Birbal who was one of the nine jewels of Akbar’s court used to live here. Originally made for Akbar’s queen, the house was given to Birbal. Birbal’s house is Spectacular from the inside, the carvings are beautiful and like other places, it is also made of red sandstones. We’ve come up with this article to make you more aware of the place you’re about to visit. Birbal’s House is one of the popular tourist spots in Fatehpur Sikri. It’s an amalgam of Mughal and Indian architecture. The monument is a witness to the bond between Akbar and Birbal. And it’s a reminder of Birbal’s invaluable counsel.
About Birbal’s House
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According to popular belief, the most probable occupants of this palace were Akbar’s two senior queens, Ruqayya Begum and Salima Sultan Begum. Birbal’s house stands near the northwest corner of Jodhbai’s palace. It is one of the marvelous buildings of the imperial Harem. It was built in 1571. It consists of four square rooms, each measuring 16′-10″ (5.13m) square side, all interconnected through open doorways and two oblong entrance porches on the Northwest and Southeast corners. While all four rooms have flat ceilings, porches have triangular chhappar ceilings with pyramidal roofs.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Fatehpur Sikri
Timings & Entry Fees To Birbal’s House
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The best time to visit is in winter, from November to February. The weather in Fatehpur Sikri is comfortable for tourists during those days. The place is open throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. It takes only about half an hour to explore the palace. However, you must have at least 2-3 hours to explore all the monuments in the fort complex. Birbal’s Palace entry fee is included with Fatehpur Sikri’s ticket. It costs ₹50 per person for Indian, SAARC, and BIMSTEC country visitors. For other country nationals, the price is ₹610. Kids below 15 years get free entry. The place is open to visitors from 6 am to 6 pm every day
Places To Visit In Fatehpur Sikri
Fatehpur Sikri is a hidden gem on the outskirts of Agra. It’s a Heritage Site that stands as a testament to the grandeur of the Mughal Empire. We’ve come up with a list of the top spots to visit in Fatehpur Sikri
1. Buland Darwaza
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Buland Darwaza is a magnificent gateway in Fatehpur Sikri. The gateway is 54 meters high, and it’s known for its imperial grandeur and architectural beauty. It was built to commemorate Emperor Akbar’s triumphant victory over Gujarat, and it stands as a symbol of power, authority, and conquest. The craftsmanship adorning Buland Darwaza leaves visitors spellbound with its sheer size and details. Its design consists of intricate carvings, delicate latticework on stone, and complex geometrical patterns. Every motif and inscription is a part of the story of the Mughal empire. Buland Darwaza also offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding landscape.
Timings: 8 am to 7 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh
2. Jama Masjid
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Jama Masjid is one of the largest mosques in India. It’s an architectural masterpiece nestled within the captivating town of Fatehpur Sikri. Its vast courtyard is surrounded by imposing red sandstone walls. The moment you step into the complex, you get a glimpse of its architectural brilliance. The prayer hall has soaring domes and elegant pillars. And intricate motifs and Quran inscriptions decorate the walls. But visiting Jama Masjid isn’t just an exploration of exquisite architecture. It’s also a journey of introspection and cultural understanding. It’s a sanctuary for reflection and prayer. A sense of tranquillity wraps around anyone visiting the mosque.
Timings: 7 am to 6:30 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
3. Jodha Bai Palace
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Jodha Bai Palace (also known as Mariam-uz-Zamani Palace) was the residence of Jodha Bai, Emperor Akbar’s favorite queen. With its blend of Rajput and Mughal architecture, the palace is a testimony to the cultural fusion during the Mughal era Jodha Bai was known for her grace, intelligence, and strong influence on Emperor Akbar. Wandering through the palace, you can feel the grandeur of the daily life of the queen. It has sprawling courtyards and exquisite chambers. Delicate murals and geometric patterns grace the walls throughout. It seamlessly integrates elements of Rajputana palaces with Mughal style.
