Agra Fatehpur Sikri Tour

Travel tips to help you plan your Agra Fatehpur Sikri Tour

Places to Visit in Agra

Historical/Monuments

• The Taj Mahal: The very thought of Agra tour invokes the bliss and joy of witnessing one of the 7 Wonders of the World – The Taj Mahal. Built by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in loving memory of his wife, Mumtaz Mahal, Taj Mahal is an epitome of love and timeless beauty. The white-marble edifice stands proof of Mughal architecture’s brilliance during the erstwhile era. The Taj Mahal is a must-visit on your Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour. 

• Agra Fort: While the Taj Mahal is undoubtedly Agra’s most prized possession, there are many other historical monuments in this city that are utterly magnificent and worth a visit. The Agra Fort is one such example which is yet another proof of Mughal architectural splendour. Built of red sandstone, it is also called the Red Fort of Agra.

• Itmad-Ud-Daulah: It is the first tomb in India to be built purely out of marble. The tower of the monument showcases Persian touch, influenced by Islamic architectural style. The interior wall paintings are sheer marvel to exhibit.

• Tomb of Akbar the Great: It is located in Sikandra, the suburbs of Agra, and exhibits sheer Mughal architectural splendour. The tomb was built from 1605 – 1613 and Emperor Akbar himself commenced building this monument.

Gardens

• Mehtab Bagh: The beautiful, lush garden is located just north of the Taj Mahal, overlooking the majestic Agra Fort and the Yamuna River on its opposite side. The stunning views from this garden make it worth visiting on your Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour.  

Religious

• Mankameshwar Mandir: Look beyond Agra from its monuments and you will find that the city has several hidden marvels. Your Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour packages include Mankameshwar Mandir, located in Mantola. The ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is believed that the Shivlinga was founded by Lord Shiva himself during the Dwapara era and us all covered by silver.

Best Places to Eat in Agra

• Peshawri: Located in ITC Mughal, Agra, the plush restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Agra. Savour upon award-winning cuisines cooked in clay tandoor and served in an atmosphere that is reminiscent of dining under star-lit sky in the warmth of tents.

• Only Restaurant: One must not miss visiting this restaurant on their Agra tour as it is one of the finest places to indulge into spirited ambience, live music and lip-smacking delicacies from Mughlai, Chinese, Continental and Afghani cuisines. INR 900 onwards for two.

• The Mandarin: If you love Chinese food, The Mandarin is one of the best places to visit. The interior is warm, cosy and inviting. Besides delectable Chinese delicacies, the restaurant also serves Mughlai food.

Offbeat Things to Do in Agra

• Cuisine Tour: If anything can beat the charm of Taj Mahal, it is this 4-hour tour of Agra’s gastronomic delights. The tour includes a memorable walk through the local food market, from Rambabu Parantha Bhandar to Deviram Sweets; visiting a local home; interactive cooking session; and lunch with the local people. Do not miss tasting a wide range of delectable chaats, including Aloo Tikki, Dahi Papdi Chaat, Panipuri, etc.  

• Yoga by the Taj Mahal: Imagine the sheer bliss and joy of practicing Yoga while witnessing breathtaking view of the Taj Mahal. Be a part of this 2-hour Agra yoga tour that gives you an awesome opportunity to experience India’s two biggest gemstones – the Taj Mahal and Yoga. The tour encompasses basic Yoga practices like Asanas, Pranayam and Dhayanas, all overlooking the Taj Mahal and Yamuna River. It is certainly one of the best offbeat things to do in Agra.   

Shopping in Agra

• Sadar Bazaar: It is Agra’s most popular markets, located near Agra Cantonment Railway Station, and known for handicrafts, marble products and souvenirs, shoes and leather items.

Tips to Make Agra Tour Memorable and Hassle-Free

• Beware of pickpockets which are most common in the Taj Mahal complex. It is advisable that you do not bring your valuables when you visit the Taj Mahal

• Local tourist guides can be really troublesome and nagging at times. Remember, there is nothing like “you have to get a guide.” Avoid fake tourist guides (in name of government registered) who would charge you almost double for entry tickets and other charges.

