Fatehpur Sikri is actually a historical capital city made out of twin village of Fatehpur and Sikri that are situated 45 odd kilometers from the city of Agra. The city is situated amidst barren ridge. Emperor Akbar established this city, to serve jointly with Agra, as the imperial capital of Mogul empire. The story of this 4 centuries old city is no less interesting than the city itself.

It has been reported through the chronicles of History that Emperor Akbar had no issues and that's why his laments new no bound. Somebody advised him to ask for an audience with the famous Sufi saint, Khwaza Salim Chisti who resided at Sikri village. He walked the distance with the royal entourage. Salim Chisti blessed him with a son who was named Salim in reverence to the saint. The same prince when sat on the throne, re-christened himself to Jahangir Jahandar. Akbar ordered to build the city of Sikri to commemorate the arrival of the prince.

The most interesting monument in the city is the mighty Buland Darwaza that guards the entrance of the Gate. As you enter the gate, Jama Masjid falls to your left. The beautifully carved tomb of Khwaza Salim Chisti is situated in the middle of the big square courtyard. As you take the right gate, Sikri fort falls on your left and so are Panch Mahal and Jodha Bai Palace. Architecture of all these buildings has a subtle blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural designs.

The Buland Gate
This gate is the entrance into the courtyard around the great mosque at Fatehpur Sikri, the Jami Masjid, which served as a model for later congregational mosques built by the Mughals.

Darga Salim Chishti
This white marble structure contains the tomb of Shaykh Salim Chishti, the Sufi holy man who was Akbar's adviser and teacher. Akbar came to him originally because he had been unable to produce a male heir, and Shaykh Chishti promised that Akbar would have a son if Akbar entrusted the education and upbringing of the boy to Shaykh Chisti. The prediction came true, and Akbar's son Jahangir was indeed raised by the Sufi holy man. In addition, Akbar had the entire city of Fatehpur Sikri built around Shaykh Chisti's abode, which was about 24 miles west of Agra.

The Panch Mahal
This view of Fatehpur Sikri shows the tallest tower in the palace complex, the "Panch Mahal", and in front, a building that according to legend was the school for Akbar's numerous wives. To the right of the school, which has 176 pillars is the huge parchesi "board" on which Akbar could play parchesi using slave girls as life-size "pieces."

Diwan-i-Khas
From this elevated platform, Akbar would conduct public audience and hear the entreaties of his subjects without being exposed to potential assassins. The intricate detailing in the stone beneath the platform demonstrates Hindu influence. Remarkably, this structure, as well as the rest of Fatehpur Sikri, was constructed without the use of mortar.