fatehpur rajasthan tourist places

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Visit Fatehpur in Rajasthan: 4 Popular Places to Visit in and Around Fatehpur, Rajasthan (2024)

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Though not much well-known but this ancient town of Fatehpur is quite popular among those people who have a special place for art and culture in their hearts. In this travel guide for Fatehpur, Rajasthan, we have gathered some important information about Fatehpur which you must know before visiting the place. Continue reading to know more!

History of Fatehpur, Rajasthan

Located in the Shekhawati region of the district of Sikar which was the old capital of the Indian state of Rajasthan, Fatehpur is today a popular offbeat tourist destination of the state. Established in the year 1451 by Nawab Fateh Khan, the city of Fatehpur got its name from its founder.

Culture of Fatehpur, Rajasthan

If you are someone who doesn’t like overcrowded places and prefer simplicity, then Fatehpur is just the right vacation destination for you. Fatehpur is one ancient town where you can witness the magic of beauty along with simplicity at just the same time. Owing to the fact that the city is a house to several grand havelis and beautiful temples, Fatehpur is often referred as the cultural capital of Shekhawati region. A French artist purchased the Deora Haveli and transformed it into an amazing cultural centre in the year 1999 and since then it is a popular attraction of the Fatehpur town. The Dua Janti Balaji Dham Temple, dedicated to Lord Hanuman is also a major highlight of the city as it attracts huge crowds of devotees from all over the country. There are many religious beliefs surrounding the temple. There are many other mesmerising havelis located in the city of Fatehpur which are immensely popular among travellers because of their old, authentic and mysterious charm. Adorning several stunning fresco paintings and murals, the haveli walls truly reflect the rich and vibrant culture of the place.

4 Popular Places to Visit in and Around Fatehpur, Rajasthan

Fatehpur is one amazing tourist place to visit in Rajasthan state, especially for all the offbeat travellers. Talking particularly about the sightseeing attractions located in Fatehpur, then you don’t have to worry much as there are a plethora of interesting and exciting spots nestled in the town.

Ranging from a number of majestic palaces to grand forts, there is a lot for one to explore in Fatehpur. Adorning the mesmerising craft of fresco, the palaces and forts here are truly a treat to explore, especially if you want to break out of the vicious cycle of your monotonous routine. Some of the must-visit places in and around Fatehpur are:

1. Nadine Cultural Centre:

This is one of the grand havelis for which the ancient town of Fatehpur is immensely popular. A property of the Deora family until the year 1999, when they sold it off to Nadine le Prince, who was a French Artist. The entire haveli was then modified and renovated by the artist to convert it into an amazing cultural centre. Showcasing different impressive artwork of French as well as Indian modern artists, this cultural centre is one of the most popular tourist places to visit in Fatehpur, Rajasthan, especially if you are an art lover. Adorning stunning fresco craft predominantly in the hues of blue, Nadine Cultural Centre also boasts of holding plenty of art exhibitions which further display brilliant masterpieces of contemporary as well as modern art.

• Highlight of the place: Display of a plenty of impressive artwork, art exhibitions, wonderful architecture
• Entry Fee: There is a meagre entry fee of just Rs. 50 for visiting this cultural centre.
• Distance from Jaipur, Rajasthan: about 166. 8 km away

2. Dwarkadheesh Temple

If you are looking for something religious or spiritual in the ancient town, then Dwarkadheesh temple is one of the most popular attractions of Fatehpur. Tracing its origin in the pages of history back to about the 19th century, this temple is quite popular among people and attracts devotees from all over the country. Since the temple was constructed by the sons of Seth Ashram Ji Poddar in the memory of their loving father, this temple is also well – known by the name of Ashram temple. You can find a plethora of stunning murals housed inside the temple which wonderfully represent the famous Shekhwati wall paintings and also known by the name of ‘Open Air Art Gallery’.

• Highlight of the Place: The religious beliefs of the temple, stunning murals representing the Shekhwati wall paintings
• Entry Fee: There is no entry fee for visiting this religious temple.
• Distance from Jaipur, Rajasthan: about 165 km away

3. Jagannath Singhania Haveli

The posh and luxurious lifestyle of the royal nawabs of Rajasthan is pretty much evident from the magnificent havelis. The Jagannath Singhania Haveli is one such popular haveli located in the Fatehpur town. Popular for housing several artistic paintings and mesmerising sculptures which were built during the British reign, this haveli is a prime tourist attraction of Fatehpur. Built in the year of 1860, the main attraction of the haveli is its series of marvellous paintings. Boasting of a height of 50 feet, the haveli has a special room which has nine doors. Some of the other rooms which you can visit inside the Jagannath haveli are the Baithak which is a five-door room, Rangeen karma which is a colorful room displaying many hand-made paintings of Radha Krishna and Buran which is an underground safety room that served as a safety valve for the royals in the past. You will be pleased to know that this fascinating mansion even boasts of housing a huge pool and a stunning garden with colorful and well – maintained plantations, reflecting the rich culture of Shekhawati.

• Highlight of the Place: magnificent mansion, architectural brilliance, impressive exclusive paintings, showcasing luxurious lifestyle of royals
• Distance from Jaipur, Rajasthan: about 166 km away

4. Sitaram Kedia ki Haveli

Serving as the house of a plenty of royal families, the town of Fatehpur houses a plenty of magnificent havelis. Sitaram Kedia ki Haveli is one such amazing haveli that is believed to be constructed by Seth Shree Bohitram Kedia who was the grandfather of the late Sitaram Kedia. Rajendra Kumar Kedia who is an eminent author and his son, Anurag Kedia are the current owners of this stunning haveli in Fatehpur, Rajasthan. The haveli sports two huge courtyards with a beautiful garden and a fountain. One can find plenty of traditional wall paintings throughout the haveli. It is believed that this was the first haveli in Fatehpur to have electricity via generators which also gave it the name of Bjiliwali Haveli. Though now, most of the rooms of the haveli are locked but still the magnificence and exceptional charm of the haveli makes it a must-visit attraction in Fatehpur, Rajasthan.

• Highlight of the Place: plenty of traditional wall paintings, beautiful courtyard, magnificent appearance
• Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to visit this stunning haveli.
• Distance from Jaipur, Rajasthan: about 167 km away

How to Reach Fatehpur, Rajasthan?

Located right on the Delhi – Jaipur highway, the Fatehpur town is easily reachable. So, you don’t have to worry about facing difficulty in reaching this ancient city. It is well – connected with almost all means of transports. You can reach it:

• By Air: The nearest airport to reach the Fatehpur town is the Sanganer Jaipur Airport. This airport is located at a distance of about 157 km from the town of Fatehpur. Once you reach the airport, you can easily take a cab or hire a taxi to reach your destination which will approximately take about 2 to 3 hours.
• By Rail: The nearest railway station to reach the Fatehpur town is Jhunjhunu which is located at a distance of about 10 km from the city. This railway station is well – connected to Jaipur as well as many other nearby towns. You can easily take an auto or hire a taxi from the railway station to reach the destination.
• By Road: Fatehpur is well – connected via roads as well. There are plenty of buses which run frequently from Jaipur and Bikaner to Fatehpur on a regular basis. Other than the bus service, you can also drive by your personal vehicle. You can easily catch a tourist special bus from Jaipur, Bikaner and Delhi which will drop you off at Fatehpur.

Best Time to Visit Fatehpur, Rajasthan

The ancient town of Fatehpur welcomes travellers from all over the country throughout the course of year. However, if you are looking forward only to the best experience, then the best time to visit Fatehpur for you will lie somewhere in either the autumn or spring season. Try avoiding visiting the Fatehpur town during the summer or winter season. While summers can be extremely harsh with the high temperatures, the winter season on the other hand are not liberal too as the temperature drops down to 2 to 3 degrees. Hence, the ideal time for you to visit Fatehpur would either be in the months of February to March or from October till November.

Offering a sneak peak in the Rajasthani culture, rich historical past, lovely hospitality and the love of art and culture, Fatehpur is a great tourist place to visit in Rajasthan for almost everyone. No matter whether you are looking forward to a relaxing vacation or wish to explore a plenty of offbeat sightseeing places, the ancient town of Fatehpur will keep you entertained and engaged with its plenty of attractions.

FAQ’s For Tourists Visiting Fatehpur

Q1. what makes fatehpur a popular offbeat tourist attraction of rajasthan.

Ans. Fatehpur is an ancient town of Rajasthan which boasts of being a home to a plenty of grand havelis, historic monuments with great significance and brilliant architecture. There are several beautiful wells and springs in the region too. The rich culture of the Fatehpur is another attractive feature.

Q2. How Is The Food Facility In Fatehpur, Rajasthan?

Ans. There are many good restaurants in Fatehpur that serve a variety of delicious dishes of the Indian cuisine.

Q3. Who Should Visit Fatehpur, Rajasthan?

Ans. Fatehpur in Rajasthan is an ideal vacation destination for history buffs, photographers, offbeat travellers, architecture lovers, cultural people and art enthusiasts.

