Sikandra Travel Guide

Agra
Sikandra which includes a mosque
Admire the richly ornamented gateways, opulent shrine and manicured gardens of the final resting place of Mughal emperor Akbar the Great.

Sikandra is a grandiose complex famous for being the home of the tomb of Akbar the Great, the greatest Mughal leader. This glorious monument showcases a harmonious fusion of Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, Islamic and Jain art and architecture. Marvel at a collection of lavish red sandstone and marble gateways, chambers and minarets. Enjoy a moment of peace and serenity while wandering along the pathways of a tree-shaded garden.

Emperor Akbar started work on Sikandra and his own mausoleum in the early 1600s and it was completed by his son, Jehangir. Akbar’s dream was to create a blend of religious themes befitting of his well-known tolerance of spiritual beliefs. The complex takes its name from Sikandra Lodi, the former Sultan of Delhi who established the district in which it stands.

The complex has four imposing gateways, although the northern gate suffered some lightning damage. The eastern and western gates feature stucco work, mosaics and dome-shaped pavilions, called chhatri. The southern and most impressive gateway is the main entrance to the mausoleum. Note its huge central archway, intricate mosaic work and four white-marble minarets, each crowned by a chhatri.

A wide stone causeway leads from the southern gateway to the complex’s main building and Akbar’s tomb. On either side of the causeway are sprawling, tree-lined lawns. Spot deer, monkeys and peacocks. Additional pathways connect with the other gateways.

The building is a 5-tier structure that resembles the shape of a truncated pyramid. Adorning the exterior walls are huge iwans, which are vaulted halls, beautified by mosaics and semi-precious stones. Look up to see a series of chhatri and minarets. Inside, colorful floral, Arabic and calligraphic patterns festoon the hallway that connects to the Tomb of Akbar the Great. Additional chambers house the graves of Akbar’s daughters and the Mughal princess Zeb-un-Nisa.

Find the complex in the district of Sikandra, located in northwest Agra. It’s about a 30-minute drive from Agra Cantonment railway station. Get here via taxis and low-cost auto rickshaws.

Sikandra is open daily from dawn until dusk and there’s an admission fee.


Popular places to visit


Top hotels in Sikandra

Bhawna Clarks Inn - Agra
Bhawna Clarks Inn - Agra
3.5 out of 5
Bhawna Tower, Kailashouri Crossing, Sector 16B, Awas Vikas, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹3,308 per night from 29 Mar to 30 Mar
₹3,308
per night
29 Mar - 30 Mar
Stay at this 3.5-star hotel in Agra. Enjoy breakfast, room service and an LCD TV. Popular attractions Taj Mahal and Tomb of Akbar the Great are located nearby. ...
6/10 (1 review)
Happy but Food could have make it even better
"hotel was good but food was pathetic and looked like days old, however the staff was very friendly, room was very well maintained and comfortable."

Reviewed on 13 Mar 2015

Bhawna Clarks Inn - Agra
Radisson Hotel Agra
Radisson Hotel Agra
5 out of 5
C-1, C-2, Taj Nagari Phase 1, Fatehabad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹4,427 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
₹4,427
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Agra. Enjoy free parking, 2 restaurants and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in their ...
8/10 Very Good! (220 reviews)
"I thought this property really punched above its weight. We stayed in one of the 5th floor rooms with a Taj view, which really was worth the money and the room was good. Really appreciated how helpful the staff were in setting up tours and arranging and onward transfer ( at a sensible price - not ..."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Radisson Hotel Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
5 out of 5
Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹33,000 per night from 22 Apr to 23 Apr
₹33,000
per night
22 Apr - 23 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Agra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition in ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (299 reviews)
"The Oberoi Amarvilas is located at a great location super close to the Taj Mahal. During our stay, the staff were very courteous and the hospitality provided was excellent. The hotel has amazing views of the Taj Mahal which made our stay even more rewarding. Great food and dining options as well. ..."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2024

The Oberoi Amarvilas, Agra
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
5 out of 5
Taj Ganj Uttar Pradesh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹6,500 per night from 15 Apr to 16 Apr
₹6,500
per night
15 Apr - 16 Apr
Stay at this spa hotel in Agra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (999 reviews)
"This was our second time staying at the ITC Mughal and it was better than we remembered. The staff were excellent and were readily available for assistance. The rooms were spacious and clean. Special shoutout goes to the housekeeping staff, not only for making up our rooms but also setting up an ..."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

ITC Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Courtyard by Marriott Agra
5 out of 5
Taj Nagri, Phase II, Fatehbad Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹5,000 per night from 31 Mar to 1 Apr
₹5,000
per night
31 Mar - 1 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Agra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (779 reviews)
"Nice clean hotel. Easy access to Taj Mahal"

Reviewed on 6 Mar 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Agra
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra
Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra
5 out of 5
Taj East Gate Road, Agra, Uttar Pradesh
The price is ₹5,500 per night from 7 Apr to 8 Apr
₹5,500
per night
7 Apr - 8 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Agra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking and 5 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular attractions ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (923 reviews)
"Definitely recommend this hotel , about a good 10 min walk to the taj and very well worth it. Great pool as well ."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Taj Hotel & Convention Centre, Agra
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Other neighbourhoods around Sikandra

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Raja ki Mandi

If you're spending some time in Raja ki Mandi, Bageshwarnath Temple and Lower Haramsara are top sights worth seeing.

Raja ki Mandi
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Sanjay Place

4/5(9 area reviews)

Sanjay Place is well liked for its restaurants. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Agra area, you might plan a trip to Kinari Bazar or Jama Masjid.

Sanjay Place
Agra Fort which includes heritage architecture as well as a large group of people

Rakabganj

4/5(4 area reviews)

Rakabganj is noteworthy for its historical sites, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Agra Fort and Keetham Lake.

Rakabganj
Agra showing interior views and art

Sadar Bazaar

While visiting Sadar Bazaar, you might make a stop by sights like Agra Art Gallery and Agra Marble Emporium.

Sadar Bazaar
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Fatehabad Road

Fatehabad Road is well liked for its bars. If you'd like to do some sightseeing in the greater Agra area, you might plan a trip to Taj Mahal or Mosque and the Jawab.

Fatehabad Road
Taj Mahal featuring heritage architecture, a monument and mist or fog

Taj Ganj

3.5/5(62 area reviews)

Taj Ganj is known for its abundant dining options, and you can plan a trip to Taj Mahal and Mosque and the Jawab while you're in town.

Taj Ganj

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