Akbar's mausoleum in a walled garden with a monumental southern gateway.
Sikandra, on the Agra-Mathura road in the north-western part of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, is the site of the mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar, who died in 1605. Akbar began planning the tomb during his lifetime, and construction was carried out by his son Jahangir between about 1605 and 1613. The name comes from Sikandar Lodi, a Delhi sultan who built a structure here in the early 16th century. The tomb stands in the centre of a large walled charbagh garden of about 119 acres, divided into quadrants by raised causeways and water channels.
The approach is through a monumental southern gateway, the Buland Darwaza of Sikandra, a three-storey red sandstone structure inlaid with white marble and four marble minarets at its corners. This is the most elaborately decorated element of the complex, with geometric patterns, Quranic calligraphy and floral inlay. The mausoleum itself is a four-tier pyramidal structure of red sandstone with white marble kiosks on its upper terrace, which differs from the dome-centred tombs that followed. The top level is an open court of white marble holding a cenotaph carved with floral designs and the 99 names of God, while the real tomb chamber is in a vaulted cell below ground. The design is often read as a blend of Islamic, Hindu, Buddhist and Jain elements, consistent with Akbar's syncretic policies.
In the garden, herds of blackbuck and langur monkeys wander across the lawns, and the setting is much quieter than Agra's main monuments. The Archaeological Survey of India maintains the complex, and the gateway, sandstone and marble inlay have been conserved over the years, although some of the original gilding and paintwork has been lost. In 1761 Jat raiders damaged the tomb and looted some of its fittings, and Lord Curzon ordered a restoration in the early 20th century. The visit follows a linear axis from the gateway through the garden to the tomb, which makes a clear chronological reading. It is typically combined with Agra Fort, Itimad-ud-Daulah and the Taj Mahal.
| Admission | ₹310 (~$3.2) foreigners |
|---|---|
| Hours | Sunrise to sunset daily |
| Address | Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007 |
Why it matters
Sikandra is the resting place of Akbar, the third Mughal emperor, and its design departs from earlier dome-centred tombs in favour of a tiered pyramidal form. It marks the transition from Akbar's red sandstone style to the later marble tombs of Agra.
Location
Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh 282007
27.2205, 77.9505 View on map
Highlights
- Monumental southern gateway with marble inlay and four minarets
- Tiered red sandstone mausoleum with marble kiosks
- Large charbagh garden with grazing deer and monkeys
- Underground tomb chamber below the open marble cenotaph terrace
Tips for visiting
- Visit in the morning on the way to Mathura
- Look closely at the inlay on the southern gateway
- Allow time to walk the garden axis; it is quiet and shaded in parts
- Keep a distance from monkeys and do not feed them
- Carry water, since there is limited food on site
Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit take?
About 60 to 90 minutes covers the gateway, garden and tomb.
Is the real tomb visible?
The cenotaph on the top terrace is visible, while the actual burial chamber lies in a vault below and has limited access.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes, the large garden is open and easy to walk, though monkeys can be a nuisance.