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Tourist Places in Fatehpur

Fatehpur is an antiquated town and a noticeable region of the Shekhawati area. Fatehpur is prevalent with travellers who need to evaluate another goal, and have a talent for craftsmanship and culture. Effectively reachable on the Delhi-Jaipur expressway, Fatehpur has various royal residences and strongholds embellishing the wonderful art of crafting. For a break in the repetitive daily schedule, Rajasthani friendliness, love of craftsmanship and culture, head to Fatehpur. The Mahaveer Prasad Goenka Haveli of Fatehpur set up in 1870 is a standout amongst the best havelis in Fatehpur. The complex and beautiful intricacies and wall paintings at the haveli is staggering in their excellence, itemizing with the stories of the past, and are intelligent of the phenomenal craftsmanship that thrived in the region. The Goenkas were and still are a well-to-do specialists in craftsmanship in the Fatehpur region. Their haveli is a standout amongst the best to be found in the Shekhawati area. The havelis in Rajasthan, built by the craftsman of Fatehpur and the havelis in Shekhawati, specifically, are well known for their brilliant architecture. How to reach Fatehpur Fatehpur is arranged on the Jaipur-Bikaner Highway. Rail courses are associated with Jaipur, Bikaner, and Delhi. You can without much of a stretch find a train to reach Fatehpur from these spots. The Sanganer Jaipur airplane terminal is the closest air terminal to Fatehpur. Non-stop flights can be hailed from every single real city. The town is very much associated with the state roadways. It is effectively available by different urban areas through Volvo and other choice transports. How to Reach Fatehpur by Flight Fatehpur can be accessed through Sanganer Jaipur Airport. It is around 157 km far from the town of Fatehpur. You can take a trip to Jaipur and after that contract a taxi or private vehicle to take you to Fatehpur. The adventure is smooth and takes 2-3 hours. How to Reach Fatehpur by Train The closest railroad station is Jhunjhunu which is around 10 km from the city. Jhunjhunu is all around associated with Jaipur and other close-by towns. You can take a train to Jhunjhunu and afterwards a taxi or auto to Fatehpur. How to Reach Fatehpur by Road The city is 50 km away from Sikar, 38 km away from Churu and 49 km from Jhunjhunu. The city is quite accessible from any other cities too.

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Mandawa and fatehpur – tourist hub of shekhawati.

Mandawa is the most popular town when it comes to the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan. A typical tourist town buzzing with tourists from all around the world. It is one of those places where you see more tourists than locals and the economy revolves around them. It is also a favorite of the filmmakers who have shot many films in the colorful lanes of this town. I wonder if the decision was driven by the colorful Havelis or the ready availability of hotels around.

Mandawa is an 18th CE town, a contemporary of other Shekhawati towns like Nawalgarh . It falls in the district of Jhunjhunu and in character it is just like them, but a lot more vibrant. I visited the town from Bagad near Jhunjhunu which was my base for exploring the colorful Havelis of Shekhawati.

Mandawa & Fatehpur of Shekhawati, Rajasthan

Come with me to explore the tourist town as I saw it.

Mandawa Fort

The Mandawa Fort is now converted into a heritage hotel. So you have to stay with them to have access. Else, there is a hefty cover charge to enter the premises.

Like any royal palace in Rajasthan, you see a lot of paintings, old portraits, and vintage furniture here. There is a swimming pool bang in the middle of all the heritage.

What I remember most from the fort is the courtyard with a Chowk in the middle. This is an open space that is bare earth with no flooring, decorated with auspicious designs. This kind of space is typically used for conducting rituals like weddings. I remember even my ancestral home had a place like this.

Another is a small narrow room with some exquisite paintings in a predominantly blue color. It has the 10 avatars of Vishnu painted in a series of panels.

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There are some lovely examples of composite art. Where the body of one living being mostly an elephant or a horse is created using many other living beings. This is not very common on the walls of Shekhawati Havelis.

Mandawa Haveli

It is one of the most visited Haveli-turned hotels in the town. Built in 1890 CE, this Haveli has been lately restored and converted into a hotel with a rooftop restaurant. The management is open to showing you the Haveli. Even if you just want to admire the paintings on its two floors.

You can see an airplane, a train, human life, and royal processions in the paintings. Krishna and his Leela of course dominate the scenes painted on the Haveli walls. Since this Shekhawati Haveli is in use, you see furniture all around, rooms that are being used, and windows overlooking the streets used by the guests. The Ganapati on top of the entrance has a fresh flower garland on it. This all brings the Haveli alive for a visitor. Unlike other uninhabited Havelis, which are either lying empty or have been converted into museums. It is also interesting to see how the rooms and other spaces have been reworked to make them into guest rooms. Smaller spaces have been made into sit-outs.

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From the rooftop, you can see the town of Mandawa, with a mélange of rooftops with some artistic expression peeping in from here and there. The fort with its tall walls and temples with their shikharas cannot be missed.

Raghunath Temple

A flight of steps leads you to Raghunath temple, close to Mandawa Haveli. It is built like another Haveli. But the boards and the flag on top give away that it is a temple. Just like the Gopinath Ji temple in Nawalgarh, this temple also has lively paintings on the ceiling of the temple porch. What I found interesting is the small labels on the paintings that explain the scene painted. You of course need to know the characters to understand the story. How I wish some guides would be available to do some storytelling.

Golden Room at Jhunjhunwala Haveli

Jhunjhunwala Haveli looks like many other Havelis in the neighborhood with fading paintings on its walls, except that it advertises its golden room in English and French. I entered the gate to land in an open courtyard, the left part of which was inhabited and the right one had a painted porch. A man took a small fee and opened the door to the painted porch. This was the golden room, where the paintings have a dominant golden hue.

This room is maintained like a museum in an otherwise neglected Haveli. There are board games and vintage furniture. The best-preserved paintings are the ones on the ceiling and the ones higher up on the walls. Mostly the Krishna Leela is painted here. But I also saw Shiv Parvati, Devi, and Ram Darbar. Windows have colorful stained glass, adding its own color to the room.

Harlalka Well of Mandawa

This a well located at the far end of the road from Jhunjhunu Haveli. The well is reached by a flight of steps where the well is guarded by two pillars. There are small canopies around it. They say the well is very deep. I assume so because it is a desert, and water is not too easy to find. In the good old days, this must have been a place where women came to get water from all the Havelis nearby.

Walking around the lanes leading to the well, I was admiring the paintings on the walls around me. The children playing there told me about all the Bollywood films that have been shot here.

Chaukhani Double Haveli

There are many double Havelis in Mandawa. I visited the Chaukhani double haveli as I saw the board announcing the name and the word ‘Double’ intrigued me. I entered and the caretaker agreed to show me the big Haveli for a small fee. On a small guided tour, he explained two co-joined identical Havelis. The logic being the wealthy man has two sons looking into the future. So, the two Havelis are built for two sons in a way that if they get along, it is a single large Haveli. If they don’t, well, just close the doors on the wall in the middle and live independently.

What I would remember is the sheer size of the Haveli with large courtyards.

Murmuria Haveli

Murmuria Haveli has the aura of being an Italian mansion. It has subtle colors like pale pistachio instead of the usual bright ones of the region. The highlight of this Haveli is a painting that shows Nehru riding a horse, a portrait of George V. A board outside the Haveli duly announces it.

Inside I found a curious mix of a Shekhawati Haveli and a European mansion. The walls have a collage of contemporary paintings in large squares. There is a portrait of Bharat Mata along with scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharat. A panel on the wall has portraits of all the leaders of the Indian independence movement like Gandhi and Tilak.

Surrounded by many typical Havelis, this Haveli stands out for its unique fusion style.

Goenka Haveli

It is another nicely preserved Haveli with colorful Saris hanging all around it. Making it look even more colorful. I saw a rare Yamraj painting on its walls.

The streets of the town belong to the time when the city must have come up. They proudly flaunt their era in their architecture.

Fatehpur Havelis

Fatehpur is another Shekhawati town, not too far. It is famous for its French Haveli.

Nadine Le Prince Cultural Centre

This is like any other Shekhawati Haveli, built two hundred years ago by Nandlal Devra. It was purchased by French artist Nadine in 1998. She worked on conserving the Haveli. So now, it has a French name and a hefty ticket to see it. I liked the giant elephant paintings in indigo blue. The caretaker was rude, probably looking only for white-skinned tourists. Apparently, European art school students come to study the paintings here. Ironically, most people in India are not even aware of these wonderful painted Havelis.

Walking around the town of Fatehpur, one can see streets lined with painted Havelis. Each is unique in its own way.

Temples in and around Fatehpur

Goenka Shakti Temple – This was the first Dadi Sati temple I visited in Shekhawati. Biran Barji – the ancestors of the Goenka clan are worshipped here in a beautiful temple. The deities are worshipped in the form of a Trident or Trishul. There is a temple dedicated to sixteen forms of Shakti or divine feminine. This opened up another window for me to explore the region.

Just outside the Goenka temple, I found a signboard pointing to the Kuldevi of Bindals. Basically, the Kuldevi temples of all the Gotras of Agrawal are found in this region.

Panchmukhi Balaji Temple is a lovely temple dedicated to Hanuman. The term Balaji in this region is used for Hanuman. There are quite a few Balaji temples in this region.

Janti Balaji Temple is another very popular temple where I saw a wall of offered coconuts.

Here and there one sees wells that are well-marked and preserved. Indicating their relevance for the people of the town. What is interesting is that each well and each water storage place has a unique name. Mostly named after the person who built it. You can shop for Rajasthani souvenirs like Lac Bangles here.

Roaming around the city is like time travel to the times when aesthetics ruled architecture.

