Sikandra is where the body of Akbar rests. Akbar was one of the greatest emperors India has known. He followed the Tartary custom of building one’s own tomb. Rather, he tried to but died without completing it. His son Jehangir finished the job but not the way his father had planned. He made several additions of the new art and architecture of his time. in spite of this mix of architectural styles, it remains a must-see among the sightseeing places in Agra.

Akbar’s tomb is made of red ochre sandstone and beautified with exquisite carvings. It was designed to reflect the secular beliefs of the emperor.

The Garden
A luxuriant walled garden surrounds the monument. The garden is in Char Bagh style and is divided into four equal parts. Each part has a raised terrace with water flowing through its centre and a fountain.

Gateways
Four gateways of red sandstone stand guard. The Southern one is open to visitors. Four minarets inlaid with marble tower over each gateway decorated with striking mosaic patterns. As the Agra travel guide will inform you, the designs and patterns are an eclectic mix of Hindu, Muslim and Christian architectural forms.

Mausoleum
The tomb is shaped like a truncated pyramid with five storeys. The main tomb is square and one of a kind.

Ground Floor
Akbar’s tombstone lies here. The tombstone is ornately decorated with glazed tiles and semi precious stones in geometric designs. All sides except the south have roomy cloisters. Huge arches divide the cloisters into bays. The south of the room has a highly decorated vestibule. Inlaid with geometric and floral patterns, paintings and intricate carvings, it’s a delight for those on the Agra tour. A passage runs downwards from this vestibule to the mortuary room.

Second Storey
Every side has a verandah with an arcade and 23 bays. The square pillar and the highly decorated arch are worth noting.

Third and Fourth Storeys
These floors have the same arrangement of arches and pillars. They are much smaller in size to the floors below.

Fifth Storey
This storey is in white marble.

Sikandra is one of the tourist places in Agra that you can’t afford to miss.