Ever heard of Sikandara ? If not, you are new to the Mughal history and the Mughal India! In case you have already been there it's about time you delved deeper into history and explored every bit to decode amazing facts that can be a treasure to you all your life. While you decide upon a trip to Agra - the 'City of Taj' and wish to head to Sikandara, you should necessarily be aware of what Mughals have bequeathed and what needs to be explored by the visitors. You might be saying that it's a tomb but do you have any idea that every historical site in and around Agra, however lesser known it may be, forms a crucial part of the brilliant Mughal past in India. And thankfully, the city that has been the most powerful in the medieval times has preserved quite a lot of Mughal architectural legacy that stands for the whole of India.

Sikandara is the site where the Mughal emperor Akbar lies buried. What's more interesting about the tomb here is the fact that Akbar himself began its construction. However, the great Mughal king could not finish the constructions. Later, his son Jahangir made subsequent additions and got the finishing touches to the tomb. Built in the popular Indo-Saracenic style, the tomb wears a grand look and symbolises the opulence of the architectural skills of the Mughal kings.

The first thing that you observe here is the arched gateway that resembles the Buland Darwaza at Fatehpur Sikri. Huge mosaic patterns can be seen at the gateway. Flanked by four minarets, the gateway also presents some excellent inlay work - white marble on red sandstone. The exqusite calligraph that is exhibited here is also one of its kind. And the open terrace that has confined itself within panels of large screens also adds much to the grandness of the structure. As you keep exploring the designs and carvings you come to notice the plushy stucco paintings in various hues - blue, brown, golden and green.


The mausoleum at Sikandara remains surrounded by wonderfully laid out gardens. While you move along the paved path, don't miss to feed the monkeys that frequent the place. The tomb stands in five stories and has the shape of a shortened pyramid. On each of the four sides stands a capacious cloister. A number of bays, that measure 22 ft*22 ft, can be seen dividing the cloisters with piers and arches. In the middle on the southern side is a vestibule that is decked with delicate carvings and intricate floral patterns. While you are here poring over the pages of history, you should also be cognizant that, besides Akbar, his two daughters namely Shakrul Nisa Begum and Aram Bano are also entombed here.

The town of Sikandara is just 4 km from the city of Agra is easily accessible by buses, taxis or auto rickshaws. Prepaid vehicles are also available to reach Sikandara from Agra. You can pay a visit here on all weekdays. Foreign nationals have to pay a fee of Rs 245 while Indians are charged Rs 10 per head.

Get in touch with us for more information and inquiries on Sikandara. To rid you of hassles and to make you vacations in India worthwhile, we have customised and planned enough. There are cost efficient tour packages awaiting your arrival in the city.

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