Fatehpur Sikri, Agra — Guide, History & Visiting Tips
Fatehpur Sikri is a red-sandstone city built by the Mughal emperor Akbar in the 1570s, about 40 km from Agra. It was his capital for only a short time before being abandoned.

Fatehpur Sikri at a glance
- Built by Akbar in the 1570s.
- The Buland Darwaza, the huge gateway of the Jama Masjid, was built to mark Akbar's victory in Gujarat.
- The tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti is in the mosque courtyard.
- The site has a royal palace complex and a mosque complex.
- Fatehpur Sikri was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
- A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours.
What a local guide shows you at Fatehpur Sikri
Book a guide by the hour or for a day. See tour guides for Fatehpur Sikri.
- The Buland Darwaza
- The Jama Masjid and Salim Chishti's tomb
- The Panch Mahal
- The palace of Jodha Bai
- The Diwan-i-Khas and its central pillar
- Why Akbar moved his capital and why it was abandoned
Photography at Fatehpur Sikri
Rules on tripods, professional equipment, commercial shoots and drones differ between sites and can change. Check them before a professional shoot.
- The Buland Darwaza from the steps below
- Red sandstone courtyards and pavilions
- Morning light on the palace buildings
Visiting tips for Fatehpur Sikri
- It is a half-day trip from Agra, so plan the journey time.
- A booked guide helps with tickets and finding your way around the two parts of the site.
- Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
Nearby: places to combine with Fatehpur Sikri
- Agra Fort (Agra) — Agra Fort is a red-sandstone Mughal fort on the west bank of the Yamuna, about 2.5 km from the Taj Mahal.
More about Fatehpur Sikri
Become a tour guide or photographer at Fatehpur Sikri
If you know Fatehpur Sikri and Agra well, you can post your tour on Myna24; if you shoot, you can post your photography service. Set your own hourly and per-day price and get booked. Guests pay a 10% booking fee online and the remaining 90% directly to you.
These buttons open the Tours or Photography section of the Myna24 home page, where you can post your service. More: tour guide jobs in Agra · photography jobs in Agra · part-time jobs in Agra.
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Fatehpur Sikri — frequently asked questions
Where is Fatehpur Sikri?
Fatehpur Sikri is in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India.
What type of place is Fatehpur Sikri?
Fatehpur Sikri is a historic city in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.
Is Fatehpur Sikri a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Fatehpur Sikri was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986.
How long does a visit to Fatehpur Sikri take?
A typical visit takes about 2 to 3 hours, depending on how much you want to see. Timings, ticket prices and entry rules change, so check the official source before you go.
What are some quick facts about Fatehpur Sikri?
Built by Akbar in the 1570s. The Buland Darwaza, the huge gateway of the Jama Masjid, was built to mark Akbar's victory in Gujarat. The tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti is in the mosque courtyard. The site has a royal palace complex and a mosque complex.
Can I combine Fatehpur Sikri with other nearby places?
Yes. Agra Fort, in Agra, is close enough to visit on the same day as Fatehpur Sikri.
How far is Fatehpur Sikri from Agra?
About 40 km. It is usually visited as a half-day trip from Agra.
Can I book a local tour guide for Fatehpur Sikri?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a local guide by the hour or for a full day. Guides set their own prices, you pick a free date, and you pay a 10% booking fee online when you book, and the remaining 90% directly to the provider.
Can I book a photographer for Fatehpur Sikri?
Yes. On Myna24 you can book a photographer by the hour or for a full day, see their portfolio first, and pay a 10% booking fee online.
Questions? Chat with Myna24 support on WhatsApp +91 81888 33003.