This magnificent fortified ancient city was the short-lived capital of the Mughal Empire. The complex of monuments and temples, all form an uniform architectural style, includes one of the largest mosques in India, the Jama Masjid. Fatehpur Sikri is also known as 'City of Victory'.
November – March
Welcome to your ‘Fortified City - Fatehpur Sikri’ tour!
On arrival at airport in Delhi, you will be transferred to your hotel in Agra.
Agra was the capital of many dynasties including Lodhi and Mughals. Agra, a medieval city, is located at the banks of River Yamuna. Agra's history is largely recognised with Mughal Empire; the place was established much before it and has linkages since Mahabharat period and Mahirshi Angira in 1000 BC. In the evening, experience the Mughal era with a mesmerising Sound & light show at Agra Fort.
Overnight stay at Agra. (Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, visit Fatehpur Sikri a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the deserted capital of Akbar. This was the capital of the Mughal Empire for about 10 years. Created from the local red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri is an architect’s delight featuring numerous stunning elements to add to its Indo-Islamic beauty. Its palaces features pillars, ornamental arches, jharokhas, chhatris, chhaparkhats and chaukhandis. Walk around inside the inner citadel of the city and see some of its finest monuments including Panch Mahal, Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid -- one of India’s largest mosques. Later, visit Agra Fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage. The fort is also known as Lal Qila, Fort Rouge or Red Fort of Agra. The fort contains splendid palaces both in red sandstone and white marble built by three generations of prolific builders, Akbar and later Jehangir and Shahjahan. Some of the exquisite structures that deserve a mention are Sheesh Mahal, Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khas, The Anguri Bagh, Khas Mahal, Mina Masjid, Nagina Masjid, and Musamman Burj. Post lunch, proceed to the magnificent Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World, surely the most extravagant expression of love ever. It is located on the bank of the Yamuna River in Agra. The construction of this marble masterpiece is credited to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan who erected this mausoleum in memory of his beloved wife, Arjumand Bano Begum, popularly known as Mumtaz Mahal. The main entrance, once guarded with solid silver gates, is a maze of marble embroidery inlaid in the wall, in jewelled script are quotations from the Koran, one of which invites the "pure in heart" to enter "the gardens of Paradise".
Overnight stay at hotel in Agra (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
After breakfast, proceed for a Heritage walk of Agra, which is designed in consultation with prominent historians & academicians. The walk traces the birth of Mughal Capital - Agra or Akbarabad till its present times. Starting from the gigantic Jama Masjid, only from here you can mingle in the crowds & begin to experience down town Agra. Walk & visit the Silver Lingam of Mankameshwar Mahadev Temple, proceeding into narrow lanes selling articles used for adornment of images of Gods & Goddesses. Via the ornamental & decorated facades in the Spice Market of Rawat Para, the walk enters into the famous Khoya Gali of Chitti Khana. Then, it proceeds into the Namak Ki Mandi, where artisans beat Gold and Silver to make foils for medicinal use in Ayurveda also witness the front of Akbari Mosque to connect to the 16th century stone paved street of Kinari Bazaar. One wonders that how heritage has become the soul of Agra as one walks through these lively streets. Later, visit to Mehtab Bagh. This is the garden behind the Taj Mahal. It was constructed by Emperor Babur and was the last of a series of 11 such gardens built along the east bank of the river. After lunch, visit a workshop where the 350-year old art of marble inlay (or pietre dura) is being practiced even today. The craftsmen making the exquisitely beautiful table tops, boxes, platters and figures are the descendants of the craftsmen brought to Agra by Shah Jahan at the time when he was building the Taj Mahal, who chose to stay back in India after the monument was completed. The objects being crafted with semi-precious stones laid into white, black or green marble to form floral and geometric designs which is very similar to the inlay work you will see at the Taj Mahal.
Overnight stay at hotel in Agra. (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
Post breakfast, check-out from the hotel and depart home with treasured experiences of Fortified City - Fatehpur Sikri. (Breakfast)
By Air | : The nearest airport is at Agra (34 kms). |
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By Rail | : The nearest railhead is Agra Cantonment railway station (39 kms). |
By Road | : Fatehpur Sikri is connected by road with Agra 40 kms, Bharatpur 25 kms, Jaipur 207 kms and Mathura 62 kms. |