwaza” means “magnificent gate” in Urdu, and the building is 54 metres high. In 1601, Emperor Akbar had it built as a monument to show that he had won against Gujarat. The entryway stands out because of its unique architecture and excellent craftsmanship. 

Buland Darwaza is made of red sandstone, and it has marble and granite pieces that have been carved into it. The inscription is a perfect example of how open people were too different religions during the time of the great Mughal Emperor. It is one of the tallest gates of Fatehpur Sikri. 

• Location -: Near Nagar Palika building, Dadupura, Agra, Delhi – Mathura Hwy, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time:- All-day
• Fee -: 10 INR

Related: Best religious sites in UP

2. Diwan-I-Khas

The Diwan-i-Khas, which means “hall of the private audience,” is one of the most interesting and beautiful buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. One of the most beautiful things to see in Fatepur Sikri is the central tower, which is also called the Lotus Throne. 

The pillar holds up a walkway that goes from each corner of the first floor to a circular platform in the middle of the building. This platform was made just for Emperor Akbar. The hall was only for important dignitaries and religious leaders who were invited by the Emperor or went looking for a private meeting with him.

• Location -:Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  35 INR

Related: Tourist Attractions of Agra

3. Jodhabai Palace

This building, which was sometimes called the Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace, was where the Mughal Queen Jodhabai lived. The other royal harem women lived in Jodhabai Palace, which at the time was also called the Emperor’s Harem. Even so, the building is considered to be one of the most important buildings in the complex because of its beautiful architecture. Visitors always enjoy at this place. 

Because Jodhabai was from one of Amer’s Hindu Rajput clans, the architecture is a beautiful mix of Hindu Rajputana and Islamic Mughal styles. It is one of the most beautiful tourist places in Fatehpur Sikri, Agra.

• Location -: Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  20 INR

4. Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti

In 1580 and 1581, work started on the tomb of Seikh Salim Chisti, which is widely thought to be the most important building in the palace complex. The building is one of the best examples of how skilled stone carvers were in India in the Middle Ages. It is made of white marble that has been carved into complicated designs. 

The architecture is a mix of Hindu and Mughal styles. It is surrounded on all sides by “Jaalis,” which are screens made of intricately carved marble. The mausoleum there is where the Sufi saint Salim Chishti is buried. He lived on a ridge near the city and is buried there.

• Location -: Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time:- all-day
• Fee -:  free

5. Jama Masjid

The Jama Masjid, also known as the central mosque, was constructed by Akbar under the supervision of Salim Chishti. The construction is made of carved red sandstone and has a rectangular shape. Visitors also enjoy this place because it gives a great environment.

The interior of the mosque is adorned with stone-carved mihrabs or altars, and it is one of the prized collections of Mughal Architecture. It also serves as a marker for the transition from Islamic architecture to Hindu-style architecture, as the two styles were combined in this building.

• Location -: 3MV6+XQ5, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 
• Time :- 6am to 9pm
• Fee -:  free

6. Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal is a five-story building in the shape of a pyramid. It is held up by 176 columns that are spread out all over the building. In the past, the pillars were probably made for the women who lived in the nearby Zanana enclosure. Stone meshes called Jaalis separated the pillars from each other. 

The building is also sometimes called the “Badgir” or the “wind catcher tower,” and the pool in front of it is called the “Anoop Talav.” Most people agree that this building’s main purpose was to provide entertainment, and it was often used for a wide range of theatrical, musical, and dance performances.

• Location -: 3MW8+V7G, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  20 INR

7. Archaeological Museum

This museum is in a building that used to be a reserve bank. You can get there about 100 metres from the Diwan-I-Am.  Inside the museum, you can find things from before the Mughal era and from the Mughal era. It’s one of the best places to know about the Mughal era.

The city of Fatehpur Sikri is where these things were found. Also, the museum has four rooms where monolithic stone tools from the prehistoric period are shown. The museum also has a number of Jain sculptures, as well as small sculptures and figurines made of stone. All of these can be seen there.

