Quick Summary A well-preserved 16th-century Mughal "ghost city" of red sandstone that served as Emperor Akbar’s short-lived but magnificent capital.
Quick Facts at a Glance
Location | Sikri, 35 kms from Agra |
Opening Hours | Sunrise to Sunset (6:30 AM - 6:30 PM) |
Entry Fee | Adults—₹35 (Indians) / ₹550 (Foreigners)—See ticket guide |
Time Needed | 3-4 hours |
Best Time to Visit | October to March (Winter), Early morning 7:30-11 AM |
Photography | Allowed (no professional equipment) |
Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible |
Self-Guided Exploration
You can get a step-by-step explanation and GPS-guided tour of Fatehpur Sikri with the Tourismo app.
The tour comes with:
20+ connected stories covering all courtyards, palaces, and myth-busting
The fascinating blend of Rajput, Mughal, and Persian architecture explained
Stories of Akbar's remarkable reign and how his ideals defined his fort city
Optimal route to experience the full site without missing out
Offline access; no internet needed
Table of Contents
Overview & History
Built between 1571 and 1585, Fatehpur Sikri was the ambitious capital of Emperor Akbar. He moved his court here to honor the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who correctly predicted the birth of Akbar’s heir. However, the city was abandoned just 14 years later, allegedly due to a failure in the water supply system.
The site is a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Persian designs with Indian decorative elements. It is constructed almost entirely of locally quarried red sandstone. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, remarkably preserved and offering a frozen-in-time look at Mughal royal life.
1571: Construction begins on the new capital
1585: City is abandoned as Akbar moves his court to Lahore
1986: Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dargah of Salim Chishti The Jama Masjid and Shrine of Salim Chishti are also located atop the ridge and are active sites of prayer. You don't require a ticket to enter that area.
Is Fatehpur Sikri Worth Visiting?
Absolutely. Fatehpur Sikri attracts over 400k visitors annually, making it a top-three attraction in the Agra circuit.
Why You Should Visit:
Unmatched Preservation: Unlike many forts, the residential palaces here have been extensively restored to their former glory.
The Buland Darwaza: Stand beneath the "Gate of Victory," one of the highest gateways in the world.
Spiritual Vibe: The white marble dargah of Salim Chishti offers a serene, spiritual contrast to the red sandstone palace.
Best for history buffs, architecture students, and photography lovers.
Not ideal for visitors with severe mobility issues, as the complex is situated on a ridge and requires extensive walking on uneven surfaces
How to Reach Fatehpur Sikri
By Car/Taxi: 1 hour from Agra (37 km). Expect to pay ₹1,500–₹2,000 for a round trip.
By Bus: Government buses run every 30 minutes from Agra’s Idgah Bus Stand. Cost: ~₹80
By Train: The nearest station is Fatehpur Sikri (FTS), but most travelers prefer the Agra Cantt station for better connectivity.
Pro Tip Take the electric golf-cart shuttle from the parking lot to the main gate (₹25) to avoid the 1.5 km uphill walk and aggressive touts. Keep some time to visit the Archaeological Museum near the Diwan-e-Aam
Entry Fee and Tickets
→ See our page on Fatehpur Sikri tickets
Entry Gates
There are 2 entry gates to enter the fort—one near the Diwan-e-Aam and another near the Jodh Bai Palace (nearer to the Dargah complex)
What to See Inside
The fort complex follows a logical progression from public spaces to increasingly private royal chambers. Most visitors enter through Diwan-e-aam, leading to Pachisi courtyard, and exit from the other gate near Birbal's palace
🎧 Follow Tourismo Audio Guide Route The Tourismo audio guide takes you through these highlights in the perfect sequence revealing hidden stories, architectural secrets, and the best photo spots at each location.
Diwan-e-Aam (Hall of Public Audience)
The hall of public audience where Akbar would hear public petitions
Lotus Pillar Building (Diwan-i-Khas)
The hall of private audience with a beautiful lotus-like pillar in the center
Anup Talao
A decorative tank with a central platform for performances and meetings
Astrologer's Seat
An office attached to the treasury with arches inspired by Jain temples
Other Notable Features
Khwabgah: Emperor's sleeping quarters
Jodh Bai Palace: Ladies' quarters
Birbal Palace, Sunehra Makaan and Lower Harem
Get the Complete Experience with Tourismo
The Tourismo audio guide covers all parts of Fatehpur Sikri in detail with:
30+ minutes of expert narration covering every building and gateway
The real functions of Diwan-i-Aam, Diwan-i-Khas, Hujra, and Jodha Bai’s Palace
Secret corridors, royal pathways, and overlooked structures
The best photo spots most visitors miss
Why the city was mysteriously abandoned: the myths vs the facts
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
Ideal: October to March (Winter). Pleasant weather (15-25°C), clear blue skies perfect for photography, comfortable for 3-4 hours of walking, peak tourist season but worth it
Avoid if possible: May to August. Extreme heat (38-45°C) in summer makes palace courtyards unbearably hot; monsoon (July-August) brings heavy rains.
Best Time of Day
Opening time (7:00 AM): Best choice! Smallest crowds, pleasant morning light for photography, comfortable temperatures
Late afternoon (3:30-5:00 PM): Crowds thinning, softer golden hour light, pleasant temperatures, good for photography
Best Days of the Week
Least crowded: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday mornings
Most crowded: Saturday, Sunday, national holidays (especially in winter)
Top Recommendation Arrive at or before 8:00 AM during November - February. Spend 3 - 3.5 hours exploring at leisure with minimal crowds.
Practical Visitor Tips
✅ What to Carry | ❌ What NOT to Carry |
|---|---|
Valid photo ID (mandatory for foreigners) and e-ticket, if booked (see our guide) | Large backpacks or luggage |
Water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses | Food and drinks (not permitted inside) |
Comfortable walking shoes | Tripods and professional camera equipment (prohibited without special permission) |
Phone/camera fully charged | Drones (prohibited) |
Dress Code
Modest dress is required for the mosque area; women should carry a scarf to cover their heads.
Footwear
You must remove shoes to enter the Jami Masjid. Carry a pair of socks to protect your feet from the hot stone.
♿ Accessibility | 🚰 Facilities |
|---|---|
Wheelchair access: Available at all major entrances | Restrooms: Multiple locations throughout complex, well-maintained, clearly marked with signage |
Mobile network: gets good coverage (Airtel, Jio, Vodafone) | Food/Cafeteria: Vendors and hawkers serve refreshments, tea, coffee, cookies |
Guided Tours
Official guides: Available for hire at entrance (₹300-500 for 1-2 hours)
Audio guides: Download Tourismo's professionally curated tour → Audio Guide
How Long You'll Need
Quick visit: 2 hours
Standard visit: 2.5 - 3 hours
Nearby Attractions & Itinerary Ideas
Within Walking Distance (10 mins)
Salim Chishti Dargah—a stunning white marble shrine where visitors tie threads to make a wish
Jami Masjid—mosque housed in the western section of the Dargah courtyard
Buland Darwaza—southern entrance to the Dargah courtyard and a great photo spot
In Agra (50-60 mins)
Experience this walk on the Tourismo app
Booking Your Tickets
1
Step-by-step guide to booking Fatehpur Sikri fort tickets online with latest prices and other visitor information
Audio Guide
2
Discover Fatehpur Sikri's lesser-known story with Tourismo's audio guide. Includes key structures, walking routes, and a map.