Fatehpur Sikri

Built (between 1570 and 1586) by Emperor Akbar to be a co-capital (with Agra) of the Moghul Empire in it's heyday, Fatehpur Sikri is an amazing display of architectural splendors. Unlike Agra and other ancient cities, its location was chosen for reasons other than proximity to a natural water source.

There is evidence that an adequate water supply was never established, and this supposedly resulted in everyone moving back to Agra. Fatehpur Sikri has now been deserted for four centuries. Despite the fact that creative brilliance lost out to poor planning, it left history a group of spectacular monuments that are remarkably well preserved for visitors in the present.

Explore the Royal Palace Complex; the Diwan-i-Am and Diwan-i-Khas, the palaces of the various Queens, as well as other architectural achievements. Fatehpur Sikri's Jama Masjid is well worth a visit; just entering through the amazing Buland Darwaza (Great Gate) is a humbling experience. This Masjid is a living Sufi shrine as it is home to the Tomb of Sheikh Salim Chisti.