Akbar’s Tomb, located in the suburb of Sikandra near Agra, is the magnificent mausoleum of the Mughal emperor Akbar. The emperor himself began planning the tomb during his lifetime, and construction started around 1605. After Akbar’s death, the monument was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. The complex reflects Akbar’s broad vision and his interest in blending different architectural traditions.

The tomb stands within a large charbagh-style garden, divided by walkways and water channels in the Persian tradition. A monumental gateway decorated with intricate geometric patterns and four elegant marble minarets leads visitors into the garden. The main mausoleum rises in a distinctive tiered, pyramid-like form built primarily of red sandstone, with white marble inlay and decorative panels that display Persian, Islamic, and Hindu artistic influences.

Unlike later Mughal tombs such as the Taj Mahal, Akbar’s tomb does not have a large central dome. Instead, the structure culminates in an open marble pavilion that holds the emperor’s symbolic cenotaph, while the actual grave lies in a chamber below. Surrounded by peaceful gardens often visited by deer, peacocks, and monkeys, Sikandra remains an important historical site that reflects the power, cultural openness, and architectural innovation of Akbar’s reign.

Entrance fee: (updated October 2025)

• INR 310 Per Person (Foreign Tourist)
• INR 30 Per Person (Citizen of SAARC Countries)
• INR 30 Per Person (Indian National)
• No Entry Fee for children below 15 years of age (any nationality)