Fast Facts :

 Built In Approx. 1575

Built By Akbar

Architecture Islamic

Location :      At Fatehpur Sikri, 45 Kilometers from Agra

Ideal Time to Visit :     Anytime round the year, 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM

Attraction :     Quranic Inscriptions

Introduction : Agra is well-known as being home to the wonderful Taj Mahal - one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The gracefully designed mausoleums, the fort and the palaces reminds of the Mughal architectural brilliance. Besides the Taj Mahal, other popular tourist spots in Agra are the Agra Fort, Jama Masjid, Itmad-Ud-Daulah's Tomb, Chini Ka Rauza, Rambagh Gardens, Fatehpur Sikri, etc. One such tourist attraction in Agra is the  Buland Darwaza  , a grand gateway located in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra.

The imposing Buland Darwaza forms an important part of the city of Fatehpur Sikri and a significant tourist location in Agra. Situated on a hilltop, the Buland Darwaza forms the gateway to the famous Jama Masjid.

Features : Soaring impressively to a height of 40 meters or 175 feet, Buland Darwaza is approached by a flight of steps sweeping down the hill giving the gateway additional height. This stunning structure, built in red sandstone with embellishments in white marble, echoes early Mughal design. It is the most Islamic structure in Buland Darwaza and has inscriptions from the Quran on its front and pillars and chattris on its height. The inscription is not only famous for its calligraphy, but also testifies Akbar's religious broad-mindedness.

Background  : The Buland Darwaza is the entrance gateway to the Jama Masjid mosque in Fatehpur Sikri near Agra. It is situated on a hill where the Mosque is located. The grand recessed central arch is the most magnificent of its kind in the entire range of Mughal architecture in India. This triumphal arch was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1575 on the southern wall of the courtyard, after he defeated the King of Khandesh or Gujarat in 1573.

How to reach  : To reach the  Buland Darwaza in Agra  , by air you have to land at the Agra airport, which is 7 km from the city center. From Delhi, it takes only 40 minutes to reach Agra by flight. The main railway station is Agra Cantonment. The main bus stands in Agra are Agra Fort and Idgah bus stand. There are many luxury taxis, coaches or buses that drive to Agra every day.

History of Buland Darwaza : Buland Darwaza or the Gate of Magnificence was built by Akbar in 1602 to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The name Buland Darwaza means 'High Door' and this triumphal arch was built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar to celebrate his victory when he defeated the king of Khandesh or Gujarat in 1573. This stupendous structure stands high as a manifestation of the great Mughal Emperor's religious tolerance.

Description : The semi octagonal structure of the Buland Darwaza is approached by a flight of 42 steps. The 40 meter high gateway is built of red sandstone white marble inlaying. On the inner side of the gateway is an inscription of a saying by Jesus which advises people not to consider the world their permanent home. It also has calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran on the exterior wall.

Buland Darwaza is a 15-storied high gateway that guards the Northeastern entrance of the city of Fatehpur Sikri. Historians have come to a consensus that this building was constructed in the year 1575. It was commissioned by Emperor Akbar to commemorate his victory over Khandesh and Ahmednagar in Gujarat and Deccan respectively.

The Buland Darwaza structure is magnificent and built in red sandstone with decorations in white marble. There are calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran on its front and pillars and chattris on its height which truly make it an impressive structure. The Buland Darwaza is also an evidence of the religious tolerance of Akbar the Great. There is an inscription on the Buland Darwaza which is attributed to Jesus Chirst which says "The World is but a bridge, pass over but build no houses on it."

The Buland Darwaza is a magnificent structure built in red sandstone with decorations in white marble. With calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran on its front and pillars and chattris on its height, the Buland Darwaza is an impressive sight. The Buland Darwaza is also evidence of the religious tolerance of Akbar the Great. The inscription on the Buland Darwaza is attributed to Jesus Christ. It reads, "The World is but a bridge, pass over but build no houses on it."

Buland Darwaza or the loft gateway was built by the great Mughal emperor, Akbar in 1601 A.D. at Fatehpur Sikri. Akbar built the Buland Darwaza to commemorate his victory over Gujarat. The Buland Darwaza is approached by 42 steps. The Buland Darwaza is 53.63m high and 35 meters wide. Buland Darwaza is the highest gateway in the world and an astounding example of the Mughal architecture. The Buland Darwaza or the magnificence gateway is made of red and buff sandstone, decorated by carving and inlaying of white and black marble. An inscription on the central face of the Buland Darwaza throws light on Akbar's religious broad mindedness.