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Panch Mahal Fatehpur Sikri
Panch Mahal is five layer palace located in Fatehpur Sikri in the city of Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India. The other name of the palace is also popular is Badgir which means the tower which attracts wind. Panch Mahal is situated close to Haram or zenana which is referred as a place where men's are prohibited.
The aesthetic of Panch Mahal is unique in its kind totally columnar which consist of four levels in which the size of each layer till the top is decreasing proportionately which displays a symmetrical structure.
Ground floor consist of eighty four pillars, it is believe that originally the pillars had grills or Jaali in between which helped to support the entire structure and also it used to work as a purdah a kind of cover for privacy to the princess and queens on the top most part of Panch Mahal at the time of their visit to enjoy the breeze and to enjoy the top most view of the city of Sikri.
History
The tower gave a magnificent view of the castle which was built by Mughal emperor Akbar along with the whole city. Panch Mahal was ideally built for entertainment purpose for the king Akbar in which he use to stay for relaxation. The beautiful pool in front of Panch Mahal is known as Anoop Talab.
Architecture
Fatehpur Sikri was constructed by sandstones known as Sikri stones which were easily available around the city. It is constructed on the rocky hill and is stretched over three kilometres. Fatehpur Sikri is covered by wall on three sides wherein the fourth view was the lake which doesn't exist now. Tuhir Das was the architect of Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri. The architectural design of Panch Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri is a blend of both Gujarat and Bengal artistry.
The entrance of Fatehpur Sikri is defined by gates wherein each entrance is named as the Agra Gate, Lal Gate, the Delhi Gate, Birbals Gate, the Chandanpal Gate, the Chor Gate, the Tehra Gate and the Ajmer Gate respectively.
Fatehpur Sikri has a historic significance of each and every sculpture constructed within. The Buland Darwaza is a huge gate constructed to celebrate Akbar's victory over Gujrat movement.
Jama Masjid was the first structure constructed in Fatehpur Sikri. Diwan-e-aam which is constructed for the public gathering in front of the emperor is also seen in most of palaces as the part of Fatehpur Sikri, Diwan-e-khas- a place constructed for reserved guest too was a part of Fatehpur Sikri.
Birbal house which was constructed like flat slanted sunshades is also a part of Fatehpur Sikri.
Ibaadat Khaana - A room of prayer was beautifully constructed in Fatehpur Sikri.
Best Time to Visit
Summers are extremely hot and tourists mostly avoid visiting Fatehpur Sikri in summer which last from April to June. Best time to visit Fatehpur Sikri is believed to be during monsoon season to enjoy monsoon which last from June to September. Winters are very cold in Fatehpur Sikri which last from November till March.
Visitor Information
Most of tourist takes a day picnic to Fatehpur Sikri while staying in Agra. One can enjoy a complete historic flashback of Akbar and Birbal era by visiting various structures and division in Fatehpur Sikri. Other than Panch Mahal one can roam around in Fatehpur to view other historical places including Buland Darwaza, Jama Masjid, Grave of Salim Chisti, Anoop Talab and Birbals house.
How to Reach
Fatehpur Sikri is approximately 39 kilometres from Agra.
By Air
The nearest airport to Fatehpur Sikri is the Kheria airport situated forty kilometres from Agra.
By Rail
The nearest railway station Fatehpur Sikri railway station is situated one km from the city to palace.
By Road
Agra is well connected to road and other neighbouring cities of north and Haryana. Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation mainly recognised as UPSRTC is the bus services which connects Fatehpur Sikri to other cities. Taxi services are also easily available around Fatehpur Sikri.
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