In the Agra suburbs on the Mathura road, there is a place called Sikandra, which lies at a distance of 8 km from the heart of the city. In this Sikandara city, lays the third Mughal emperor named Akbar’s tomb. The great emperor‘s remains rest in the mausoleum with 5 tiers. A fake tomb rests on the top tier while the actual tomb of Akbar is placed in the basement.

History

Akbar was the third Mughal Emperor (1555–1605), and he started the construction of the tomb in around 1600, as per the Tartary tradition.  Akbar planned the construction of the tomb by his own and also chose an appropriate site for it. The construction did not finish in during the life span of Akbar so post Akbar's death, his son Jahangir completed the tomb’s construction in 1605-1613. The king Akbar was one of the greatest emperors in the Indian history.

Best Time to Visit

Akbar Tomb is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit this place of peace and serenity is during the winters.

Architecture

The tomb is shaped like a pyramid and includes of 5 tiers. The level below the ground consists of cenotaph, while the fake is at the top tier. The complete tomb is build of red sandstone except for the top tier, which has white marble. The ground floor is enclosed by cloisters with southern side’s centre left open. These cloisters are segmented by huge piers and arches that can be divided into several bays. The square tiers have an arcade of verandah, with clusters and arcades of kiosks on every side. Few of the kiosks in second tier have pyramidal roofs made up of marble while the remaining is crowned by the cupolas. Every angle at the third tier has a petite square room.  The top most tiers are solely constructed of white marble. In order to let an opening to the sky, it has a square court. The integral courtyard is surrounded by all the sides by sleek piers and arches that have been roofed in the pattern of trabeate. In the central part of the courtyard lies a platform shaped in square, on which a cenotaph of white marble is laid out. This cenotaph made up of the white marble is carved profusely with floral as well as the arabesque patterns.

How to Reach

Agra being one of the most popular cities, only for the reason of Taj Mahal, hosting millions of travelers every year, this city of Uttar Pradesh has a well connected through every major mode of transportation. Anyone can flexibly reach the destination through their choice of mode of transportation.

By Air

The closest airport is roughly 7 km from the city

By Rail

The prime and closest railway station is Agra Cantonment

By Road

Agra is properly connected to the National Highway, by two major links- Delhi and Jaipur. You can hire rental cars or take buses for Agra, as a mode of road transportation.

By Self Transport

For Agra tour, most of the transportation companies offer rental cars as well as the luxury car service. You can go for it if willing to opt for self transport.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Open from Sunrise to Sunset.

Entry Fee

• Free Entry: Children up to 15 years
• Indian Visitors: Total Rs.5/-
• Citizen of SAARC and BIMSTEC Countries: Total Rs.5/-
• Other Foreign Visitor: Total Rs.100/- (ASI)
• Rs. 10/- per head as Toll Tax (Agra Development Authority. Fridays free entry by ADA)