The tourist town is well equipped to handle tourists. You would not have any problem finding a hotel or a restaurant.

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I first visited Mandawa in 1989. There was only 1 Hotel there, the Mandawa Castle and come Winters the city was full of foreign Tourists. But since there was no other Hotel at that time, Locals out numbered the Tourists. This was a walk down the Memory lane. I don’t know if you also discovered this unique Painting in fatehpur of Lord Krishna and Radha being chauffeured around in a car? That for me was the Highlight of my Trip.

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The Shekhawati capital: Fatehpur, Rajasthan

Located around 21 km south-west of the town of Mandawa is a small sleepy, desert town of Fatehpur which is also called the culture capital of . Fatehpur is situated in the Sikar district of northern Rajasthan. The town of Fatehpur was established in 1451 by Nawab Fateh Khan and hence derives its name from its former ruler. Fatehpur was later conquered by Shekhawat Rajputs and has since been an epicentre of the Shekhawati paintings.

Getting to the town of Fatehpur is fairly easy since it situated along NH 11 which located along the Jaipur-Bikaner route. There are plenty of government and private buses which do the rounds leaving from Jaipur and Bikaner every 30 minutes from the government bus stand.

From Mandawa, there are buses every 15 minutes to Fatehpur through the day. There is also a railway station at Fatehpur which is covered by the Jaipur – Sikar – Churu rail route. From the town of Mandawa, the local bus is the best way to get to Fatehpur.

The journey to Fatehpur takes travellers right into the heart of the desert where one can see sand dunes and barren vegetation on either side of the road. The roads are covered in dust and sand, with camels wandering in search of any little food which can be found in the desert. Huge trees with multiple branches and not a single leaf on them are found through the desert. The journey continues through this terrain, till you reach the outskirts of the town of Fatehpur.

Once in Fatehpur, the best way of getting around the place and exploring the town is on foot and locals are very helpful and come out of their way to help travellers be at ease in their town. Being the cultural capital of the Shekhawati region, there are plenty of ancient paintings along the outer and inner walls of the Havelis. On an average, it should take around one to two hours maximum to see them all unless one is going to get into details about each haveli.

The main attractions in Fatehpur include two temples one is the Dwarkadheesh Mandir built by Seth Asharam Ji Poddar in the 19th century. This building is rich with fresco paintings of Shekhawati. The second one is the Dau Janti Balaji Dham which is a famous Hanuman temple renowned all over for miracles and fulfilling wishes of devotees.

Some of the Havelis worth visiting are the Singhania Haveli built within a three-year span, from 1857 to 1860 by Seth Jagan Nath Singhania Ji. The grand mansion is itself a landmark of Fathepur Shekhawati, it is known for the artistic sculpture and fresco paintings of the British Raj. There is a small entry fee to be paid before entering this haveli. There are plenty of Havelis built by the trader community in the 19th century like Saraogi Haveli, Goenka Haveli, etc which are worth visiting.

The other must-visit place is Nadine Le Prince Cultural Center. Nadine Le, a French artist, purchased the Deora Haveli in 1999 to transform it into a cultural centre. Nadine is involved in preserving and restoration of old Havelis, fresco paintings and murals.

The Havelis in Fatehpur are very beautifully painted and have some artwork which is nowhere to be seen in the neighbouring villages. There are paintings of small toy-trains and the haveli arches have been painted with deep red and blue. Many of the Havelis still have people staying in them so it’s important to ask permission before you enter them.

A must do this for anyone who visits Fatehpur is to get to the terrace of any of the Havelis and get a magnificent view of the town. The scene from the terrace top is out of the world. The whole town looks like the sets of a movie from the Middle-East and will give one, the feel of what life must have been under the Rajput rule many years ago. The terrace tops are generally where the pigeons are fed, so be watchful before you enter; so that you don’t scare them away.

has a bustling market where everything is sold. The town also has plenty of ATMs and very good cell phone connectivity. Along the streets, you will notice plenty of hand cart vendors selling sweets, samosas, peanuts and fruits. The samosas or choris are totally worth having.

Accommodation in Fatehpur is limited to a handful of Havelis which have now been converted into luxury hotels and budget guesthouses for backpackers. Food can also be arranged on request at the haveli stays. Most of them serve authentic Rajasthani Thalis. There are a couple of dhabas which are located near the bus stop which serve an unlimited vegetarian thali at a very minimal cost.

The best time to visit Fatehpur, is during the winter months from November to mid-March, since for the rest of the year, the desert heat is unbearable and makes even walking around the town a real task.

Fatehpur can be clubbed with the towns of Ramgarh and Mahansar which lie along the same route and all three towns can be easily covered in a single day by taking the local buses. The town of Fatehpur is a must-visit place for anyone who is really interested in seeing the true culture and heritage of this once mighty Shekhawati empire.

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Fatehpur in Sikar

Known for grand Havelis, baoris and magnificent paintings, Fatehpur was the capital of Fateh khan, a Muslim nawab. He founded Fatehpur town in 1451. Fatehpur has many centers of attractions like-

Nadine Le Prince Haveli- Nadine Le Prince bought the Nand Lal Devra Haveli which was constructed in 1802. She is doing great work in preserving and restoring heritage Havelis throughout Shekhawati .

Now also open a cultural center where different artwork of French and Indian modern artists are shown up.

Kala Dirga gallery exhibits contemporary art about India, Saraswati gallery exhibits painting having Rajasthan traditional themes, Patachitras and Madhubani are two small tribal art galleries showing artwork of tribes.

Entry fee is Rs 50/-.

Qureshi Farm- Its one of the project is conferred as top three humanitarian projects worldwide by UN.

This livestock farm was constructed in 2011 and known for best research on breed development and maintains the pedigree of Indian goats and sheep.

Jagannath Singhania Haveli – This haveli was built in 1860 and known for marvelous paintings of Radha-Krishan. Singhania Haveli is 50 feet in height and has a special 9 door room.

Other rooms of this haveli like Baithak, Bara Dari, Rangeen Kamra and Bhuran are known to have exclusive paintings work.

Dwarkadheesh temple- Built in 19th century, it is famously known as ‘Asharam Temple’. Sons of Seth Asharam Ji Poddar constructed this temple in the memory of their father.

This temple also has the murals which represent the famous Shekhawati wall paintings, well known as ‘ Open Air Art Gallery ‘.

There are also other havelis which are well decorated with murals and paintings.

Fatehpur, Sikar on Google Map

How To Reach Fatehpur, Sikar

By Road: Fatehpur is located at 50 km, 38 km, 49 km from Sikar, Churu and Jhunjhunu on NH 11.

One can easily reach here by hiring a taxi or by RSRTC bus from Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu.

By Rail: Fatehpur is well connected through nearest Sikar, Churu, and Jhunjhunu railway stations to major cities railway stations like Delhi, Agra, Mumbai, Chennai, Ajmer , Pali , Jaipur , Ahmedabad.

By Air: Fatehpur can be reach through nearest Jaipur Airport (176 Km) which is well connected with regular domestic flights to Delhi, Mumbai.

Fatehpur, Rajasthan

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• 7 Historical Places To Visit In Fatehpur Sikri Which Gives A Glimpse Of The Mughal Architecture In 2024!

23 Mar 2023

Beyond the beauty of Agra’s Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri is another feather on the cap of the Mughal Emperors. Once considered to be the capital of the Mughal Empire, this medieval city holds a special place in the history of the Mughals. Known for its marvelous architecture and intricate carvings, the city is blessed with some of the finest structures to admire. From the palaces to the masjid, there are a lot of places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri which are worth visiting to witness the beauty of these historical monuments.

7 Best Places To Visit In Fatehpur Sikri

Here are some of the best places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri which one must visit to admire the beautiful architectures which reflects the royal history.

1. Jama Masjid

Image Credit: Guilhem Vellut for Wikipedia

Jama Masjid is considered as one of the country’s largest mosque which was recognised as a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1986. Built by Emperor Akbar during the time between 1571-72 AD, this mosque is also called the Friday Mosque. Under the supervision of Sufi Saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, this magnificent mosque was designed and built. The mosque has a rectangular structure which has a vastly spread courtyard along with an entrance from the North, South and East. The interior of the mosque is decorated with glazed tiles, inlaid stones and also paintings which are intricately carved with the Holy Quran.

Timings: 6AM-6PM Distance from the city: 1 kms Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 260 for Foreigners

Must Read: A Boat Ride From Delhi To Taj Mahal Is On The Cards & We Can’t Keep Calm!

2. Buland Darwaza

Image Source

Also called the Gate of Magnificence, the Buland Darwaza is the main entrance to enter the Jama Masjid complex located in Fatehpur Sikri. This gateway was built in the 1576 AD by Emperor Akbar to celebrate his victory over Gujarat. Made of red and buff sandstone, this gate is designed with black and white marble. Rising at a height of 54m tall, this 15 storied gateway is the entrance to the city of Fatehpur Sikri. The most beautiful thing about this gateway is that the pillars and archway is inscribed with Holy Quran and Persian inscription.

Timings: 7AM-6PM Entry Fee: INR 20 and INR 260 Foreigners

Suggested Read: The Taj Mahal – Visit India’s Favourite Heritage Monument

3. Archaeological Museum

Located at a distance of 100m from the Diwan-I-Am, this museum is situated within a treasury building. This place was in ruins until it was restored during the time between 2002-2004. Inside the museum, there are pre-Mughal and Mughal artefacts which were discovered in Fatehpur Sikri. Alongside that, there are four galleries inside the museum which displays the monolithic stone tools of the pre-historic time. In addition to this, there are Jain sculptures, miniature stone sculptures and figurines which can be witnessed inside the museum.

