Fatehpur Sikri

Location : On the foothills of the Himalayan mountain range, in the state of West Bengal.
Location : At a distance of 37 km from Agra, Uttar Pradesh in India.
Speciality : A fine blend of Hindu and Central Asian Architecture. Houses the largest mosque of India - Jama Masjid.
Best time to Visit : Through out the year

The Ghost City
Founded by Akbar, this ghost city has a long story, which says that Akbar built this city in the honour of the saint, Shaikh Salim Chishti, who lived in a city called Sikri. It is believed that, Akbar didn't had heir till the age of 26. Regarding this, he visited the saint, whose blessing gave Akbar 3 sons. Henceforth, the city of Red Sandstone buildings was established - the Fatehpur Sikri.
Fatehpur Sikri or the City of Victory was built during the late 16th century. It was the capital of the Mughal Empire for a short period of 10 years. This huge compound encloses magnificent monuments and temples, along with the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid, all in a well-balanced architectural style - a melange of Hindu and Central Asian Architecture.

The city was expected to be the joint capital with Agra, but was soon deserted because of the serious water crisis. After been abandoned for over 400 years now, the efforts are made by the Archaeological department to retain extravagance of the Mughal period.

Fatehpur Sikri is said to be the look-alike of the mosque in Mecca and has designs, taken from the Persian & Hindu architecture. Though the city is in ruins, it is a place to see during one's visit to Agra. The finest monuments enclosed within this region are the Diwan - i - Am, Diwan - i - Khas, Panch Mahal, Jama Masjid, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chisti are among the finest specimens of Mughal architecture.

Coming to Fatehpur Sikri
By Air : One can easily reach Agra by air. Agra is connected to all the major cities of India through air ways. The 'Kheria' airport is only 6km away from the city center.
By Rail: There are excellent train services from New Delhi. Shatabdi Express, Taj Express and Inter-city Express from Delhi. Other Mail and Express trains are also available from other states. Agra's railway station is Agra Cantonment.
By Road: Many National Highways connect Agra to all major Indian cities. Express and A/C bus services are available from Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Gualior and Jhansi. 'Idgah' is the main bus terminal in Agra.

Check in the Accommodation Near Fatehpur Sikri
Agra has a wide range of hotels and rest houses. UPSTDC's tourist complex, Taj Khema near the Taj Mahal offers accommodation in tents and deluxe rooms.There is a UPSTDC Tourist Bungalow as well. Hotels and restaurants offer Indian, Continental and Chinese food. Mughlai cuisine is Agra's specialty. There is an ITDC restaurant near the Taj.

Look Beyond Fatehpur Sikri
Diwan-I-Am
Diwan-I-Am or the Hall Of Public Audience was used for the public meetings. The place was also used for celebrations and public prayers.

Diwan-khana-I-khaas
Exquisitely built, Diwan-I-khaas or Hall Of Private Audience was used by the emperors for private meetings.

The Jami Masjid
Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India, was built in 1571 AD. Inside the masjid, there is a vast congregational coutyard. On the right side, at the corner, is the Jammat Khana Hall and next to this is the tomb of the royal ladies. On the left side of the Jami Masjid is the Stone Cutters’ mosque, the oldest place of worship at Fateh Pur Sikri.

Buland Darwaza
Buland Darwaza is the highest and grandest gateway in India and ranks among the biggest in the world. It can be approached by a 13-metre flight of steps from outside, which adds to its splendour. The gate was raised in 1602 AD to commemorate Akbar’s victory over Deccan.

Other attractions are :
Turkish Sultana’s House, The Treasury, Daulat khana-I-khas, Palace of Jodha Bai, Hawa Mahal And Nagina Masjid, Birbal’s Palace, Sunehra Makan, Panch Mahal, Dargah Of Sheikh Salim Chisti.