This fort was our final destination in Agra before leaving for Chandigarh as the place is situated around 45 minutes drive from where we stayed. 

This place is too far to go by tuk-tuk. So we asked the home stay to arrange for a taxi with A/C. The cost was about Rs 2,700. Be sure to ask the hotel if this price is including the parking fees, petrol (fuel as pronounced by the locals) and toll charges (it travels on highway too).

Sometimes the taxi driver may charge you extra half way through. Telling you that you need to pay for the fuel and toll charges. It's either you bargain or pay for it (you don't want to end up being dumped by the streets half way through the journey). So it's better to discuss the prices together with the hotel reception so that all are clear.

Fatehpur Sikri was the political capital of India's Mughal Empire under Akbar 's reign, from 1571 until 1585, when it was abandoned, ostensibly due to lack of water.

Fatehpur Sikri shared its imperial duties as a capital city with Agra , where a bulk of the arsenal, treasure hoards, and other reserves were kept at its Red Fort for security. During a crisis, the court, harem, and treasury could be removed to Agra, only 26 miles away, less than a day's march.

Innovations in land revenue, coinage, military organisation, and provincial administration emerged during the Fatehpur Sikri years.

Unlike other important Mughal cities (such as Shahjahanabad , which has a very formal planning), Fatehpur Sikri has aspects of informality and improvisation. Indeed, the newly constructed city bore a similarity to the movable imperial encampment also designed by Akbar. You can read more of it here.

Photo courtesy : PBS