Timings: 9AM-5PM (Closed on Friday)

Suggested Read: After Red Fort & Qutub Minar, Taj Mahal Is Up For Adoption Too!

4. Birbal’s Palace

The Birbal palace was built around the time of 1571 which was the official residence of Raja Birbal who was Akbar’s Hindu Prime Minister. This place was a part of the Imperial Harem where Akbar’s senior queens named Ruqayya Begum and Salima Begum resided. This palace is the true depiction of the Mughal architecture which can be witnessed through intricate carvings, surreal jharokhas and also elevated floral patterns.

Timings: 7AM-6PM (Closed on Friday) Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 260 for foreigners

Suggested Read: Taj Mahal vs Golden Temple: Which One Would You Choose?

5. Hiran Minar

Emperor Akbar built this minar in the memory of his beloved elephant named, Hiran. The minar was seen as a milepost and also a lighthouse which helped the people walk at ease after the dark. This minar is standing tall at a height of 21.34 m tall in an octagonal shape from the ground level. And on the other side, the remaining portion of the tower is circular. There are also alternatively hexagons designed in the minar and six-point stars. During the Akbar’s reign, this tower was actually a watchtower where the womenfolk used to stand and watch sports, wrestling games and animal fights.

Timings: 7AM-6PM Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians and INR 260 for Foreigners

Suggested Read: Agra Fort: A Complete Guide To The Marvellous And Historic Monument

6. Jodha Bai Palace

Jodha Bai Palace is located inside the Fatehpur Sikri’s complex and considered to be the largest buildings within the boundary. This monument was built by Akbar for his beloved wife Jodha who was a Rajput princess. The palace is different from all the other architectures inside the complex. The architecture of this place reflects the beautiful Hindu and Muslim design patterns. Inside the architecture, there are motifs of hams parrot and the lotus ghant mala.

Timings: 7AM-6PM (Closed on Friday) Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians to INR 260 for Foreigners

Suggested Read: 20 Places To Visit In Agra: Explore the City Beyond Taj Mahal

7. Panch Mahal

The Panch Mahal is one of the famous places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri which holds the intricate beauty of the Mughal architecture. This five-storey monument was built by Emperor Akbar and used to be an ideal summer getaway for the women of the royal family. Also called the wind tower, the Panch Mahal is made of red sandstone which has around five pavilions adjoined by the staircases. The pillars showcase the carvings of Persian, Hindu and Jain elements which are worth a sight.

Timings: 7AM-6PM Complex Entry Fee: INR 20 for Indians, INR 260 for Foreigners

Further Read: Top 20 Things To Do In Agra To Explore The True Beauty Of Home Of Taj

While Taj Mahal steals all the attention, Fatehpur Sikri has its own charm. The city which was made by Mughal emperor Akbar in the present day holds a lot of significance. From the ancient structures to the palaces which were once the getaways for the royal family, there is a lot to explore. So if you’re planning to visit Agra anytime soon, make sure to take a trip to Fatehpur Sikri and witness the beautiful architectures and carvings of the Mughal era.

Disclaimer: TravelTriangle claims no credit for images featured on our blog site unless otherwise noted. All visual content is copyrighted to its respectful owners. We try to link back to original sources whenever possible. If you own the rights to any of the images, and do not wish them to appear on TravelTriangle, please contact us and they will be promptly removed. We believe in providing proper attribution to the original author, artist or photographer.

Please Note: Any information published by TravelTriangle in any form of content is not intended to be a substitute for any kind of medical advice, and one must not take any action before consulting a professional medical expert of their own choice.

Frequently Asked Questions about Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri

What time does Fatehpur Sikri open?

Fatehpur Sikri is open for visitors from 6:00 am to 7:30 pm and you can complete the tour in an hour. Furthermore, the place is open seven days a week, and also on public holidays.

Is there any ticket for Fatehpur Sikri?

The entry ticket for Fatehpur Sikri is INR 35. Additionally, entry is free for children under 15. However, the ticket price for foreigners is INR 550.

Can I visit Fatehpur Sikri during the current Covid situation?

Yes, you can plan a visit to Fatehpur Sikri during the current Covid situation. However, make sure that you are completely vaccinated and always carry your vaccination certificate. Besides this, you need to follow government protocols that include wearing a mask when in public, sanitizing hands at certain intervals, and maintaining social distance.

What is Fatehpur Sikri known for?

Fatehpur Sikri emerged as the capital of Mughals till 1585 after which the empire was shifted to Agra. Emperor Akbar built this fort-like structure in honour of the Sufi Saint Salim Chishti. At the present, it is one of the best preserved Mughal Architecture of India.

What are the must-visit attractions to visit in Fatehpur Sikri?

Some of the famous places to visit in Fatehpur Sikri are Jodha Bai Palace, Jama Masjid, Buland Darwaza and Panch Mahal.

What is the distance between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri?

Agra is located at a distance of 36.2 km from Fatehpur Sikri and it takes around 43 minutes to reach.

Which are some of the best places to visit near Fatehpur Sikri?

Delhi, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Noida, Agra, Jaipur, Gwalior, Jhajjar, Aligarh, etc. are some of the top places to visit near Fatehpur Sikri.

When is the best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri?

The months between October to March are touted as the best months to witness the glory of Fatehpur Sikri.

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A complete travel guide for visiting Fatehpur Sikri – how to get there, timings & other insider tips

Akbar did choose the perfect location for his capital – Fatehpur Sikri! The place is just one hour away from Agra , and almost the same distance from Delhi and Jaipur. In short, it is a perfect stop-over for anyone exploring the Golden Triangle in India. The erstwhile capital of the Mughals and a UNESCO World Heritage Site , this ghost town is filled with wonderful sights and stories. For me, visiting Fatehpur Sikri was akin to finding the missing piece in the Mughal jigsaw – especially after the Agra fort , the Taj Mahal and Humayun’s tomb .

When I was planning a visit to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra, I found myself confused with the scattered information on the internet. Not only are there multiple ways of getting to Fatehpur Sikri, but conflicting rate cards for tourist guides, taxi fares and even timings of the place. However, when I visited Fatehpur Sikri, I realized that visiting it was not complex at all. All one needed was clear and a single source of information.

Well, I have it all here for you. I have designed this travel guide to help you plan a trip to Fatehpur Sikri and even combine it with other places around this ghost town. There are tips on the best ways to get to Fatehpur Sikri from all the Golden Triangle cities – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur. I have also, included basic information on timings, entrance fees, where to hire Fatehpur Sikri tourist guides and what their charges are.

In short, I have put together a complete do-it-yourself trip guide to Fatehpur Sikri.

Quick links for your trip to Fatehpur Sikri

Here are some useful links that you can use when you are planning a visit to Fatehpur Sikri.

• Agra hotels
• Bharatpur hotels
• Jaipur to Agra cab via Abhaneri & Fatehpur Sikri -Transfer
• From Agra: Private Tour of Fatehpur Sikri
• Delhi Agra Fatehpur Sikri Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary
• Agra: Guided Tour of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort and Fatehpur Sikri
• Private One Day Tour of Taj Mahal, Agra Fort & Fatehpur Sikri from New Delhi
• Taj Mahal & Agra Fort Tour with Fatehpur Sikri from Agra
• Avail Tour Guide in Fatehpur Sikri & Skip the line
• For any of your travel needs or general shopping, consider using  Amazon  through  this link.
• 1 Introduction to Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
• 2 What to see in Fatehpur Sikri?
• 3.1.1 Mathura & Vrindavan
• 3.1.2 Bharatpur
• 3.2.1.1 Hire a cab
• 3.2.1.2 By Bus
• 3.2.1.3 By train
• 3.2.2.1 By Cab
• 3.2.2.2 By Bus
• 3.2.2.3 By train
• 3.2.3.1 By Cabs
• 3.2.3.2 By Bus
• 3.2.3.3 By train
• 3.2.4 A note on the various Fatehpur Sikri tour packages
• 3.3 3) Consider visiting Fatehpur Sikri during winters
• 3.4 4) Plan to visit Fatehpur Sikri before noon or just after 3 pm
• 3.5 5) Preserve your Fatehpur Sikri CNG bus ticket carefully
• 3.6 6) Start your tour of Fatehpur Sikri from Diwan-i-Aam (Sikri section)
• 3.7 7) Book your Fatehpur Sikri tickets online
• 3.8 8) Hire a licensed Fatehpur Sikri tourist guide
• 3.9 Keep aside at least 2 – 3 hours for Fatehpur Sikri
• 3.10 Carry your own water
• 3.11 You will need to remove your shoes when you visit the Fatehpur section
• 3.12 Beware of touts and scammers
• 4.1 Is there an audio guide available for Fatehpur Sikri?
• 4.2 Can you cover Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal on the same day?
• 4.3 Which day is Fatehpur Sikri closed?

Introduction to Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh

Fatehpur Sikri was originally a small hamlet and was just called Sikri. In the 16 th century, this small village was home to a Sufi saint – Shaikh Salim Chisti , who was renowned for his blessings. It was believed that if he prayed for you, your wish would come true.

