Fatehpur Sikri

Surrounded by walls, the ancient city sits atop a rocky ridge. Although Akbar was a Muslim ruler, Fatehpur Sikri’s architectural style reflects both Islamic and Hindu elements. Despite its grandeur, the city was abandoned by the early 17th century. People still live outside the old walls.

Fatehpur Sikri can be visited independently, but most travelers go on some kind of guided tour—a convenient way of learning about the history of the city while being transported to and from it. Some excursions combine visits to Fatehpur Sikri, Agra, and Jaipur.

• Indians, SAARC country nationals, and other foreigners pay different entry fees.

• Licensed guides can be found near the ticket counter, and display their credentials. Beware of overly pushy, unqualified guides wanting to take you around for a hefty fee.

• Bottled water is allowed inside Fatehpur Sikri, but food and cigarettes aren’t.

Fatehpur Sikri is about 23 miles (37 kilometers) west of Agra, on the main Jaipur-to-Agra highway. If you’re on a guided tour that includes Jaipur and Agra on the itinerary, it’s likely you’ll stop at Fatehpur Sikri. If traveling on your own, arrange a day trip from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri, or hire a taxi and driver for the day. You can also get there by train, as Fatehpur Sikri has a small railway station.

Fatehpur Sikri is open from sunrise to sunset. Early or late in the day is a nice time to go—the air is cooler, the crowds thinner, and the light on the red sandstone attractive. If you’re in India at any time other than midwinter (December and January), avoid visiting in the heat of the day, as much of the complex is exposed.

Many travelers explore Fatehpur Sikri, but miss the nearby city of Bharatpur, 14 miles (23 kilometers) away. Just over the state border in Rajasthan, the town is a gateway to the UNESCO-listed Keoladeo National Park and has a good museum inside Lohagarh Fort, surrounded by a moat.