Fatehpur Sikri
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Fatehpur Sikri (1986); Monument Of National Importance Under The Archaeological Survey Of India · Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
The red sandstone city the emperor Akbar built on a ridge forty kilometres west of Agra, made his capital from 1571, and abandoned roughly fifteen years later, most likely because of water shortages and the demands of war in the northwest. Because it was left almost intact, it is one of the best-preserved Mughal cities anywhere, and a World Heritage Site. It divides into two parts. The royal complex, ticketed, holds the Diwan-i-Am, the Diwan-i-Khas with its single carved central pillar where Akbar is said to have debated with scholars of every faith, the five-storey Panch Mahal, and the palaces of his queens. The Jama Masjid, free and still in use, is entered through the Buland Darwaza, one of the largest gateways in the world, and holds the white marble tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti, where pilgrims tie threads to the screens to ask for a wish. The mosque side is notorious for aggressive touts and fake guides, and handling them well decides the visit. It is usually seen as a half-day trip from Agra, or on the road to Jaipur.
Fatehpur Sikri Road, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh, 283110, India
NO OPENING TIME HERE WAS CHECKED; confirm before planning. The royal complex follows the usual ASI pattern of sunrise to sunset EVERY DAY, including Fridays, with ticket sales ending about half an hour before closing. The Jama Masjid and the tomb of Salim Chishti are open to visitors through the day outside prayer times, and are crowded at Friday midday prayers and during the saint's Urs. The traps: arriving at midday in summer, walking into the mosque side without a licensed guide, and Friday prayer time.