Despite his many wives, Emperor Akbar was childless for a very long time. When he heard of Sheikh Salim Chisti, he visited him in Sikri and requested him to pray for his heir. Within a few months, his first son was born to his third wife – Rani Jodhabai . Overjoyed, Akbar not only named his son Salim after the saint but over time, began to develop Sikri as his new capital.

Sikri became Fatehpur Sikri after Akbar became victorious in his siege against Gujarat. Fateh means victory and Akbar believed that the good things were happening to him after moving to Sikri – thus the new name. This is when he built a grand entrance to his capital called Buland Darwaza – which today is the World’s highest gate.

Unfortunately, the scarcity of potable water and strategic wars elsewhere forced Akbar to abandon his grand city. Fatehpur Sikri fell into shambles and was barely used – even by the British who later took over the Mughal kingdom. However, its grandeur could not be hidden. Eventually, this ghost city became an important historical site in India and was finally granted a UNESCO World Heritage status in 1986.

Today Fatehpur Sikri falls well within the Golden Triangle tourist circuit. It is a destination combined with a visit to Delhi, Agra or even Jaipur. However, there are a few other destinations that can be combined with a visit here – all of which I will be sharing in this Fatehpur Sikri travel guide.

What to see in Fatehpur Sikri?

Built in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is distinctly divided into two parts . While Sikri includes the residential buildings and the court of Emperor Akbar, Fatehpur is a religious hub consisting of a grand mosque and Salim Chisti’s tomb. Between these two sections, there are over 20 things to see in Fatehpur Sikri – all of which have been documented by me in my earlier post .

I have also, covered the various stories attached to these attractions in this post as well the details on the Mughal architecture. Thus, for this section of my Fatehpur Sikri travel guide, I will only be sharing a shorter list of the key tourist attractions.

• Buland Darwaza – this is the highest gateway in the World and the entrance to the city from the Fatehpur side of the ghost town.
• Jama Masjid – one of the largest mosques in India and the earliest of the structures built in Fatehpur Sikri
• Tomb of Salim Chisti – the marble tomb of the patron saint who was the original resident of Fatehpur Sikri
• Diwan-i-aam – the hall of common audience whose walls echo with the tales of jest and justice meted out by Akbar and his minister – Birbal
• Diwan -I – Khas – the hall of private audience with its stunning central pillar that is a testament to the new religion Din-i-illahi, introduced by Akbar
• Ankh Micholi Mahal – its original purpose was to serve as a treasury but it got this name of Hide and seek palace for a different reason. An interesting story explained in this post.
• Panch Mahal – this is an iconic monument that served as a pleasure palace to take in views and enjoy the cool evenings
• Pachisi court   – a giant chess board
• The zenana – With its three important palaces – the Turkish sultana’s palace, Jodha Bai Palace and the Golden palace.
• Anup Talao – the place where Tansen used to exhibit his musical prowess.
• Khwabgah of Akbar – his personal bedroom
• Birbal Mahal – the unfinished home of Birbal

Besides these, there are many more places like the Elephant stables, the offices and Hiran Minar that I have included in this ultimate Fatehpur Sikri sightseeing list . These monuments are quite well preserved and have so many stories attached to them. You should definitely consider adding them to your Fatehpur Sikri itinerary.

While you do that, let’s get on to the tips that you will need to know before you visit Fatehpur Sikri.

Tips for visiting Fatehpur Sikri

1) do fatehpur sikri as a day trip.

One of the main reasons I recommend doing Fatehpur Sikri as a day trip is that there are not many hotels here. Fatehpur Sikri is conveniently located from the three major cities of the Golden triangle tourist circuit – Delhi, Agra and Jaipur.  Among these three, Agra is the closest. Agra to Fatehpur Sikri distance is just 35 km.

While it is common to visit Fatehpur Sikri enroute between these cities, you can also, add Mathura or Bharatpur to your itinerary . Here is a quick gist of what you can expect to see in these two cities.

Mathura & Vrindavan

Located just 65 km from Fatehpur Sikri , these twin towns are the childhood abode of Lord Krishna. They are well known for its temples and holy ghats. The Hindu architecture and culture is quite different from what you will see in Agra or Delhi. It adds a different element to your travel itinerary.

Just 2 5 km from Fatehpur Sikri , this can be easily combined in your day trip itinerary. Both these towns fall on the highway from Agra to Jaipur, making them a perfect road trip stop. Bharatpur has gorgeous cenotaphs and is known for its bird sanctuary. If you love bird-watching, then you might even want to spend the night here. There are some good Bharatpur hotels that you can book online .

2) Take the road or rail – the best way to reach Fatehpur Sikri from various cities

Fatehpur Sikri is well connected by road and rail to all the key cities that I have mentioned above. The Fatehpur Railway station and the bus stand is located just 800 meters from the Buland Darwaza entrance of the Fatehpur Sikri Fort. Besides the bus and train option, you can even hire an intercity cab to get to Fatehpur Sikri.  Here are some specifics from the main cities –

Fatehpur Sikri tour from Agra

Most visitors prefer visiting Fatehpur Sikri from Agra. I too, opted to visit after my Sunrise tour of Taj Mahal . I was on the road by 9 am and back in Agra by 3 pm – with enough time to spare for the Red Fort or any of the other Agra attractions.

There are three ways to do this trip to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra –

If you go to the Agra Idgah bus stand, you will find many local cabs ready for a round trip to Fatehpur Sikri. On an average, a Agra to Fatehpur Sikri cab fare ranges from INR 1500 to INR 2000 for a round trip . This also, includes the waiting charges at Fatehpur Sikri and the parking fees there.

I chose to book a cab through my Agra hotel transport desk which cost me the same. You can also, book a taxi from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri through the Uber and Ola apps. The charges for the same are displayed when you start booking. I found them a little pricier than the options available locally.

Another option to book a taxi online . The rates are quite comparable and the user ratings give you confidence about the services. Here is one option that includes a tourist guide for Fatehpur Sikri.

One of the biggest advantages of hiring a private cab is that your time spent in Fatehpur Sikri is flexible . Also, if you have a tight schedule like I did, then you might feel a little rushed to catch a bus or a train. The taxi option gave me enough time to see the T aj Mahal at Sunrise , have breakfast and then set off for a visit to Fatehpur Sikri.

Idgah bus station near Agra Cantt has numerous buses to Fatehpur Sikri at regular intervals. The service starts at 6 am and the last bus out is at 7 pm. Depending on the type of bus, your fare would be between INR 75 – INR 100 for a one-way journey. You can check the Agra Fatehpur Sikri bus schedule and book a ticket online through the UP state transport website . (Note the destination name has been misspelt as Fatehpur Sikari).

There are several private tour operators and tourist buses available Agra fort bus stand as well as Agra Cantt to Fatehpur Sikri. The tickets for these are priced a little higher – INR 300 -400 per person for a one way ticket . You can book these Agra to Fatehpur Sikri buses through various travel apps like Redbus or Abhibus.

Average time to travel from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri by bus is 2 hours.

There are at least 5 – 7 Agra to Fatehpur Sikri train options available for your visit. These can be viewed through the Indian Railway website and even booked through the site. The journey time is a little over 2 hours. The trains are available at both the Agra Fort as well as Agra Cantt stations.

Personally, I do not recommend a train from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri. The train not only takes a longer time but also, the fixed departures might be a little restricting if you are visiting the Agra monuments.

Trips from Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri

Most people visit Fatehpur Sikri from Delhi along with Agra. However, it is quite possible to just do a Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri day trip without including Agra in your trip plan.

There are various cabs that can be booked online for a Fatehpur Sikri visit from Delhi. Some of these options even include a private tour guide. You can even book an intercity Uber or Ola cab from Delhi.  The drive time is around 5 hours for a distance of 240 kms.

You have various UPSTC (UP state transport buses) as well as private tourist buses like Zing that will drop you at Fatehpur Sikri. However, the biggest drawback of using these buses is that Fatehpur Sikri is not the end destination but just a stop on the way. Thus, the time taken to travel as well as the duration of the journey is far more than taking a direct cab.

Some of these buses arrive at wee hours and you will find yourself stranded in the ghost town at that time.

Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri train is a good alternative to the cabs, especially for budget travelers. There are many trains from New Delhi that go through Fatehpur Sikri railway station. It is better to opt for an overnight journey that lands you at Fatehpur Sikri around 8 am or later.

The duration of these train journeys from Delhi to Fatehpur Sikri range from 6.5 hours to 8 hours.

Visiting from Jaipur to Fatehpur Sikri

Most people traveling from Jaipur to Agra, usually stop at Fatehpur Sikri – which falls on the same highway. Compared to Delhi, Jaipur is a little closer to Fatehpur Sikri and hence, as convenient if you just want to do a day trip here and return back to Jaipur.

Most cab services that can be booked online also, offer stops at Chand Baori and Agra. You can however, book an exclusive trip with a guide just to Fatehpur Sikri through various websites or local travel agents. Ola and Uber also, have intercity cabs with a round-trip option available from Jaipur.

Most of the Rajasthan state transport buses and UP state transport buses between Agra and Jaipur are likely to stop at Fatehpur Sikri. These buses can be booked online through the respective state transport websites that I have included in this section.

There are many private bus operators that ply on the same route and have a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. Apps like Redbus or Abhi bus can help you booking these.

