The Victorian and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai, an extraordinary confluence of late 19th-century grandeur and early 20th-century modernity, stand as a testament to the city's colonial past and architectural innovation, where ornate Gothic spires harmonise with streamlined Deco facades, reflecting not only the evolving aesthetic preferences of their eras but also the cultural aspirations of a metropolis poised between tradition and cosmopolitanism.
India: Uttar Pradesh – Fatehpur Sikri
🏛️ Fatehpur Sikri — The City That Akbar Built
We rolled into Fatehpur Sikri knowing almost nothing about it, which is, frankly, the best way to arrive anywhere. What we found was one of the most extraordinary places we’d stumbled across in the whole of India — a vast, ghost-like city of red sandstone rising out of the dusty Rajasthani plain, abandoned almost as soon as it was finished. Typical.
The city was founded in 1571 by the Emperor Akbar, third ruler of the Mughal Empire and, by most accounts, one of the more impressive human beings to have lived in the sixteenth century. The whole thing began, as so many grand projects do, with a birth. Akbar’s son, the future Emperor Jahangir, came into the world in 1569 in the small village of Sikri. That same year, to mark the occasion and honour the Sufi saint Sheikh Salim Chishti — who had apparently predicted the birth, which must have been a nice result for him — Akbar constructed a religious compound on the site.
Then, because nothing says “thank you” quite like building an entire imperial capital, Akbar set to work after Jahangir’s second birthday constructing a fully walled city and palace complex around it. The name came later. Following his successful military campaign in Gujarat in 1573, Akbar renamed the place Fatehpur Sikri — the “City of Victory.” One imagines the locals were suitably impressed.
🏚️ A City Built, Blinked, and Abandoned
We’d barely had time to admire the place before Akbar, it seems, had to pack up and leave. The entire imperial complex was abandoned in 1585 — barely a decade after it was finished — for two thoroughly practical reasons that no amount of imperial grandeur could overcome. First, the small spring-fed lake that supplied the city with its water had simply given up the ghost and dried out. Second, the city sat uncomfortably close to Rajputana, a region with which the Mughal Empire maintained the sort of neighbourly relations that involved a great deal of armed conflict. Not ideal when you’re trying to run an empire.
Akbar shifted his capital north to Lahore, needing a base from which to keep an eye on the less settled fringes of his territory, before eventually making his way back to Agra in 1598. In one of those pleasing historical accidents, the fact that the palace area remained in more or less continuous use over the following centuries meant that much of the original imperial complex — which once spread across an area of roughly two miles by one — has survived in remarkably good condition. The rest of the city, which was finally abandoned altogether in 1610, was not so fortunate and has since settled into the comfortable dishevelment of a proper ruin.
The fort itself is a listed UNESCO World Heritage Site, and it deserves every letter of that designation. Built entirely from local red sandstone that glows a deep amber in the afternoon light, the complex sits atop a rocky ridge with commanding views across the surrounding plain in every direction. The layout moves logically from public to private — beginning with the open spaces where Akbar and his court received local people and petitioners, then progressing inward towards the more intimate quarters where the royal family actually lived.
The centrepiece, and the building that stops you in your tracks, is the Buland Darwaza — the “Lofty Gateway” — which Akbar had constructed in 1601 to commemorate his Gujarat campaign. It is approached by a flight of 42 steps and rises to 53.63 metres high and 35 metres wide, making it, by some considerable margin, the tallest gateway in the world. It is, frankly, ridiculous in the best possible way.
Equally arresting is the Panch Mahal, a five-storey open-sided pavilion that provided shelter and airy retreats for the royal ladies and the emperor’s mistresses — because even in the sixteenth century, a decent view was considered a basic requirement. The topmost storey offers a sweeping panoramic vista across the surrounding countryside that, on a clear day, makes the climb entirely worthwhile.
In summary …
- Fatehpur Sikri is definitely worth a trip and is easily accessible as a day trip from Agra or on the way from Agra towards Rajasthan
- You should be able to see everything there within a couple of hours
- Beware, as you leave the bus or car you will be inundated with street sellers.
Planning your visit
📍 Location
Fatehpur Sikri is situated in the Agra District of Uttar Pradesh, approximately 36 kilometres west of the city of Agra. The monument complex occupies a rocky sandstone ridge around 3 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, with the palace city enclosed on three sides by a 6-kilometre wall and, on the fourth side, by what was once a large natural lake. The full address is: Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110, India.
🌐 Website
The site is managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Agra Circle. Further information can be found on the ASI Agra Circle website at asiagracircle.in and on the main ASI website at asi.nic.in.
📞 Contact Phone Number
The managing authority, the Archaeological Survey of India, Agra Circle, can be reached by telephone using the STD code 91-562. The office is located at 22 The Mall, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282001.
✉️ Email
The ASI Agra Circle can be contacted by email at: saagra@asi.nic.in
🎟️ Entry Fees
Entry fees are collected at the ticket counters at the site. Current charges are as follows:
Indian nationals and citizens of SAARC and BIMSTEC countries pay a total of approximately ₹30 per person (comprising an ASI charge plus an Agra Development Authority toll tax). Other foreign visitors pay a total of approximately ₹510 per person. Children under 15 years of age are admitted free of charge. Entry on Fridays to the Jama Masjid (mosque) area is free for worshippers.
