Akbar's Tomb, Sikandra: The Complete Guide

Quick Facts at a Glance

Self Guided Exploration

You won't find official tour guides for hire at the Tomb of Akbar. But you can get step-by-step explanation and GPS-guided tour of the complex with the Tourismo app.

The tour comes with:

• 10+ connected stories covering less-known architectural details and historical events

• The fascinating blend of Hindu, Islamic, and Persian design explained

• Stories of Akbar's reign, the Jat rebellion, and British restoration

• Optimal route to experience the gardens, gateways, and tomb chambers

• Offline access—no internet needed

→ Download the app now

Table of Contents

1. Overview & History

2. Is It Worth Visiting?

3. How to Reach

4. Entry Tickets & Fees

5. What to See Inside

6. Best Time to Visit

7. Practical Tips

8. Nearby Attractions & Itinerary Ideas

Overview & History

Akbar selected the site of his burial and supervised the construction of his tomb himself. This follows the Tartary tradition where an emperor oversees construction of his own tomb during his lifetime. After his death in 1605, his son Jahangir completed the structure between 1605-1613, adding the distinctive white marble top floor and personal architectural touches.

The tomb represents a revolutionary departure from traditional Mughal architecture. Built primarily of deep red sandstone with white marble accents and black slate inlays, it features a five-tiered pyramidal design—eschewing the traditional dome entirely. This architectural experiment blends Islamic geometric patterns with Hindu Rajputana elements like chhatris (domed canopies), Gothic pointed arches, and even Buddhist and Jain influences.

The construction cost 1.5 million rupees (a staggering sum in the early 17th century) and took approximately 8 years to complete.

Key Historical Highlights:

• 1600-1605: Akbar begins tomb construction during his lifetime, selecting site and designing gardens

• October 26, 1605: Akbar dies of dysentery at age 63

• 1605-1613: Jahangir completes construction, adding the white marble top floor

• March 28, 1688: Jat rebels under Raja Ram Jat ransack the tomb, looting treasures and burning Akbar's remains in revenge against Aurangzeb

• 1904-1905: Lord Curzon, British Viceroy, completes extensive restoration under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act

Is Akbar's Tomb Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Akbar's Tomb attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it one of Agra's most significant historical monuments—yet far less crowded than the Taj Mahal. Here's why it deserves a spot on your Agra itinerary:

• Architectural Innovation: The only major Mughal tomb built as a pyramid instead of with a dome—a bold architectural experiment that influenced later monuments

• Historical Significance: Final resting place of Akbar the Great (1556-1605), the most progressive and powerful Mughal emperor who tripled India's economy

• Unique Wildlife Gardens: Home to roaming blackbuck antelopes, langur monkeys, peacocks, and numerous bird species within the Charbagh gardens

• Peaceful Experience: A serene, meditative atmosphere with far fewer crowds than other Agra monuments

• Remarkable Acoustics: The tomb chamber features incredible sound reverberations

Time Investment vs. Value:

Spend 1.5-2 hours to experience the vision of India's most enlightened emperor, stunning architecture that blends four religious traditions, and peaceful gardens where wildlife roams freely—all for a fraction of the Taj Mahal's ticket price and crowds.

Best For:

• History & architecture enthusiasts

• Photography lovers (especially early morning/golden hour)

• Those seeking peaceful, less-crowded experiences

• Anyone interested in Mughal heritage and Akbar's legacy

• Nature lovers (wildlife in gardens)

Not ideal for: Those with very limited time in Agra (prioritize Taj Mahal first) or visitors with limited transportation options (Sikandra is a 30 min drive from the Taj area)

How to Reach Akbar's Tomb

Full Address: Tomb of Akbar The Great Area, Sikandra, Agra, Uttar Pradesh, 282007, India

Landmark Reference: 10 km northwest of Agra city center on Mathura Road (NH-19/Old NH-2)

By Car/Taxi

• From Taj Mahal: 14 km, 25-30 minutes via Fatehabad Road/Mathura Road

• From Agra Fort: 12.5 km, 25-30 minutes

• From Fatehpur Sikri: 40 km, 1 hour

• Parking: Available near the entrance, free

  
  

By Bus

• Bus Route: Take any bus heading toward Mathura from Idgah Bus Stand

• Get off at: Sikandra Chauraha (intersection)

• From bus stop: 500 meters walk or auto-rickshaw ₹20-30

From Railway Station

• Agra Cantt Railway Station: 9.5 km away

• Travel time: 20-25 minutes

• Transport options: Auto-rickshaw ₹150-200, pre-paid taxi ₹250-300

Entry Fee and Tickets

→ Visit our page on Akbar's Tomb tickets

What to See Inside Akbar's Tomb

The tomb complex follows the traditional Mughal Charbagh (four-part garden) design, with the mausoleum positioned at the center. The entire complex is enclosed by a high wall spanning 105 meters on each side, with four gateways—though only the southern gate is used for entry.

1. The Southern Gateway

The main entrance to the tomb complex—a magnificent three-story red sandstone gateway crowned with four elegant white marble minarets.