Important note- There is a town called Fatehpur in Rajasthan which is different from Fatehpur Sikri. So, if you are entering the name Fatehpur, ensure it is Fatehpur Sikri or Fatehpur, UP and not just Fatehpur. The same goes for booking train tickets.

Here is a itinerary for 3 days in Jaipur. It covers all the major attractions in the this pink city of India

Trains between Agra and Jaipur are likely to have a stop at Fatehpur Sikri. You can look up the various options of the Jaipur to Fatehpur Sikri trains on this Railways website and book a convenient one.

While it might work out economical, I would recommend a road journey with stops at Bharatpur or Chand Baori from Jaipur to Fatehpur Sikri. That way, you get to see a lot more.

A note on the various Fatehpur Sikri tour packages

There are several tour packages like available for Fatehpur Sikri. If these are day trip options combining two or three monuments, make a note of the total trip duration. With the travel time included, you should have at least 2 hours to see Fatehpur Sikri fully. Otherwise, you might find these tours too rushed.

Group tours in particular will have allocated duration for each monument and you will have to strictly adhere to it. However, they do tend to be a little more economical as compared to private tours.

The other thing that you must keep in mind while evaluating the various tour packages for Fatehpur Sikri is whether entrance tickets and tourist guides are included in the package.

3) Consider visiting Fatehpur Sikri during winters

Exploring Fatehpur Sikri requires quite a bit of walking. It is a place that gets really hot in summers with temperature soaring over 40 degrees. Monsoons can get a little uncomfortable with the showers. The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is winters – from October to February when the weather is cooler and perfect for an outdoor experience.

4) Plan to visit Fatehpur Sikri before noon or just after 3 pm

Fatehpur Sikri timings are from 6 am to 6 pm (basically sunrise to sunset). The place is generally not very crowded through the day. To take advantage of the cooler temperature, it is best to visit Fatehpur Sikri either before 11 am or after 3 pm. The sunlight too, is a little less harsh, making the place perfect for photography.

5) Preserve your Fatehpur Sikri CNG bus ticket carefully

All vehicles have to be parked near the ticket counter which is around one kilometer from the main entrances of the Fatehpur Sikri citadel. There is a CNG bus that shuttles visitors from the parking area to the entrance of the fort. It charges INR 30 per person for a round trip. Ensure that you preserve your tickets for the return journey to the parking lot.

If you are arriving by a bus or train to Fatehpur Sikri, you will be able to board the same CNG bus from the station. Besides the CNG bus, you can also, opt to walk to the entrances.

6) Start your tour of Fatehpur Sikri from Diwan-i-Aam (Sikri section)

As explained earlier, there are two parts to the Fatehpur Sikri fort. Sikri is where the residence and courts of Akbar are while Fatehpur is the religious hub. If you have read my detailed post on the places to see in this ghost town, then you will know that most of the attractions are in the Sikri part. From my experience, this is where you will end up spending most of your time. Hence, I recommend you start from here and then proceed to Fatehpur.

Also, the Fatehpur Sikri entry fee is for the Sikri section. Fatehpur section is free to enter . Hence, even from a practical standpoint, it is best to get the tour that you have paid for first and then head to the free section.

7) Book your Fatehpur Sikri tickets online

There is one physical ticket counter at Fatehpur Sikri located near the Diwan-i-Aam gate of Fatehpur Sikri Fort. The Fatehpur Sikri ticket price is INR 35 for Indians and INR 550 for foreign visitors. While you can always buy it at the physical counters, it is better to purchase these online. Having them handy allows you to directly board the CNG bus and start your journey.

Fatehpur Sikri tickets can be bought online through the ASI website . You can even buy skip-the-line tickets along with a guide through this link.

8) Hire a licensed Fatehpur Sikri tourist guide

There are no clear signs within the fort that you can use for a self-guided tour of the place. Given the expanse of the place, it is better to hire a tourist guide. The moment you arrive at Fatehpur Sikri, you will approached by numerous locals claiming to be tourist guides. However, a lot of these are not licensed Fatehpur Sikri tour guides. Some of them even carry fake ids.

The best way to hire a government licensed guide is to get them at the UP tourism counter or near the ASI guide counter at Diwan-i-Aam. The hiring rates will vary depending on the type of guide you hire.

There are three categories of guides that are available across the main monuments of India –

• India tourism tour guides

They are the highest category of tourist guides who are licensed to practice across India. They are quite knowledgeable and can be hired through the Incredible India guide website . Their guide rates are usually higher than the other two categories.

• UP Tourism tour guides  

They can be hired from the UP tourism guide counter in the parking area and are licensed by the UP tourism department. The Fatehpur Sikri guide rates for this category is around INR 1200 – 1500 for a half day tour with a group size of up to 5 people. They will cover Sikri as well as the Fatehpur section of the fort. They can even take you around the village to see the offbeat attractions like Hiran Minar.  However, make sure you first finalize the Fatehpur Sikri itinerary with them before hiring them.

• ASI tourist guides for Fatehpur Sikri

These Fatehpur Sikri tour guides are only licensed to take you through the Sikri part of the ghost town. They give you basic information about the various monuments and charge around INR 450 for 2 hours . The group size for this rate is 1 – 5 people.

Alternatively, you can just book a package online like this one that includes a guide with the skip-the-line tickets or this private tour of Fatehpur Sikri.

Keep aside at least 2 – 3 hours for Fatehpur Sikri

You will need a minimum of this much time to explore the Fatehpur Sikri fort. If you want to explore beyond, at least half-a day is required.

Carry your own water

There are no shops once you enter the Fatehpur Sikri fortress. Hence, make sure you are carrying your own water bottles. There are drinking stations near the Jodha Bai palace where you can refill your bottles if required.

You cannot carry any food inside the fort. Only water bottles are allowed.

You will need to remove your shoes when you visit the Fatehpur section

The Fatehpur section has a living mosque and hence, you are required to leave your footwear outside the entrances. There are two entrances – the Buland Darwaza and the Badshahi Darwaza where you will find shoe stands. You can leave your shoes here for a price of INR 10 . Remember though, you will have to use the same gate to exit for your shoe.

Here is one tip that you should make a note of. It is better to leave your shoes at the Badshahi gate of Fatehpur. This gate is what connects to the Sikri part of this fort as well as it is close to the CNG bus stop that you might need to take back to the parking bay.

Beware of touts and scammers

 There are several hawkers and fake guides who roam around the parking area and the CNG bus stops of Fatehpur Sikri. They will try to entice you with various products and will lure you to different shops. Avoid them and if you wish to shop, directly head to the stores near the parking area. You will need to bargain hard here.

Personally, I felt that the products available here were a little pricier than the ones in Agra. Also, I wasn’t very sure of the quality. Hence, I totally avoided shopping in Fatehpur Sikri.

Well, with that last tip, I think you are all set to visit Fatehpur Sikri. With its stories and architectural splendour, you are sure to enjoy this destination.

Common FAQs about planning a trip to Fatehpur Sikri

Is there an audio guide available for fatehpur sikri.

There is no official Fatehpur Sikri audio guide available at the fort. You can however, download a third-party app or website.

Can you cover Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Fort and Taj Mahal on the same day?

Yes, it is possible to cover both – Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri on the same day. You can opt for a sunrise tour of Taj Mahal, which you can easily finish by 8 am. After a quick breakfast, you can directly head from Taj Mahal to Fatehpur Sikri. Even with a leisurely tour, you can be back in Agra by 3 pm with enough time to spare for Agra Fort that closes at 6 pm.

Which day is Fatehpur Sikri closed?

Fatehpur Sikri is open on all days.

Before you go, pin this Fatehpur Sikri travel guide

Popularly referred to as a Restless Ball of Energy. My Mom refuses to entertain my complaints about my equally restless daughter & assures my husband that I was born with a travel bug.

I am a Post-Graduate in Marketing by qualification and a travel blogger by passion. Besides travel, I enjoy photography and if you don’t find me at my desk, I would be out playing badminton or swimming or just running. I believe in planning for every long weekend through the year. And when I cannot travel physically, I travel virtually through this travel blog. My travel stories have also, got published on various websites and magazines including BBC Travel, Lonely Planet India and Jetwings. I have recently published my first book – When Places Come Alive – a collection of stories that are based on legends, landscapes, art and culture of a place which is available in both ebook and paperback format.

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Places To Visit in Rajasthan

Here are the top 46 tourist places in rajasthan:.

1 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 67 Tourist attractions

Jaipur, the capital city of Rajasthan, stands as a jewel in the crown of the Golden Triangle, alongside Delhi and Agra. This enchanting city, often referred to as the "Pink City," owes its nickname to the terracotta-pink hue that adorns many of its buildings. The Pink City is a testament to the roya...

Best Time: October to March

2 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 43 Tourist attractions

Udaipur, the "City of Lakes," stands as a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan, India. Nestled amidst the Aravalli Range, this city captivates visitors with its regal charm, historic grandeur, and scenic landscapes. Located around stunning water lakes and enveloped by the Aravalli Hills in all direc...

3. Jaisalmer

3 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 39 Tourist attractions

Jaisalmer, a mesmerizing destination nestled in the heart of the Thar Desert, is a jewel in the crown of Rajasthan. Often referred to as the "Golden City," Jaisalmer captivates visitors with its sandstone architecture, picturesque landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. The city is adorned with...

