Akbar’s Tomb

Akbar’s tomb is the resting place of Akbar, Mughal Emperor. The tomb is built on an area covering 119 acres during early 17th century. This is the mausoleum that Akbar chose for himself but could not finish it during his time. The monument has Mughal elements like red sandstone and marble with inlay works and geometric patterns.

• Best time to visit Akbar's Tomb

  The tomb is open from 6 in the morning to 6:30 in the evening. The monument is at its prime beauty throughout the year. However, people choose winter, as it will be pleasing with mild climate. If you are visiting during rainy season, you will not be able to spot any animals inside the complex.

• Where Akbar's Tomb is located ?

  The tomb is located in Sikandra, Agra. It is on the Mathura National Highway Road, NH2. It is located 1 km away from Mariam’s tomb. It is located in the suburbs of Agra, which is four kilometer away from the main city. The tomb is 14 km away from Taj Mahal.

• Why Akbar's Tomb is so famous ?

  Once you enter into the gateway, you will find Mughal styled gardens. In the garden, you can find antelope and monkeys. You can rarely spot peacocks here. There is a water canal on both the sides of the garden. It is rare to find water in the canal, these days. The tomb has four gates and the south gate is the largest one with minarets on top like the ones in Taj Mahal. A wall covers the tomb. The building is a four-leveled pyramid with marble pavilion. The false tomb is found in the ground floor while the real tomb is located in the basement. The basement is not open for tourists. It is said to contain precious and expensive jewels, weapons and other before the attack of Jats.

  The tomb also has the remains of two of Akbar’s daughters. Unlike any other Mughal tombs, the tomb is faced towards the east rather than towards Mecca.

• Entry Fees ?

  • Entrance fee for Indians is 20 INR.
  • Citizen of SAARC has to pay 15 INR per head.
  • Foreigners have to pay 200 INR.
  • Children below the age of 15 are not charged.
  • Foreigners who purchase ADA ticket for 500 INR need not buy ticket for this monument if visiting on the same day.
  • Cost of carrying a video camera is 25 INR.

• History about the Akbar's Tomb

  Akbar choose the site for his tomb when he was alive. His first son, Salim started the construction and Jahangir completed it. The construction started in 1605 and ended in 1613. During the reign of his great grandson, Aurangazeb, King Ram Jat ransacked the tomb, stole all precious items, carpets and destroyed the tomb. As an act of revenge for the death of his father, King Ram Jat even dragged the bones of Akbar and burnt it. Burning the dead is an insult for Mughals. Later, the Akbar's Tomb came under the control of British who spent a lot in repair works.