Built 40 kilometers from Agra, this city boasts of magnificent architecture in the form of arches, courtyards and buildings that indicate a Persian ancestry and yet it is a synthesis of Hindu and Islamic architecture, giving credence to the religious tolerance of the emperor. Akbar also founded a religion called Din-i-Illahi, which inspired some of the buildings at Fatehpur Sikri. The walls, palaces, baths, royal mint, courts and gardens still stand in splendid homage to the great visionary and builder inspite of the deserted air that looms large over this city.

The heart of the palace complex however comes alive when pilgrims come in thousands to offer flowers, tie a thread in the latticed screens, and to pray for the gift of a son, just like the erstwhile ruler had done, at the tomb of Sheikh Salim Chishti, a white marble canopy set in the great courtyard of the Royal Mosque.

The city, abandoned shortly after Akbar's death, owing to the lack of water in the area, has now been declared a World Heritage Site because of the architectural beauty of its buildings. Considered to be one of the finest examples of Mughal architecture in India, Fatehpur Sikri remains in a pristine state, with the beautiful carvings and latticework on the buildings retained in their original state of preservation.

The must-sees here include the highest gate in India, Buland Darwaza, the Panch Mahal, the Jama Masjid Mosque, the palace of Maryamuzzamani, Birbal Bhawan and the life-size chessboard where courtiers could play the roles of pieces!