Please note that fees are subject to change and it is advisable to confirm the current charges before your visit. Tickets can be purchased at the on-site booking counters.
An on-site Archaeological Museum near the Diwan-i-Am booking counter is open from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm and is worth including in your visit. Audio guides in English and Hindi are also available for hire at the ticket counters.
🕐 Opening Times
Fatehpur Sikri is open every day of the week throughout the year, from sunrise to sunset. The Archaeological Museum on site is open daily from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm.
Best time to visit Rajasthan
🌸 Spring (February to March)
Spring is one of the most pleasant times to visit Rajasthan. Temperatures are mild and comfortable, typically ranging from 15°C to 30°C, making it ideal for sightseeing, camel safaris, and exploring the region’s magnificent forts and palaces. The landscape has a freshness to it following winter, and the famous Holi festival, usually falling in March, adds a vibrant burst of colour and cultural energy to the experience. Crowds are manageable, and accommodation prices begin to ease after the peak winter season.
What to pack: Light layers for cool mornings and evenings, breathable cotton or linen for the day, a light jacket or cardigan, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a small daypack. Carry a scarf or dupatta for temple visits and dusty sites.
☀️ Summer (April to June)
Summer in Rajasthan is intensely hot, with temperatures frequently exceeding 40°C and occasionally reaching 45°C or higher in the Thar Desert regions. This is low season for tourism, which means far fewer crowds and significantly reduced hotel rates. Travellers who can tolerate the heat will find great value and a more authentic, unhurried experience. Early morning and late evening outings are essential strategies. Jaisalmer and Bikaner, with their desert character, are particularly atmospheric even in the heat.
What to pack: Lightweight, loose-fitting, light-coloured cotton clothing, a UV-protection sun hat, high-SPF sunscreen, UV-blocking sunglasses, a reusable insulated water bottle, electrolyte sachets, a cooling towel, and sandals or breathable shoes. A light long-sleeved shirt for sun protection is essential.
🌧️ Monsoon (July to September)
The monsoon brings relief from the scorching heat, though Rajasthan receives far less rainfall than most of India. Temperatures drop to a more bearable 25°C–35°C. The desert landscape transforms briefly, taking on patches of green. The palaces and forts look dramatic against stormy skies, making this a rewarding time for photography. However, some roads can become flooded or difficult to navigate, and humidity increases noticeably. Udaipur and Mount Abu, being greener areas, are particularly beautiful during this period.
What to pack: A compact, sturdy umbrella or a packable rain poncho, quick-dry clothing, waterproof sandals or shoes, a waterproof bag cover or dry bags for electronics, insect repellent (mosquitoes increase in the monsoon), light layers for air-conditioned interiors, and anti-fungal foot powder for extended walking in wet conditions.
🍂 Autumn (October to November)
Autumn marks the transition out of the monsoon and back into comfortable travelling weather. Temperatures settle into an agreeable range of around 20°C–35°C, and the air is clearer after the rains. This is an excellent period to visit, particularly October, as the landscape still carries some greenery from the monsoon but the heat and humidity have eased considerably. The festive season — including Navratri, Dussehra, and Diwali — falls in this window, offering rich cultural experiences with colourful decorations, processions, and fireworks. Crowds begin to build towards November.
What to pack: Light cotton clothing for the day, a medium-weight layer for evenings, comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen and sunglasses, a camera for festivals and landscapes, and a scarf or shawl. If travelling in late November, add a light fleece or jumper for the cooler nights.
❄️ Winter (December to January)
Winter is universally considered the peak tourist season in Rajasthan, and with good reason. Days are sunny and clear with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, though nights can be surprisingly cold, particularly in Jaisalmer and Jodhpur where temperatures may dip close to 4°C. The Jaipur Literature Festival in January draws visitors from around the world, and the Desert Festival in Jaisalmer (usually February) is one of the most spectacular cultural events in the subcontinent. The downside is that hotels fill quickly and prices are at their highest — booking well in advance is essential.
What to pack: Warm layers including a fleece or wool jumper, a medium-weight jacket or down gilet for evenings and early mornings, thermals for desert camping, breathable cotton for the warmer afternoons, a warm scarf, gloves, and a woolly hat for desert nights. Comfortable sturdy shoes are important, and sunscreen is still needed for the bright winter sunshine.
🗓️ Overall Best Time to Visit
October through February represents the sweet spot for visiting Rajasthan, with November and December widely regarded as the single best months. During this window, the weather is reliably sunny and clear without the punishing heat or monsoon unpredictability, the major festivals provide unforgettable cultural moments, and all the key attractions — from the Pink City of Jaipur to the Blue City of Jodhpur and the Golden City of Jaisalmer — are fully accessible and at their most impressive. Those willing to brave the summer heat in May or June will be rewarded with extraordinary value and solitude, whilst monsoon travellers in July and August discover a dramatically different, brooding Rajasthan that few tourists ever see. Whatever season you choose, the sheer scale and grandeur of Rajasthan ensures it leaves a lasting impression.
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