Visit the Hiran Minar

Visit the Hiran Minar, Fatehpur Sikri Overview

The Hiran Minar of Fatehpur Sikri is an architectural marvel built by Emperor Akbar in the 16th century. Located in Fatehpur Sikri, about 40 kilometers from Agra, India, this stunning tower was built in memory of Akbar’s favorite pet elephant – a white named ‘Hiran’. A majestic sight, the tall tower stands amidst lush green lawns, with pairs of elephant tusks protruding from its multiple balconies.

This monument has an octagonal base made of red sandstone, measuring around 80 feet in circumference. The monument consists of four storeys and an octagonal platform at the top. The walls of the tower are embellished with intricate archways and patterned lattice screens. The entire structure is finished with an elect version of the classic Mughal style of architecture. The pavilion at the base of the monument features an interesting fountain within an open space. The first floor of the tower is attached to a sprawling building which is believed to have been used as a royal retreat by the Emperor. The garden surroundings of the monument are believed to have been designed by Akbar himself.Visitors to the monument are left in awe by its grandeur and beauty. One can view the Vanguard and Inverted windows of the monument to marvel upon the architectural genius of the Mughal era. On the top of the tower, there is an Islamic inscription which reads ‘In the Name of God, the Sublime, the Glorious’. A majestic sight, the Hiran Minar of Fatehpur Sikri provides a glimpse of Mughal architecture and history of India.

The monuments is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm in all the days of the week. Strategically located, there are regular buses from the local towns to Fatehpur Sikri and railway stations nearby from where one can reach the monument. Entrance fee to the monument is minimal and a guide can be hired to know more about the structure.The Hiran Minar of Fatehpur Sikri is surely worth a visit for anyone who wants to explore the rich Mughal heritage in India.