4 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 43 Tourist attractions

Jodhpur is the second-largest city in Rajasthan and the former capital of the Marwar region. It is popularly called "the Blue City" as it looks completely blue from an aerial view because of its blue walls and houses. Jodhpur is primarily famous for its temples, lakes and snacks, with the ...

Best Time: November to February

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5 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 23 Tourist attractions

Located in the midst of Thar Desert, Bikaner is a "cultural paradise and a traveller's haven". Bikaner with its magnificence in architecture, art and culture is filled with colour, festivity and cultural marvels.The city will mesmerize you with the camels sauntering the beautiful sand dunes, it...

6. Ranthambore

6 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 20 Tourist attractions

This is one of the best tiger reserves of the country, known to have "friendly" tigers and chances of sighting one here is reasonably better than many other tiger reserves of India. Along with this Ranthambore has one of the richest flora and fauna making it an absolutely must visit area

Best Time: October to Apr

7 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 27 Tourist attractions

Pushka is a small temple town located around 15 km from Ajmer in Rajasthan. A perfect choice for a weekend getaway from Jaipur, Pushkar has an array of cafes and hostels for a backpacking trip. Every November, Pushkar is host to the Pushkar Mela, one of the biggest camel fairs in the country.

8. Mount Abu

8 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 21 Tourist attractions

The only hill station of Rajasthan, Mount Abu is located in the Aravali range. The most important attraction, however, are undoubtedly the Dilwara temples, which is one of the most stunning pieces of architecture in the country.  Travellers can enjoy calm and relaxed boating in N...

9 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 23 Tourist attractions

Surrounded by Aravali ranges, the city of Ajmer is most famous for the Ajmer Sharif Dargah of saint Muin-ud-din Chishti. This makes Ajmer one of the most significant places of Islamic pilgrimage in the world. Located at a distance of 130 km from Jaipur and 14 kms from Pushkar in Rajasthan, ...

10. Chittorgarh

10 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 19 Tourist attractions

Located in South-Eastern Rajasthan, Chittorgarh is known for Chittorgarh Fort, the largest fort in India built on a hilltop, spreading over an area of around 700 acres. The capital of the erstwhile kingdom of Mewar, the magnificent fortress will always be remembered for the courageous self-sacr...

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11. Bharatpur

11 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 12 Tourist attractions

Bharatpur is located in the Braj region of state Rajasthan, around 38 km from Mathura. Bharatpur is famous for the Keoladeo National Park, which habitats over 370 species of animals and birds. It is recognised as one of the most popular birds feeding and breeding grounds. In 1982 the park ...

12 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 26 Tourist attractions

Alwar is the first major city that comes while travelling from Delhi to Rajasthan and is uniquely located at 150 km south of Delhi and 150 km north of Jaipur. Alwar is a hub of tourism with forts like the Bhangarh fort, lakes, nature reserves like Sariska Tiger Reserve and heritage havelis. Apart fr...

13. Kumbhalgarh

13 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 7 Tourist attractions

Kumbhalgarh is a fortress located in the Aravalli Range of Rajasmand district in Rajasthan. A Merwar Fortress, Kumbhalgarh is one of the World Heritage Sites and is the second-largest fort in India after Chittorgarh Fort. Covering around 12 square kms, the walls of the fort stretch over an area of a...

14. Shekhawati

14 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 11 Tourist attractions

Shekhawati is a semi-arid getaway full of open air galleries, enchanting havelis & palaces and legendary forts. This region has been recognised as the open art gallery of Rajasthan"" having the largest concentration of frescos in the world."

Best Time: November to March

15 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 14 Tourist attractions

A princely state for a princely stay, in the northwest of India, lies the district of Bundi, in the Hadoti region of the royal state of Rajasthan. In ancient times, the area around Bundi was apparently inhabited by various local tribes.

16. Neemrana

16 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 6 Tourist attractions

Neemrana town is located in Alwar in Rajasthan on Delhi-Jaipur highway. It is famous for its magnificent Neemrana Fort Palace. It was built in 1464 AD, a palace from where Rajput Maharaja Prithvi Raj Chauhan III reigned. Neemrana fort is now converted into one of the Rajasthan's oldest heritage luxu...

Best Time: July to March

17. Ranakpur

17 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 7 Tourist attractions

Ranakpur is a small quaint town nestled amid the secluded valley of Aravali Ranges in Rajasthan. Situated around 96 km North of Udaipur in Pali district, it is an important destination for Jain pilgrims. The place presents a unique spectacle of verdant greenery and gushing streams, an unusual sight ...

18. Nathdwara

18 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 6 Tourist attractions

Nestled amidst the Aravalli Hills, the charming town of Nathdwara is literally translates to "The Gateway of the Lord'. It is situated in the heart of Rajasthan, on the banks of river Banas and is a pristine picturesque location. It is also a sacred Hindu site and is flocked by thousands of tourists...

Best Time: September to February

19. Garadia Mahadev

19 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Situated in Daulatganj near Kota, Garadiya Mahadev Temple is not just a revered Hindu temple but also a popular tourist spot because of its location at the scenic Chambal gorge. Perched at a height of 500 feet from the mean sea level on a picturesque cliff, the temple is enshrined by Hindu God Shiva...

20. Fatehpur

20 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 4 Tourist attractions

Situated in the Sikar district of Rajasthan, Fatehpur is an ancient town, a prominent part of the Shekhawati region. Fatehpur is popular with tourists who want to try out a new destination, and have a knack for art and culture.

Best Tourist Attractions in Rajasthan

City Palace, Jaipur

Lake Pichola

Fateh Sagar Lake

Jaisalmer Fort

21. Khimsar

21 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 4 Tourist attractions

Famous for the Nagaur Festival, Khimsar is a small village in the state of Rajasthan, Ideal for a relaxed weekend getaway in the winters.

22. Nawalgarh

22 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 4 Tourist attractions

Fondly known as "the land of Havelis" or "open air art gallery", this miniature town of Nawalgarh is located around 30 kms away from the town of Jhunjhunu and does absolute justice to the name given to it.

23. Rajsamand

23 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 4 Tourist attractions

Located 67 km North of the now popular destination wedding city of Udaipur, is the small town of Rajsamand. It got the name from the eponymous Rajsamand lake which is the second largest man-made lake in the world. Apart from the renowned historical edifices of Kumbhalgarh and Haldighati, the place a...

24. Jhunjhunu

24 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 5 Tourist attractions

An ancient town in the state of Rajasthan, Jhunjhunu is known for its fresco art and carefully engraved architecture of vacant havelis and authentic Rajasthani experience in an offbeat destination.

25. Mandawa

25 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 4 Tourist attractions

Known for its very popular Mandawa Fort, Mandawa is a quaint little town in the Jhunjhunu district of Rajasthan. Popularly known as the Open Art Gallery, the town is replete with paved archways and magnificent havelis and fortresses. It is located in the heart of the Shekhawati region and is dotted ...

26 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 5 Tourist attractions

Osian (Osiyan), also known as the 'Khajuraho of Rajasthan', has earned this name due to its many temples, some of which are very erotic. It is an ancient temple city located 65 kms north of Jodhpur in the state of Rajasthan in western India.

27 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 5 Tourist attractions

Sikar is a heritage city in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan between Agra and Bikaner. Known for its intricate architecture of grand havelis and forts adorned frescoes, Sikar is located in the shade of massive walls with seven entrance gates to the town.

28 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 3 Tourist attractions

At the edge of the Thar desert and situated amidst the shifting golden sand dunes, lies a small city called Churu, resplendent with havelis, fresco paintings and unique architecture. Known as the 'Gateway to the Thar desert', Churu lies in the historic Shekhawati region in northern Rajasthan.

29 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 18 Tourist attractions

Kota, the third most populous city in Rajasthan, lies alongside the banks of River Chambal, the only perennial river in Rajasthan. Locals and tourists visit the river shores for watching crocodiles, sighting birds and for boat riding in general. Kota is famous for its thriving coaching culture for I...

30 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 3 Tourist attractions

Located in close vicinity to the city of Bharatpur, Deeg is a small town in the state of Rajasthan. Built by Maharaja Suraj Mahal in 1772, Deeg Place served as the summer resort for the rulers of Bharatpur state. Popular for its magnificent palaces and desi bazaars, Deeg is located 32kms from the fa...

Best Time: September to March

31. Kesroli

31 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

The Hill Fort Kesroli is one of the rare heritage hotels in Alwar that has been in existence since the 14th century. A wonderful destination to enjoy the barrier sunsets, showing daily since 700 years and discovering the Neemrana heritage hotels in Alwar is this resort. Hill Fort-Kesroli is a great ...

32. Jhalawar

32 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan 8 Tourist attractions

A place laden with historic forts and beautiful palaces, Jhalawar takes on back in time to an era of glory. It's a place that provides on an opportunity to experience the Rajputana lifestyle.

33. Eklingji Temple

33 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Eklingji Temple is one of the most popular temples of Rajasthan and is sited at a distance of 22 km to the north of Udaipur. Eklingji Temple is dedicated to the Lord Shiva of the Hindu religion and its brilliant architecture drives several tourists here every year. This double-storied temple looks m...

34. Bharatpur National Park

34 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Now known as the Keoladeo National Park, Bharatpur National Park is a famous avifauna sanctuary and a bird watching paradise listed among UNESCO's World Heritage sites. The 29 km reserve is locally known as Ghana and is a mosaic of dry grasslands, woodlands, woodland swamps, and wetlands. These dive...

