Fatehpur Sikri

“The city with close proximity to Agra can little stay away from the grandeur and Fatehpur Sikri lives up to that. Founded by Akbar in 1569, the city derives its name from the Persian word Fateh meaning victory. It is at Fatehpur Sikri that the legends of Akbar and his famed courtiers, the nine jewels or Navratnas, were born.
It is this history that gives Fatehpur Sikri way more than just the heritage, but also the essence of the Mughal empire that the city so gracefully continue to inherit. Its architect was Tuhir Das and was constructed using Indian principles. The buildings of Fatehpur Sikri show a synthesis of various regional schools of architectural craftsmanship such as Gujarat and Bengal. Some of the must visit places include the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Tomb of Salim Chishti, Diwan-i-Aam & Diwan-i-Khas.
The city had religious and administrative importance in Akbars rule, the evidence of which can be seen in each of the buildings and monuments built here.
At not too far a distance from Agra, Fatehpur Sikri is a must visit while in the Agra region to explore not the just beauty of the Mughal architecture in Taj Mahal but also of the detail in their administrative and religious establishments.”