Fatehpur Sikri is in the Doab region of Uttar Pradesh, India. About 40km away from Agra, it is one of India's UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Literally meaning the city of victory, Fatehpur Sikri was founded by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1571 and served as the capital from its founding to 1585. Often lumped together with Agra on tourist tours and trails, Fatehpur Sikri is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its own right.
- Buland Darwaza. This grand gate was built to commemorate the military triumphs of Mughal emperor Akbar in Gujarat.
- Jama Masjid.
- Tomb of Salim Chishti, Dadupura. Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint, dearly respected by Emperor Akbar. In fact, the emperor held Salim in such great esteem that he named his son Salim (who would later be known as the Mughal emperor Jahangir) in honour of the saint. The mausoleum built for Salim Chishti in 1580 and 1581 is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture.
- Ibadat Khana.
- Panch Mahal. Literally translating to "Five Palace", the five-storey building stands out from the rest of the complex with its almost Buddhist pagoda-like influences in its architectural design.
- Naubat Khana. It is here where the musicians of the court would play songs to announce the arrival or departure of the emperor, and for various other ceremonies.
- Anup Talao. The red sandstone architectural symmetry of the walls and bridges that crisscross the artificial lake or pool is beautiful but the water nowadays is polluted and dirty.
- Samosa Mahal. The funny name of the palace (samosa referring to the pyramidal shaped dumplings in Indian cuisine) is because the it does, in fact, resemble a samosa! It is clean and well maintained, though be wary of the guides in the palace, who can be pushy and touty.
- Hiran Minar. A high, circular tower covered in spikes that look like elephant tusks. Akbar is said to have built it in remembrance of his beloved elephant, Hiran.
- Birbal Bhawan, Dadupura. Birbal was a Hindu courtier of Akbar, who ended up becoming one of Akbar's closest and most trusted military advisors. The stone carvings and interior of the palace where Birbal lived are magnificent.
Buland Darwaza. This grand gate was built to commemorate the military triumphs of Mughal emperor Akbar in [[Gujarat]].
Jama Masjid.
Tomb of Salim Chishti, Dadupura. Salim Chishti was a Sufi saint, dearly respected by Emperor Akbar. In fact, the emperor held Salim in such great esteem that he named his son Salim (who would later be known as the Mughal emperor Jahangir) in honour of the saint. The mausoleum built for Salim Chishti in 1580 and 1581 is considered to be one of the greatest examples of Mughal architecture.
Ibadat Khana.
Panch Mahal. Literally translating to "Five Palace", the five-storey building stands out from the rest of the complex with its almost Buddhist pagoda-like influences in its architectural design.
Naubat Khana. It is here where the musicians of the court would play songs to announce the arrival or departure of the emperor, and for various other ceremonies.
Anup Talao. The red sandstone architectural symmetry of the walls and bridges that crisscross the artificial lake or pool is beautiful but the water nowadays is polluted and dirty.
Samosa Mahal. The funny name of the palace (samosa referring to the pyramidal shaped dumplings in Indian cuisine) is because the it does, in fact, resemble a samosa! It is clean and well maintained, though be wary of the guides in the palace, who can be pushy and touty.
Hiran Minar. A high, circular tower covered in spikes that look like elephant tusks. Akbar is said to have built it in remembrance of his beloved elephant, Hiran.
Birbal Bhawan, Dadupura. Birbal was a Hindu courtier of Akbar, who ended up becoming one of Akbar's closest and most trusted military advisors. The stone carvings and interior of the palace where Birbal lived are magnificent.
- Jodha Restaurant, Hotel Goverdhan, Shahcoolie, Dadupura, +91 99977 02459. North Indian vegetarian and vegan food in a casual setting.
- Sher-e-Punjab, Fatehpur Sikri Bypass Crossing, +91 98372 26765. Punjabi and other North Indian food with non-vegetarian and vegetarian options. The meals are hearty and feel satisfying after a long day of sightseeing.
Jodha Restaurant, Hotel Goverdhan, Shahcoolie, Dadupura, +91 99977 02459. North Indian vegetarian and vegan food in a casual setting.
Sher-e-Punjab, Fatehpur Sikri Bypass Crossing, +91 98372 26765. Punjabi and other North Indian food with non-vegetarian and vegetarian options. The meals are hearty and feel satisfying after a long day of sightseeing.