18 Apr 2023
Our driver was on time for the pickup from our hotel. On reaching Fatehpur Sikri we were met by our guide. He provided a lot of information about the site over and above what was available on the information boards around the site, and also pointed out details that we would have completely overlooked. The tour ended with a visit to the mosque, which was still functioning so I had to cover my shorts. (It might have been useful if the tour description had included information about the dress code.) Our guide also encouraged us in the direction of making a wish at the shrine. However, we were shocked by the price quoted for buying a bit of cloth to leave at the shrine. When we declined this our guide did not appear entirely pleased. Our trip included a buffet lunch. We were given a choice as to whether we wanted this in Fatehpur Sikri or Agra. We opted for the latter. We were slightly concerned when we were taken to the same restaurant that we had been to the previous day on the Taj Mahal/Agra Fort trip and where we had been given a set meal. It appears that foreign tour groups are often taken here. However, we were given a different meal (a Thali selection) and could ask for top-ups of any of the dishes; so a buffet of sorts it was. Overall the trip was worth it.