Fatehpur Sikri, the capital city of the Moghuls lies an hour west of Agra is the amazing capital of Akbar the Great. Described as an epic poem in red sandstone, Fatehpur Sikri owes its foundation to Emperor Akbar the Great who built it in 1569 and deserted it 14 years later because its water supply failed. The legend relates that Akbar was without a male heir and made a pilgrimage to this spot to see the saint Sheikh Salim Chisti to ask for his blessings for a son, who when born was named Salim and Akbar decided to shift his capital here.  Its glorious courtyards and palaces conjure up dreams of the mysterious past.

The main entrance to Fatehpur Sikri is through the 175 feet Buland Darwaza, the highest gateway in the world. It was built by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh in Gujarat. The buildings in the city can be divided into two categories, the religious and the secular. On the one hand is the imposing Jama Masjid with the most spectacular gateway of India, the Buland Darwaza, and the exquisite “dargah” of Sheikh Salim Chisti within the courts. On the other hand are the many varied secular buildings such as Diwan-i-Am, Diwan-i-Khaas, the palace of Jodha Bai, Birbal’s house, the Naubat Khana (Drum house), Takshal, Karkhanas (Royal workshop), the Khazana (Treasury) and the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti.

The architecture of Fatehpur Sikri is a combination of both the Hindu and Muslim styles.