55 ~ Fatehpur Sikri

Last full day and the trip was nearing its end with the major attraction of the Taj Mahal still to come.

After breakfast was the drive to Agra enroute visiting Fatehpur Sikri first.

On route passed a cattle market or actually selling mainly goats. I had just 5 minutes and honestly wish I had more time here. Again literally as soon as I walked in was asked by the locals for me to take their photo so absolutely no issues here.

Not much further along was Ashok’s meal break and I finally got a stamp to post Eve her post card. Something I started to do on my 2011 Galapagos trip from Post Office Bay, Floreana where we could deliver post cards to people in cities we are to visit as well as place post cards or letters for future delivery by anyone. No postage stamps were required. How did it all start? A barrel was placed here in the late 18th century by English whaling vessels to be used as a post office. Passing ships would stop to leave mail for loved ones, collecting at the same time any mail destined for ports on their itineraries. Today the box is used mainly by us tourists who drop off and pick up unstamped letters to be carried to far away destinations. …

http://v2.travelark.org/travel-blog-entry/bruceontour/7/1325766339

More fields of yellow mustard and brick kilns dotted the countryside.

Finally at 1pm / 13:00 arrived at Fatehpur Sikri.

An impressive sandstone fortress was built in the 16th century and only occupied for a few years before being abandoned, leaving the buildings in virtually perfect condition.

Aimit was the local guide here.

Had to catch the CNG powered bus (10 rupees each way) the short distance to Fatehpur Sikri from the car park. This was one way that authorities could try and cut back the effect of pollution on the buildings. Not only here but also at the Taj. I can see this practice happening throughout India.

Here is the link to Tripsavvy:

A city that was once the proud capital of the Mughal Empire in the 16th century, Fatehpur Sikri now stands deserted as a well-preserved ghost town. It was abandoned by its occupants after only 15 years due to an insufficient water supply.

Fatehpur Sikri was established by Emperor Akbar from the twin villages of Fatehpur and Sikri as a tribute to the famous Sufi saint, Sheikh Salim Chishti. The saint accurately predicted the birth of Emperor Akbar's much longed for son.

https://www.tripsavvy.com/fatehpur-sikri-essential-travel-guide-1539341

This is what Lonely Planet has to say …

This magnificent fortified ancient city, 40km west of Agra, was the short-lived capital of the Mughal empire between 1572 and 1585, during the reign of Emperor Akbar. Earlier, Akbar had visited the village of Sikri to consult the Sufi saint Shaikh Salim Chishti, who predicted the birth of an heir to the Mughal throne. When the prophecy came true, Akbar built his new capital here, including a stunning mosque, still in use today, and three palaces, one for each of his favourite wives – one a Hindu, one a Muslim and one a Christian (though Hindu villagers in Sikri dispute these claims).

The city was an Indo-Islamic masterpiece but was erected in an area that supposedly suffered from water shortages and so was abandoned shortly after Akbar’s death. The red-sandstone palace walls are at their most atmospheric and photogenic near sunset.

https://www.lonelyplanet.com/india/uttar-pradesh/fatehpur-sikri

I am not too sure but looks like Kandil (lamp) or it just could be an art piece for decoration only.