( World Heritage Site)

Fatehpur Sikri is an epic in red sandstone. The Mughal Emperor Akbar built Fatehpur Sikri in the beginning of 1570 and served as the empire's capital from 1571 until 1585; it is about 35 km from Agra. Due to shortage of water, he had to ultimately move his headquarters from here to Agra Fort.

As per the Legend, the name of the place came after Mughal Emperor Babur defeated Rana Sanga in a battle at a place called Sikri (about 40 km from Agra). Then Mughal Emperor Akbar wanted to make Fatehpur Sikri his head quarters. So he built this majestic fort. He visited holy men to enlist their prayers for his son. When he visited Sheikh Salim Chishti who was living at the village of Sikri the saint foretold the emperor that he would be blessed with a son.  When is son was born, he is gratitude, constructed his capital city and named it Fatehpur Sikri. Later, due to shortage of water and unrest in North-West, Akbar has to abandon this city. The beautiful marvel tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti still attracts thousands who seek blessings of the revered saint. Other renowned places are Dewane-e-Am, Dewane-e-Khaas, Buland Darwaja, Panch Mahal, Jodha Bai Palace and Birbal Bhawan.

Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601 AD to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. Approached by 42 steps, the Buland Darwaza is 53.63 m high and 35 meters wide - the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness.