Fatehpur Sikri Tourism And Travel Guide

Fatehpur Sikri used to be the flourishing capital of the Mughal Emperor Akbar’s kingdom. Located in the northern part of India, this small city has some of the most beautiful monuments made out of red sandstone, depicting the history and culture of the place. Fatehpur Sikri used to be known as Fathabad, which in Persian means victory. The region was struck with water scarcity due to which the capital was shifted back to Agra and people evacuated from there as well. The city was abandoned a long time ago, but the complex in which the monuments still remain is now a World Heritage Site and one of the top most things to see in Fatehpur Sikri.

Tourism in Fatehpur Sikri is quite popular due to its rich cultural heritage and the beautiful amalgamation of Hindu and Muslim architecture. Reaching Fatehpur Sikri is possible by air and train, it is also possible to drive to this town from adjacent cities as well as other neighbouring states. The climate in Fatehpur Sikri is hot and humid most of the times of the year even then it remains a popular place to go in the country. There are various monuments that must be witnessed in order to appreciate the beauty of the site. Have a look at our travel guide to Fatehpur Sikri to plan your trip better.

By Air:

Kheria Airport in Agra is the main airport that serves the people of Fatehpur Sikri and the ones trying to reach the town by air. This airport is located at a distance of 34.4 km from the center of Fatehpur Sikri city. IGI International Airport in Delhi can also be taken to reach this town, but it is further away and may take more time.

By Road:

Fatehpur Sikri is well linked to other cities in Uttar Pradesh as well as adjacent states via roadways. Certain highways and expressways make it an easier commute for people trying to get to this town by road. You also have the option of taking a bus from neighbouring cities to Fatehpur Sikri, which will also save you some money.

By Rail:

The Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station is the closest railhead that serves the people of Fatehpur Sikri. It is very close to the center of the city and is one of the most convenient ways to reach the town. Several trains ply daily from the Fatehpur Sikri to other cities and states.

Getting Around:

You can commute from one place to another in Fatehpur Sikri by various means of transportation. You have the option of taking a bus, cycle auto rickshaws and taxis, but the best way to absorb the culture of the place is to get around by foot.

Summer (April-July):

Summers are the hottest seasons in Fatehpur Sikri, with the climate being absolutely humid and mucky. Temperatures in this season range from 30°C to 45°C, making it quite unbearable for sightseeing.

Monsoon (August-October):

The rains ease the heat and the local people start to feel relieved. Temperatures in the monsoon season range from 24°C to 34°C with the climate still being pretty humid. This is a good time to visit the town if you like the rains.

Winter (November-March):

With the onset of winter, temperatures in Fatehpur Sikri start to drop. This is the best season to visit the city as the atmosphere is not humid and absolutely pleasant as well as cool. January and February are the coldest months and one of the best times to enjoy the city and its relics.

See the Iconic Buland Darwaza:

The huge gateway of Buland Darwaza is something you cannot miss wile in Fatehpur Sikri. Standing at a height of 54 m, this structure was built to establish victory of Akbar over Gujarat. This gate is carved with Persian inscriptions, making it look absolutely amazing.

Visit Salim Chisti’s Tomb:

The tomb of Salim Chisti is another famous place to go to. The structure that houses this tomb is made up of carved marble, which is a fine example of Mughal architecture as well. This is a must see attraction in Fatehpur Sikri.

Go to Jama Majid:

If you are fond of beautifully made mosques, Jama Masjid is one of them. Built by Emperor Akbar, this mosque is one of the most significant ones in Fatehpur Sikri. Visit Jama Masjid and let your eyes enjoy the intricate design and architecture of the structure.

Get Close to Nature:

If you are looking to get away from the city and be close to nature, you must visit the Keoladeo National Park. This beautiful site is home to several species of birds that live and feed in that region and also birds from nearby areas and countries as well. If you are keen on bird watching, this is a great place to indulge in this activity.

Visit Carvanserai:

The Caravanserai is a structure in Fatehpur Sikri that was used to house British officials and other guests for a short stay back in the Mughal Era. The walls of the structure are beautifully carved and it also has a huge terrace on top.

Food is an essential part of any trip and north of India is known for mouth watering cuisine. You can also find other cuisines that may suit your palate and taste buds. One of the most famous restaurants in Fatehpur Sikri is Jodha Restaurant that serves amazing north Indian food; the butter naans and curried dishes are some of the best in this town. Here you can also get a good breakfast that includes pancakes, French toast, eggs etc. If you are looking for a more elaborate eating session, you can visit the Mughal Garden Resort that serves all sorts of cuisines; you can choose from vegetarian, north Indian, Chinese, Italian and many others. Other restaurants where you can stop for a bite include Lake View Restaurant, Joshi Restaurant and a few others around the area.

Taking back gifts and souvenirs of places you have been to, is something every traveler is keen on doing. There are a few shops in Fatehpur Sikri that are worth visiting and shopping from. You can shop from various places like Loha Mandi, Raja ka Mandi, and Sadar Bazaar. You can find various items and souvenirs that define the culture of Fatehpur Sikri. You can even shop for handicrafts that are locally made, which is a great souvenir for friends and family back home. You will also find a number of malls where you can shop for clothing and accessories. You can also shop traditional clothing that is worn in that region and defines the culture of the place.