• If the Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour package does not include visit to a nearby Marble Factory, stay away from anyone pushing you to visit it.

• While shopping, negotiation is a must. The items are priced almost double here. Moreover, there are many agencies or shops who would say they are run by the government, but are actually not. In fact, a local guide would push you to visit and buy from these stores, but the prices are exorbitantly high. 

Places to Visit in Fatehpur Sikri

Historical/Monuments

• Buland Darwaza: The astounding architectural structure stands tall at a height of 54 metres from the ground. It is built by Emperor Akbar in 1601. Made from red sandstone with granite inlays and carved marble, the gateway exhibits brilliant craftsmanship and uniqueness. It is undoubtedly one of the must-visit places on Fatehpur Sikri tour.

• Diwan-i-Khas: Situated in the north-east zone of the majestic Fatehpur Sikri complex, Diwan-i-Khas denotes the hall of the private audience. It is one of the most impressive orate buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. The key attraction here is the central tower or the Lotus Throne which exhibits exemplary craftsmanship and fine detailing on stone.  

• Diwan-i-Aam: It was built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century as homage to a great Sufi saint. It denotes the hall of public audience.

• Jodhabhai Palace: The beautiful palace was once the abode of Mughal Queen Jodhabhai. It is considered to be Akbar’s Harem where other women belonging to the royal harem used to live. The architecture is a mesmerising blend of Islamic Mughal architecture and Hindu Rajputana styles.   

• Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti: One of the must-visit places on your Agra Fatehpur Sikri tour, the tomb is an important building in the palace complex which was built during 1580 and 1581. Featuring a blend of Mughal and Hindu architecture, it is one of the finest examples of artistic white marble stone carving. The mausoleum belongs to the famous Sufi saint Salim Chisti.

• Jama Masjid: The mosque was built by Akbar under the instructions of Salim Chisti. It is rectangular in structure and built with carved red sandstone. The interior features stone carved altars, a unique mark of Mughal architecture.   

Best Places to Eat in Fatehpur Sikri

• Ganpati Resort: One of the best places to eat in Fatehpur Sikri, the restaurant serves delectable Indian and Chinese cuisine amidst a plush and comfortable ambience.

• Mughal Garden Resort: The restaurant at Mughal Garden Resort offers nice buffet lunch including Indian, Chinese, Italian and European dishes. Price starting INR 67-472 per person.

• Lake View Restaurant: Located near Tera Mori in Fatehpur Sikri, the restaurant is the ideal places for music, fun and food, overlooking impressive scenic vistas.   

Offbeat Things to Do in Fatehpur Sikri

There are not too many unique things to do in Fatehpur Sikri as the city itself is abandoned, with a relaxing silence that is unique in its own way. However, you may visit the Archaeological Museum, inaugurated in 2014 within the former Treasury House of Akbar. The museum exhibits attractive pre-Mughal artefacts that were excavated over several years in Fatehpur Sikri. Within 30 km. from the city lie Keoladeo Ghana National Park, Ganga Temple, Lohiya Gate and Lohagarh that might give you an offbeat feeling.

Shopping in Fatehpur Sikri

Loha Mandi, Sadar Bazaar and Raja ki Mandi are popular places for shopping in Fatehpur Sikri. The shops here are known for exclusive souvenirs and local handicrafts.   

Tips to Visit Fatehpur Sikri

• The best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is during the months of January and February

• If you are looking for budget accommodation, Fatehpur Sikri railway station has good numbers of budget hotels. Mid-range hotels are located around the bus stand and on SH 45

• Just like Agra, expect nagging local guides, vendors and beggars at Fatehpur Sikri. It is recommended to stay away from them

• Carry a bottle of water before entering the palace complex as there is nothing available inside the complex and you are not allowed to take anything except water

• From the car parking zone, you have to take a mini bus to reach the site. It costs Rs 10