One morning during our trip to India from December 2023 to January 2024, we drove about 30 kilometers west from Agra on our way to Keoladeo National Park for the afternoon, with plans to catch a train to Ranthambore that evening. Along the way, we arrived at Fatehpur Sikri — it was a crisp, foggy morning.
Read more about our time at Keolandeo National Park and Ranthambore.
The thick mist wrapped around the red sandstone buildings, giving the ancient city a mysterious, almost magical atmosphere. As we wandered through the impressive complex, which includes the grand Masjid and the intricately carved Diwan-i-Khas, the site was initially quiet and empty.
Soon, more visitors began to arrive and we chatted to everyone as we took the mini bus from the car park to the fort, palace and mosque. Once inside the complex it was nice to see groups of school children. Their laughter and chatter added a lively and noisy touch to the historic surroundings. I especially enjoyed interacting with the schoolgirls, who were excited to take photos with me, leading to lots of laughter and happy smiles.
Fatehpur Sikri is located in Agra District in the State of Uttar Pradesh in northern India.
Built by Emperor Akbar in the late 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri—known as the ‘City of Victory’—served as the Mughal Empire’s capital for just about a decade. Despite its brief stint as a capital, the site’s impressive grandeur is evident. The collection of monuments and temples, are all designed in a uniform architectural style, the same style as the Jama Masjid in Delhi, one of India’s largest mosques.
Our visit to Fatehpur Sikri was truly memorable. We enjoyed exploring the historic site, feeling as though we were transported back in time. Chatting with other visitors, including the school children, added a warm touch to the experience. As we wandered through the misty ruins, we couldn’t help but imagine the grandeur of the past… and feel a bit spooked by the fog. Overall, it was a fascinating glimpse into a bygone era and another highlight of our trip.
That’s today’s chapter from Incredible India – stay tuned for the next stop! ♡ Janet
Discover more from Life With Janet
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