• Location -: 1.5 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  5 INR

8. Birbal’s Palace

Construction on the Birbal palace, which would later become the royal palace of Birbal, Akbar’s Hindu Prime Minister, began sometime around the year 1571, according to historical records. This part of the Imperial Harem was where the residences of two of Akbar’s senior queens, Ruqayya Begum and Salima Begum, were located.

This palace is a true example of Mughal architecture, with its carved stone, strange jharokhas, and raised floral patterns. These features can be seen all over the building. It is one of the best things to do in Fatehpur Sikri. If you visit Fatehpur Sikri, don’t forget this place.

• Location -: 3MW7+QP3, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time :- 7am to 6pm
• Fee -:  20 INR

9. Hiran Minar

As a tribute to his favourite elephant, Hiran, Emperor Akbar built this minaret. The minaret was both a signpost and a lighthouse, so when the sun went down, it helped people find their way. This minaret is 21.34 metres high and has a base in the shape of a pentagon with eight sides.

On the other side, you can see that the part of the tower that is still there is round. There is also a chance that the minaret will be made up of hexagons or stars with six points. During the time of Akbar, this tower was a watchtower where the women of the village would stand to watch sports games, wrestling matches, and animal fights.

• Location -: 3MX7+F2G, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  20 INR

10. Khwabgah

The Dream Palace is another name for the Khwabgah Complex. It was the Emperor’s personal palace and the most beautiful building in the royal complex. This building has two floors and is made out of red sandstone. The first floor is very well decorated, while the ground floor is very simple.

The building is one of Fatehpur Sikri’s best-designed structures. It has two rooms on the first floor and a pavilion with good airflow on the second floor. Most likely, the rooms on the lower floor were used as a library and a dining hall. People think that Akbar’s library, called Kutub Khana, held more than 25,000 manuscripts and important official papers.

• Location -: 3MW8+JFR, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• Time :- 9am to 6pm
• Fee -:  40 INR

11. Turkish Sultana’s house

The palace is made of red sandstone and has carvings on the outside and inside. It also has a balcony on each side. It is thought that Salima Sultan Begum and Ruqayya Begum, two Turkish queens of Akbar, lived in this building. Attached to the pond, it’s likely that the Turkish queens used it as a place to relax.

This is a square building with patterns of flowers and lines. One of the elaborately decorated buildings in the harem complex is the main chamber. The building is made up of panels, pilasters, columns, friezes, and brackets that are all intricately carved.

• Location -: north-east corner of Anoop Talao inside the complex of Fatehpur Sikri Fort
• Time :- 7am to 6pm
• Fee -:  20 INR

12. Hathi Pol – Things to do in Fatehpur Sikri

Hathi Pol is on the southern corner of the Caravanserai in the palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri Fort. It was built by Emperor Akbar. The Hathi pol was likely the entrance used by the emperors. The red sandstone and marble on the top and bottom of the gateway make it look nice. The entrance is guarded and has battlements. 

The main entrance is a simple building that stands 5.2 m tall. The name “Hathi Pol” was kept because each side of the gate used to have a beautiful stone elephant that was 3.7 m tall. On both sides of the gate, there are elephants that have only survived in part. 

• Location -: southern corner of Caravanserai in the palace complex of Fatehpur Sikri
• Time :- 8am to 6pm
• Fee -:  80 INR

Conclusion – Best Tourist Sites in Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is the best place to know about Mughal Empire. Don’t forget to go to Buland Darwaza, Diwan-I-Khas, Hathi Pol, Hiran Minar and Birbal place on your Fatepur Sikri trip. While there are several other important buildings in the palace city of Fatehpur Sikri.

The aforementioned places are a few of the most important and must-visit tourist places in Fatehpur Sikri. This city is indeed one of the must-visit places in Uttar Pradesh. A guided tour to this once pompous capital of the Mughals in India is a must to experience the true historic depth it contains. Today, the town is a prime example of Mughal architecture in India and has some excellent monuments that are worth visiting.