Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri is a 21-metre-high tower built during the reign of Emperor Akbar. It served as a milepost and a lighthouse for the night travellers. It’s also believed that the emperor built it to memorialise a beloved pet elephant named Hiran. It’s a cylindrical tower that tapers to a rounded top. It’s built over an octagonal platform that stands on a square base. There are 53 steps inside Hiran Minar leading to the top of the tower. We’ve made a list of everything you need to know in and around Fatehpur Sikri for your next trip to Agra.
About Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri
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Hiran Minar is located near the Caravanserai in Fatehpur Sikri Fort, around 1 kilometre from Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station. It is believed that Akbar built Hiran Tower in honor of his beloved elephant, Hiran. Alternatively, this tower is thought to act as a milepost and lighthouse for night tourists. With a height of 21.34 m, Hiran Minar is octagonal at the floor stage and circular to the relaxation of the tower. That is built over an octagonal platform, which in turn stands on a square base.
This tower is embellished with a change row of hexagons and six-factor stars. in advance, elephant tusks have emerged from the centre of each megastar, which can now be replaced with stone tusks. The tower is entered via a flat-crowned door bordered by sandstone panels and flanked by closed arched panels. There are fifty-three steps leading to the top of the tower. you can actually get a hen’s eye view of Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri from the top of the tower. It is believed that this tower became connected with the palaces around, and it was used as a personal watchtower for the women and the queens to look at the sports, beast fights and wrestling games played in the grounds.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Fatehpur Sikri
Places To Visit In And Around Hiran Minar 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. Step through the gateway and enter a world steeped in history and culture. The craftsmanship adorning Buland Darwaza leaves visitors spellbound with its sheer size and details.
Its design comprises 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. Walk up the steps, and you’ll find the panoramic vista that stretches till the horizon.
Location: Near Nagar Palika Building, Dadupura, Agra, Delhi – Mathura Hwy,
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
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.
Location: Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttar Pradesh
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 favourite 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. The building shows the respect and recognition she received. 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. Intricately carved sandstone columns, elegant archways and ornate jaali (lattice) screens greet you as you enter.
Location: 3MW7+PW5, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
4. Diwan-E-Khas
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Diwan-e-Khas is a grand hall Emperor Akbar used to entertain his special and eminent guests and conduct private discussions of utmost importance.An intricately carved sandstone facade welcomes visitors as they approach Diwan-e-Khas. Like other structures in Fatehpur Sikri, it’s a stellar example of the magnificence of the Mughal architectural style. It displays the craftsmanship that characterised the era. Diwan-e-Khas offers a glimpse into the fascinating royal court. As you walk through the hall, you can almost imagine the grandeur of the past. The spacious interior reflects a fusion of Hindu and Islamic artistic influences. It was where dignitaries, intellectuals and spiritual leaders met with the emperor. It’s adorned with exquisite marble inlay work. You’ll feel an aura of power and authority here.
Location: 3MX8+4CG, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
Suggested Read: Raj Sadan
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. The hall’s focal point is the elevated platform on which the emperor sat on his throne. The acoustics were carefully designed to ensure Akbar could hear the voices of his subjects clearly.
Location: Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
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-storey building built with red sandstone. Its design and architecture reflect the luxurious lifestyle of the Mughals. The bedroom is decorated with intricate patterns, vibrant colours and a few Persian inscriptions. Attention has been given to creating a comfortable and opulent space. It’s believed that the library (or Kutub Khana) had over 25 thousand manuscripts and other official documents. It was connected to the offices (Daftar Khana) and palaces in the complex.
Location: 3MW8+X99, Dadupura, Fatehpur Sikri
Entry Fee: Included with Fatehpur Sikri ₹50 entry fee
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Hiran Minar Timings And Entry Fees
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Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri is open throughout the year. The best time to visit, though, is in the winter months, from November to February, when the weather is the most comfortable. It takes about an hour to explore the place, but you must have at least 2-3 hours to visit Fatehpur Sikri Fort completely. Hiran Minar’s opening time is from sunrise to sunset.
Hiran Minar’s entry fee is included with Fatehpur Sikri’s fort ticket. It is ₹50 per person for Indian, SAARC and BIMSTEC country tourists. Tourists from other countries have to pay ₹610. Kids below 15 years get free entry.
How To Reach Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri?
Fatehpur Sikri Fort is 36 km from Agra. It is 35 km from Idgah bus stand and Agra Cantt railway station and 34 km from Agra airport. The nearest international airport is Delhi (215 km away). Fatehpur Sikri has a railway station, too, 3 km from the fort.
Now, here are the different ways to reach Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri:
By Train: Regular trains run from Agra to Fatehpur Sikri station, 3 km away. Auto-rickshaws also depart from there.
By Bus: Buses are also available from Agra. The bus stop in Fatehpur Sikri is 3 km from the fort, from where you get auto-rickshaws.
By Auto: You can also hire an auto-rickshaw from Agra itself to go to Fatehpur Sikri. They’re readily available all over the city.
By Taxi: Taking a full-day cab or taxi from Agra is the most comfortable way to visit Hiran Minar in Fatehpur Sikri. You can book them easily from the top car rental companies in Agra and visit all the nearby tourist places.
Further Read: Churches In Agra
Now that you have a list of things to remember for your next vacation to see the beautiful architecture of Hiran Minar 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 About Hiran Minar Fatehpur Sikri
What is Hiran Minar?
Hiran Minar is a unique monument located in Fatehpur Sikri, a city in the Agra district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The tower was built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in memory of his beloved pet elephant, Hiran, who died in 1591.
Why was Hiran Minar built?
According to legend, Akbar was deeply saddened by the death of his favorite elephant, Hiran. To honour the animal's memory and commemorate its loyalty, Akbar commissioned the construction of Hiran Minar.
What is the architecture of Hiran Minar?
Hiran Minar is a circular tower that stands approximately 21 meters (69 feet) tall. The tower is adorned with stone projections resembling elephant tusks, which are believed to symbolize the tusks of Hiran. The monument showcases a blend of Indo-Islamic architectural styles.
When was Hiran Minar constructed?
The exact date of Hiran Minar's construction is unknown, but it is believed to have been built during the reign of Emperor Akbar, specifically after the death of his beloved elephant in 1591.
What is the significance of Fatehpur Sikri?
Fatehpur Sikri was the capital of the Mughal Empire from 1571 to 1585. It was built by Emperor Akbar and is known for its well-preserved examples of Mughal architecture. The city includes several notable monuments, such as the Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, and the Panch Mahal.
How do one can reach Hiran Minar?
Hiran Minar is located within the Fatehpur Sikri complex. To reach Fatehpur Sikri, you can take a bus or hire a taxi from Agra, which is approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) away. The nearest railway station is Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station, and the nearest airport is Agra Airport.
What are Hiran Minar's visiting hours?
Hiran Minar can be visited as part of the Fatehpur Sikri complex. The visiting hours are typically from sunrise to sunset every day of the week. However, checking the official website or local authorities for the most up-to-date information on visiting hours and any potential changes is always a good idea.
Are there any entry fees for visiting Hiran Minar?
There is an entry fee to visit the Fatehpur Sikri complex, including access to Hiran Minar. As of 2023, the entry fee for foreign tourists is INR 600 (approximately $8 USD), while the fee for Indian citizens is INR 50 (approximately $0.60 USD). It's important to note that ticket prices may be subject to change, so it's advisable to verify the current prices before your visit.
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