Fatehpur Sikri Travel Guide - History, Architecture & Visitor Information

Fatehpur Sikri, fondly known internationally as the mysterious 'Ghost City,' is a brilliantly preserved, entirely abandoned UNESCO World Heritage Site conveniently located merely an hour outside deeply historic Agra, Uttar Pradesh. Constructed rapidly during the late 16th century precisely by the great Mughal Emperor Akbar, this spectacular complex briefly and brightly served as the vibrant grand capital of the massive Mughal Empire utterly before being sadly deserted, presumably highly due to a severe crippling lack of water supply. The entire historic royal city is exquisitely carved entirely from beautiful, glowing red sandstone, wonderfully showcasing a highly unique, flawless blend of pure Hindu, Persian, and completely Islamic architectural elements. Major absolute highlights simply include the incredibly imposing Buland Darwaza (the highest gateway realistically in Asia), the stunning pristine white marble tomb of the revered Sufi saint Salim Chishti, and the incredibly detailed Panch Mahal structure. It's a true architectural wonderland.