Timings: 7:30 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
Suggested Read: Panch Mahal
4. Diwan-e-Khas
Diwan-e-Khas is a grand hall that Emperor Akbar used to entertain his special and eminent guests. It was the place to conduct discussions of utmost importance in private. An intricately carved sandstone facade welcomes visitors as they approach Diwan-e-Khas. And much like other structures in Fatehpur Sikri, it’s a stellar example of the magnificence of the Mughal architectural style. It displays the craftsmanship that characterized the era. The spacious interior reflects a fusion of Hindu and Islamic artistic influences. It was where dignitaries, intellectuals, and spiritual leaders held meetings with the emperor. Moreover, it’s adorned with exquisite marble inlay work.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
5. Diwan-e-Aam
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Diwan-e-Aam is another magnificent hall in the Fatehpur Sikri complex. It was meant for the public audience, for Emperor Akbar to meet with his subjects and listen to their grievances. Similar to Diwan-e-Khas, Diwan-e-Aam greets you with an impressive sandstone facade. It’s adorned with intricate carvings and decorative elements. The ornate arches and delicate jaali screens on the exterior further enhance its beauty. Its past grandeur is evident in its spacious layout and rich ornamentation. Therefore, the focal point of the hall is the elevated platform, where the emperor sat on his throne. The acoustics were carefully designed to ensure Akbar could hear the voices of his subjects.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
Suggested Read: Mehtab Bagh
6. Daulat Khana
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Daulat Khana (also known as Khwabgah) is the most beautiful building in the royal complex. It was constructed for Emperor Akbar as his private palace for rest and contemplation, and it has a bedroom, a personal library, and a small bathroom. Daulat Khana is one of the most well-planned buildings in Fatehpur Sikri. It’s a double-story building built with red sandstone. The bedroom is decorated with intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and a few Persian inscriptions. It’s believed that the library (or Kutub Khana) had over 25 thousand manuscripts along with other official documents. It was connected to the offices (Daftar Khana) and palaces in the complex.
Timings: 8 am to 6 pm
Entry fees: INR 50 per person
How To Reach The Palace
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Fatehpur Sikri is 36 km away from Agra city center. From the Idgah bus stand and Agra Cantt railway station, it is 35 km. A small Fatehpur Sikri railway station is the closest, 3 km away. The nearest airport is in Agra, about 34 km away. But the international airport nearest to it is in Delhi (215 km away).
Now, here are the different ways to reach Birbal’s Palace Fatehpur Sikri –
By Train – Regular trains are available from Agra to nearby Fatehpur Sikri station. It’s only about 3 km from the fort. From there, you’ll find auto-rickshaws.
By Bus – Buses are also available at regular intervals. They drop you at the nearby bus stop, 3 km away from the fort. Auto-rickshaws are regularly available from the bus stop, too.
By Auto – You can also hire an auto-rickshaw from Agra directly to Fatehpur Sikri. They’re easily available in the city.
By Taxi – Hiring a full-day cab or taxi for Fatehpur Sikri is the best way to visit Birbal’s Palace and the fort complex. You can book them from the top car rental companies in Agra and explore all the tourist places around.
Further Read: Churches In Agra
Now that you have a list of things to keep in mind for your next vacation to see the beautiful architecture of Fatehpur Sikri make sure you plan your trip to Agra to these fabulous spots for the experience of a lifetime. Don’t miss out on these opportunities and book your tickets now!
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Frequently Asked Questions On Birbal’s House
Who was Birbal, and why is his house significant?
Birbal was a prominent courtier, poet, and advisor in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar. Birbal's House is a testament to his close relationship with Emperor Akbar and his elevated status in the Mughal court.
What are the architectural features of Birbal's House?
Birbal's House is a fine example of Mughal architecture, known for its intricate designs, beautiful carvings, and harmonious blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural elements. The house features a central courtyard surrounded by rooms on all sides.
What is the best time to visit Birbal's House?
The best time to visit Birbal's House is during the winter months, from November to February. During this time, the weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C, making it comfortable for sightseeing and exploring the historical site.
What are the nearby attractions to Birbal's House?
Some of the nearby sites include the Buland Darwaza, a magnificent mosque; the Panch Mahal, a five-storied palace; and the Diwan-i-Khas, a hall where Emperor Akbar held discussions with his advisors.
How to reach Birbal's House in Fatehpur Sikri?
Fatehpur Sikri is well-connected by road and can be easily reached from major cities like Agra (37 km) and Delhi (233 km). The nearest railway station is Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, which is about 1 km from the historical site. Once inside the Fatehpur Sikri complex.
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