City of Fatehpur Sikri

A short drive from Agra, the abandoned Mughal capital of Fatehpur Sikri stands as one of the most evocative sights in northern India. Built by the great Emperor Akbar in the sixteenth century and occupied for only a brief spell before being deserted, it has earned the haunting and well-deserved title of the ghost city.

What remains is remarkably complete. The red sandstone palaces, courtyards and halls survive in superb condition, blending Hindu, Persian and Islamic styles into a harmonious whole. Highlights include the exquisite Diwan-i-Khas, the elegant Panch Mahal and the soaring Buland Darwaza, one of the tallest gateways in the world, which leads into the still-active Jama Masjid.

The complex is more than mere architecture. Akbar conceived it as a centre of art, learning and religious dialogue, and that spirit of tolerance lingers in its stones. Within the mosque, the marble tomb of the Sufi saint Salim Chishti draws pilgrims who tie threads in hope of blessings, lending the site a living devotional heart.

A visit here is best taken in the softer light of morning or late afternoon, when the sandstone warms to a deep rose and the empty courtyards feel especially atmospheric. It slots naturally into the journey between Agra and Jaipur, alongside the Taj Mahal.

We include Fatehpur Sikri because it offers an unusually intact window into the vision and grandeur of the Mughal age. For travellers fascinated by history and architecture, this beautifully preserved ghost city is a thought-provoking and rewarding highlight.