35. Bhangarh Fort

35 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Famous for the historical ruins and the ghost stories, Bhangarh has been regarded as the most haunted place in the country. It is located on the way between Jaipur and Delhi. The Bhangarh Fort is a 17th Century fort in the Alwar district of Rajasthan. It was built by Bhagwant Das for his son Madho S...

36. Sariska National Park

36 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Nestled in the Aravali Hills over an area of about 800 sq. Km covering the grasslands, dry deciduous forests, cliffs and rocky landscape, lays the Sariska National Park, now known as The Sariska Tiger Reserve. This area was once hunting preservation of The Maharaja of Alwar. The Reserve is known for...

37. Salasar Balaji

37 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Salasar Balaji or Salasar Dham is a temple located in the small town of Salasar near Sujangarh in Churu district, Rajasthan. Dedicated to Balaji, another name for Hanuman, this temple attracts innumerable devotees throughout the year. Salasar Dham is in a religious circuit of centers of Khatu S...

38. Chand Baori

38 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Chand Baori is a major tourist attraction site in Abhaneri village that belongs to 10th-century monuments that showcase Rajasthani architectural expertise and talents. With steps on the three sides that lead to the water reserve, the stepwell is more than 13 storeys deep and is adorned with more tha...

39. Galtaji Temple

39 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Located on the outskirts of the regal city of Jaipur, Galtaji Temple is a prehistoric Hindu pilgrimage site. Outlined by the striking Aravalli hills, it consists of several shrines, holy kunds, pavilions and natural springs. This majestic temple is situated at the heart of a hilly terrain ...

40 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Filled with vibrant colours, rich heritage, and warm hospitality, Barmer represents the true cultural beauty of Rajasthan. A part of the desert lands of Thar, it shares borders with Pakistan on the west and Jaisalmer and Jalore to the north and south, respectively. The historic town of the 13th Cent...

41. Desert National Park

41 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Situated near the town of Jaisalmer, Desert national park is among the largest of its kind in the country, encompassing an area of 3162 sq kms. The park covers a huge area extending from Jaisalmer/Barmer all the way to the India-Pakistan border. In spite of being right in the middle of an arid, dry,...

42 out of 48 Places to visit in Rajasthan

Pilani is a small town situated in the Shekhawati region of Rajasthan, mainly renowned for being home to one of the most prestigious educational institutes of the country namely BITS Pilani (Birla Institute of Technology and Science). Grand Havelis and revered shrines are situated in the heart of th...

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Fatehpur Sikri in India: The Complete Guide

The Abandoned Capital of Emperor Akbar

Tim Makins/Getty Images

A red sandstone city that was once the extravagant capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri now stands deserted as a well-preserved ghost town . It was mysteriously abandoned not long after it was established but remains as one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India. This Fatehpur Sikri guide will help you plan your trip there.

Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri to honor the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti, who lived in Sikri village. Apparently, Akbar visited the saint to seek his blessing, as he longed to have a son and heir. The saint assured him it would happen. Not long afterward, his son was born in 1569. Akbar was overjoyed and named him Salim after the saint. (Although Salim had a turbulent relationship with his father, he went on to be India's fourth Mughal Emperor, known as Jahangir. He was a very succcessful and amicable ruler who consoldiated the Mughal Empire). Following his son's birth, Akbar constructed a grand mosque near the saint's dwelling as well.

Akbar decided to relocate his capital from Agra Fort to Fatehpur Sikri. In 1571, he commenced work on the lavish walled city and palace complex, where he lived with his wives and son. He added the mosque's main entry gate, the immense Buland Darwaza (Gate of Magnificence), in 1575 after his conquest of Gujarat. He also named the city Fatehpur, derived from the Persian word fatah , meaning victory. The city was completed in 1585. Not long after, Akbar went to Lahore to deal with impending invasions. When he returned in 1601, it was to Agra. Scarcity of water at Fatehpur Sikri is commonly stated as the reason why. However, according to some, Akbar lost interest in the city after establishing it on a whim. Plus, the saint was no longer alive.

By 1610, Fatehpur Sikri was apparently deserted and in ruins.

Approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) west of Agra , in Uttar Pradesh.

How to Visit Fatehpur Sikri

Fatehpur Sikri is a popular day trip from Agra . Expect to pay around 1,800 rupees upwards for a taxi based on vehicle size. Alternatively, you can travel by bus for about 50 rupees return. Agra Magic runs a private three-hour tour to Fatehpur Sikri. Uttar Pradesh Tourism also conducts half day and full-day tours to Fatehpur Sikri. (The full-day tours include Agra Fort and the Taj Mahal).

The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is during the cooler dry weather from November to March. It's open from sunrise until sunset. Aim to go early in the morning when it's less crowded and quieter.

Fatehpur Sikri is made up of two different parts -- the mosque and palace complex -- surrounded by a fortification wall. Visitors require a ticket for the palace complex but not the mosque. The cost is 610 rupees for foreigners and 50 rupees for Indians. Entry is free for children aged 15 years and under. Tickets can be purchased at the entry to the palace complex or online here.

What to See

Buland Darwaza, at the entrance to Jama Masjid (mosque), is claimed to be the tallest gateway in the world. Behind this extraordinary carved gate is the white marble tomb of Sufi saint Salim Chishti.

To the right is the palace complex and its Jodha Bhai gate -- one of the two entry gates. The main gate, Diwan-e-Am, is further along. There's also a free Archaeological Museum near it that's open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 p.m. except Fridays (closed).

The palace's architecture is an exquisite blend of Isamic and Hindu influences. The residence of Akbar's principal wife, Jodha Bai, is the most elaborate structure in the complex. The Diwan-e-Khas (Hall of Private Audiences) features a single pillar (the Lotus Throne pillar) that's believed to have supported Akbar's throne. Other notable buildings include the five-storied Panch Mahal (the recreation quarters of the royal women), Daulat Khana-I-Khas (Akbar's private chambers), the Ankh Micholi Treasury, and an ornamental pond.

Another attraction that's off-the-beaten-track and worth visiting is the unusual Hiran Minar. To reach this spiky tower, walk down the steep stone path through the palace complex's Elephant Gate. Ask your guide to take you there. Some people say that Akbar used to watch antelope ( hiran ) from the top of the tower. Others say it was built over the tomb of Akbar's favorite elephant named Hiran, which executed people by walking over them and crushing their chests. It's encrusted with stone elephant tusks.

What to Keep in Mind: Dangers and Annoyances

Fatehpur Sikri is unfortunately dominated by the multitude of hawkers, beggars, and touts that roam uncontrolled. Prepare to be very persistently and aggressively harassed from the moment you arrive. This is not the time to appear friendly. Rather, ignore them or be as assertive as you have to be to get rid of them. Otherwise, they will pursue you relentlessly and extract as much money from you as possible. The problem has reached such a level that many tour companies are no longer including Fatehpur Sikri on their itineraries. Even more concerning, two Swiss tourists were severely injured by a group of local youths at Fatehpur Sikri in October 2017.

When coming from Agra or Jaipur , you'll most likely enter Fatehpur Sikri through Agra Gate (although there is a lesser-used rear gate). Vehicles are required to park in the car park near the entrance. It's situated about a kilometer (0.6 miles) away from the sites. A government shuttle bus, costing 10 rupees per person one way, transports visitors to the palace complex. The buses run in two different directions, to the Diwan-e-Am and Jodha Bhai entry gates. If you're feeling energetic and it's not too hot, you can walk.

Touts in the car park will invariably try to entice you to take a costly auto-rickshaw, or insist you visit the mosque part first. It's also guaranteed you'll be approached by fake tourist guides, many of them young children. The fake guides are most active around the road leading to Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid. The mosque, in particular, is overrun with hawkers, beggars, pickpockets, and touts as it is free to enter.

Licensed guides are available in front of the ticket counter at the Diwan-e-Am gate. Take a guide from there only, or get your travel agent (if you have one) to arrange for a guide to meet you in the car park. Don't be misled by the fake guides elsewhere.

You'll need to take your shoes off to enter Buland Darwaza (you can carry them with you). Unfortunately, the area is dirty and not well maintained. Watch out for the people who will approach you an insist that you buy a piece of cloth, said to bring good luck, to put over the tomb when you visit. The quoted price may be as much as 1,000 rupees! However, the cloth will be taken away and resold to the next gullible tourist soon after you've laid it.

Where to Stay

Accommodations are limited at Fatehpur Sikri, so it's a good idea to stay in Agra . However, if you want to be close to the site, your best bet is Goverdhan Tourist Complex. It's a basic but clean place with friendly staff and hot water. Prices range from about 1,200 rupees to 1,700 rupees per night for a double, including tax, depending on the type of room.

What Else to Do Nearby

Alternatively, you can stay in Bharatpur, 25 minutes away, and check out the Bharatpur Bird Sanctuary (also known as Keoladeo Ghana National Park) there. It's one of the top places for bird watching in India.

Stop at Korai Village on the way to Fatehpur Sikri from Agra for an authentic Indian village experience.

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Top Things to Do in Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh

Places to visit in fatehpur.

• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Good for Kids
• Good for Big Groups
• Adventurous
• Budget-friendly
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Good for Couples
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Dwarkadheesh Temple