Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri

Buland Darwaza which in Urdu means “high” or “great gate” is located in Fatehpur Sikri which is 43 Km from Agra. This gate otherwise known as “Gate of Magnificence” was built by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Gujarat in 1601 A.D. It reflects typical elements of Mughal-Persian architectural designs.

Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri is made of red and buff sandstone and decorated by black and white marble and towers above the courtyard of the mosque. The structure has a symmetrical plan, small minar-spires, stylised battlement and is topped by pillars and chhatris.


The gateway is some 40 metres of height and 50 metres from the ground and could be seen from very far. The total height of the structure is 54 metres from the ground and has 15-storeyed high gateway is located on the southern entrance to the city of Fatehpur Sikri.

On the front pillars and chhatris, it has calligraphic inscriptions from the Holy Quran. This gateway is also situated on the same hill where Jama Masjid is located and serves as entrance to the Jama Masjid mosque in Fatehpur Sikri. One needs to climb 42 steps to reach the lofty gate. It took some 12 years to build.

It is also said that the inscriptions from Persian verses and Christian texts found on the gate proves Emperor Akbar’s religious tolerance and secularism. It is often quoted as the best example for the importance of diverse traditions and culture by many historians. The wide solid sandstone structure resembles a large tomb with doors on all sides. It attracts visitors who want to have a peaceful view and to study and admire the beauty of the architecture.

It is ideal to visit Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri between October to March as the weather will be ideal. This place will certainly attract history buffs and photo fanatics. This can be visited on all days including the public holidays from 8.00 a.m.-7.00 p.m. Of course, the pets are not allowed. An entry fee is also to be paid.

Though today Fatehpur Sikri is an abandoned city, for all those who want to feast on the visual splendour and grandeur of Mughal architecture should visit Fatehpur Sikri and the best example being Buland Darwaza.

How to Reach Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri

From Agra Railway Station
From Agra city railway station head towards Agra-Bikaner Rd/NH-11, at 110 m turn right onto Agra-Bikaner Rd/NH-11, pass the Shiv Mandir on the left in 1.4 Km, at 1.5 Km turn left at Mahesh Chand & Sons on to Mahatma Gandhi Road, pass by SNEM Hospital on the left, At 1.1 km after Nalband Crossing continue onto MG Road and pass the petrol pump on the left, at 210m turn right onto Agra-Bikaner Rd/NH 11, go through one roundabout, pass by Sahid Harendra Singh Fuel Station on the left in 6.9 km, at 33.4 Km turn slight left and within 2 Km you will find the Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri.

From Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station
From the Fatehpur Sikri Railway Station head northwest at 350 m turn left and you will find the Buland Darwaza on the left at 450 m.

Address: Buland Darwaza in Fatehpur Sikri, Dadapura, Fatehpur Sikri, Uttar Pradesh 283110