Buland Darwaza - Jama Masjid, Fatehpur Sikri - Timings, History, Best Time to Visit

Photo Credit: Flickr

Distance (From Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station): 1 Kms

Trip Duration (Including Travel): 15 Mins or Less

Place Location: Entrance Of Jama Masjid Complex

Transportation Options: Walk/Trek

Travel Tips: None

At a distance of 1 km from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Magnificence serves as the main entrance to the Jama Masjid Complex Fort in Fatehpur Sikri of Uttar Pradesh. This massive gate is the highest gateway in the world and it was built in 1576 AD by Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat.

Buland Darwaza is an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. It is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by white and black marble. One needs to climb a flight of 42 steps in order to reach the gateway, which stands tall at a height of 40 m. The total height of the structure is about 54 m (176 feet) from the ground level. It is a15 storied high gateway acting as the southern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. It took nearly 12 years to build this magnificent gateway.

It is semi octagonal in plan and two smaller triple storeyed wings on either side. It has three kiosks on its top surrounded by thirteen smaller domed kiosks. There are smaller turrets surrounding the gateway. The upper part is accompanied by arched niches, chhatries and marble domes. The main arch stands in the center of three projecting sides and topped by a dome.

There are inscriptions from the Holy Quran that can be seen on the pillars at the front. A Persian inscription on eastern archway of the Buland Darwaza records Akbar's conquest over Uttar Pradesh and the victory in Gujarat in 1601.

Complex Entry Fee: Rs.20 for Indians and Rs.260 for Foreigners.

Timings: 7 AM to 6 PM. Closed on Friday.