The favorite of the Mughal Kings and consorts - Fatehpur Sikri City, also a World Heritage Site, is Mughal Emperor Akbar's realm. The main highlight of this city lies in the monuments that were built inside the main fort making the forts huge enough to be called as a city. Easily accessible from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is open for the tourists on weekdays from sunrise to sunset. A visit to Fatehpur Sikri will introduce you to the architectural splendor that was experimented by King Akbar. The finest monuments that are the peculiarity of this township include - Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza, the tomb of Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, and the Jama Masjid which is one of the largest mosques in India. Begin your excursion from Fatehpur where Diwan-e-Aam will welcome you. Must see the stone hook near the seat where an elephant used to be tied, this is the spot where the guilty were crushed to death under elephant's feet. Argued as one of the finest achievement of the Mughal architecture, this city has the famous Jodha Palace which was then the principle harem wing for Akbar's Hindu wives. Another palace close to Jodha Bai's palace is an abode that was built for Akbar's Christian wife. Other interesting area is the humongous Pachisi (kind of Chess) board laid on the ground where humans were used as pachisi pieces and moved on the wish of king and queens. Moving further will bring you to the Panch Mahal, which was Akbar's bastion of pleasure. Stand on the first floor to feel the unadulterated winds to cool your senses and sit on the Astrologer's pavilion, which then played an important part in everyday life. These will further you towards the Diwan-e-Khaas and then the Friday mosque or Jama Masjid which is a mix of Persian and Hindu components.


City That Cast A Spell On Its Visitors
The Diwan - e - Khaas is a complex celebrated for its interior decorations and you cannot miss the central throne famous for its lotus structure. Almost every monument in Fatehpur Sikri has a tale to tell like the Birbal Bhawan that was used the residence of Raja Birbal, Akbar's brilliant Brahman prime minister. Moving towards Sikri is the famous Buland Darwaza, which is renowned as one of the tallest gateway structure in the world. The view of the town and local deep well is magnificent. Try to read the inscriptions on the gate and notice the unique calligraphic work embellished on it. Faithful will find a way to the Salem Chishti tomb which is known to fulfill wishes of the needy, like the way he blessed Akbar with a son. If you take the longer route across the long passages for this tomb avoiding the scorching sun, then you will come across many hundreds of graves sprawling on the ground, but make sure you do not step on them. Tie a knot in the Attractive Jalis of the tomb and make a wish to the Chishti saint, who for centuries is lying buried here. This structure of white marble among the red sandstone makes the tomb look like a jewel box. The attractions of Fatehpur Sikri lie in the tales and legends, that are many.

This Fatehpur Sikri might have been abandoned by the kings due to lack of water, but today is has become a major attraction that has earned fame and recognition for India. Visit this city complex that still holds the charm and aura that will captivate you. At any time of the year this world heritage site is brimming with tourist. So do not fall out of race, visit this ancient heritage to refresh the memory of your history classes.…