2. The Charbagh Gardens

Don't Miss: The wildlife! Blackbuck deer graze freely on the lawns just as they did in Akbar's time, creating magical photo opportunities. Visit early morning for the best wildlife sightings.

3. The Main Crypt

Note: You may be requested to remove your shoes while entering the crypt. Photography is prohibited inside. The caretaker may request a small donation, which you are welcome to decline.

4. Second & Third Floors - Arcaded Verandahs

Jahangir demolished and reconstructed these upper levels according to his architectural ideals, creating contrast with Akbar's austere ground floor.

5. The Top Floor - White Marble Cenotaph Pavilion

Added by Jahangir to complete his father's monument, this level represents the pinnacle of refinement. It's an open courtyard under the sky bearing no dome—highly unusual for Mughal tombs

The cenotaph's Arabic inscription reads: "Allahu Akbar, Jallah Jalalahu" (God is great, may His glory be glorified).

Note: Access to upper floors may be restricted for safety reasons

6. The Three False Gateways

7. Mariam-uz-Zamani's Tomb

After Akbar's death, Mariam-uz-Zamani created extensive gardens around his tomb. Following her death in May 1623, Jahangir converted the existing baradari into a fine mausoleum for his mother—making her the only wife of Akbar buried close to him.

Other Notable Features

• Demolished Octagonal Tomb: Near the ticket counter sits mysterious ruins of an octagonal tomb—historians are uncertain whose tomb this was

• Kanch Mahal (Glass Palace): A guest house built by Jahangir for hunting expeditions

🎧 Get the Complete Experience

Our audio guide covers all parts of Akbar's Tomb in detail with:

• 30+ minutes of expert narration covering every building and gateway

• The dramatic story of Akbar's reign and religious tolerance

• Architectural analysis of the Hindu-Islamic-Persian fusion

• The tragic Jat rebellion and desecration

• Lord Curzon's 20th-century restoration efforts

• Hidden details and symbolism most visitors miss

• Optimal viewing sequence with perfect photo opportunities

→ Get Your Audio Guide

Best Time to Visit Akbar's Tomb

Best Months

Ideal: November to February — Pleasant weather (15-25°C), clear skies, comfortable for extended exploration, best for wildlife sightings

Good: October & March — Temperatures rising but still manageable (20-32°C)

Avoid if possible: April to September — Extreme heat (35-45°C) in summer, heavy monsoon rains July-September make gardens muddy and reduce wildlife visibility

Best Time of Day

Sunrise (6:00-7:30 AM) — Magical golden light on red sandstone, almost no crowds, active wildlife, cool and comfortable temperatures, ethereal morning mist in winter

Mid-morning (8:00-10:00 AM) — Good light for photography, moderate crowds, pleasant temperatures in winter

Afternoon (2:00-4:00 PM) — Hotter, fewer crowds, harsh light for photos

Sunset (4:30-6:00 PM) — Beautiful golden hour lighting, moderate crowds, wildlife becomes active again

Best Days of the Week

• Least crowded: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday

• Most crowded: Saturday, Sunday (especially Indian holidays)

• Closed: Every Friday

Special Events & Festivals

• Diwali (October/November): Agra is festive but monuments remain peaceful

• Taj Mahotsav (February): 10-day cultural festival in Agra—city is busy but tomb stays tranquil

• Holi (March): Colorful but crowded period—book accommodations early

• Republic Day / Independence Day: Higher domestic tourism

Practical Visitor Tips

Dress Code

No strict dress code, but recommended:

• Modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) out of respect

• Comfortable walking shoes (not high heels or sandals)

• Light, breathable fabrics in summer

• Layers in winter (mornings can be chilly)

Guided Tours

• Official ASI guides: Not commonly available on-site

• Private guides: Can be hired outside the entrance (₹300-500 for 1 hour)

• Audio guides: Download our professionally curated → Audio Guide

  
  

How Long You'll Need

• Quick visit: 45 minutes (southern gateway, gardens, view main tomb)

• Standard visit: 1.5 hours (recommended—gateways, gardens, cenotaph chamber)

• In-depth exploration: 2-2.5 hours (including photography, wildlife watching)

  
  

Nearby Attractions & Itinerary Ideas

Within Walking Distance (1-2 km)

• Mariam-uz-Zamani's Tomb

• Guru ka Taal Gurudwara

  
  

In Agra (10-15 km)

• Taj Mahal — 14 km, world's most famous monument and UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Agra Fort — 14.5 km, massive red sandstone fort, UNESCO World Heritage Site

• Itimad-ud-Daulah (Baby Taj) — 16 km, exquisite marble tomb, prototype for Taj Mahal

• Mehtab Bagh — 15 km, Mughal garden with stunning Taj Mahal sunset views

  
  

Day Trip from Agra (40-50 km)

• Fatehpur Sikri — 40 km, abandoned Mughal city, UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect combination with Akbar's Tomb

  
  

Suggested Itineraries