Naubat Khana, Fatehpur Sikri

Situated at the entrance of the Fatehpur Sikri complex near Agra, Uttar Pradesh, Naubat Khana also known as Naqqar Khana is a Mughal era drum house that is famous for its stunning architecture and historical significance.

Traveller tips:

• Popular for: history, tourism, photography

• Timing: 6:00am to 7:30pm

• Visit duration: one hour

• Entry fee: Since Nuabat Khana is a part of Fatehpur Sikri complex, you need to pay a fixed entree fee to visit the fort.

• Indian nationals: Rs 40

• Foreigners: Rs 550

• Visitors are not allowed to carry food items, tobacco products inside the palace.

• Avoid touching the walls and surfaces of the heritage monument

• Wearing shoes is prohibited in the palace.

• Photography is allowed in Fatehpur Sikri complex

History and architecture:

Naubat Khana, a significant part of Fatehpur Sikri palace, refers to a building where Naubat a kind of a special drum was played by musicians to announce the arrival of the emperor or during special occasions. If history is to be believed, musicians used to play Nuabat or drums at this building five times a day at appointed hours.

Famous for its extravagant Mughal inspired architecture, Naubat Khana is an important structure of Fatehpur Sikri, a city erected by Mughal emperor Akbar. This beautiful three-storeyed, red stone made structure was used as a royal entrance during sultan Akbar’s reign. Featuring there elegantly designed archways, Naubat Khana is adorned with beautiful carvings and embellishments that depicts the excellence of Mughal architecture.

Things to do

Explore Naubat Khana, Fatehpur Sikri and other adhjusant monumnets to witness the supreme excellence of Mughal era-inspired architecture.

If you are a history buff, opt for a guided tour to know more about its historical significance.

If you have time, take a full day sightseeing tour to Agra to visit Taj Mahal.

Best time to visit

Located 36 km away from Agra, all the major attractions of Fatehpur Sikri can be covered during a day trip from Agra. With the temperature reaching a scorching height of 45 degree Celsius in summers (April-July), planning a trip to Naubat Khana is not recommended at this time. The best time to visit this place is between October and March as the weather during this time is pleasant.

How to reach?

Travellers can easily get local taxis outside the airport at nominal charges to reach Fatehpur Sikri. Naubat khana is a 5 minutes a walk from the main ticket counter at Fatehpur Sikri complex.

By bus: Fatehpur Sikri is well connected through Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) buses and private coaches to neighbouring main cities like Agra, Delhi and many other.

By train: Located nearly 40 km away from Fatehpur Sikri, Agra Cantt is the nearest railhead to Naubat Khana.

Nearby attractions:

Constructed in the traditional Mughal style of architecture, Naubat Khana, Fatehpur Sikri is a never miss out on a place on your full-day Agra sightseeing tour. Apart from Naubat Khana, there are many other nearby popular locations and monuments which you can consider for a full day sightseeing tour

• Taj Mahal

• Birbal’s palace

• Buland Darwaza

• Jama Masjid

• Panch Mahal

• Mariam-uz-Zamani

• Ibadat Khana

• Tomb of Akbar the Great

Book a full day or half-day sightseeing tour to Fatehpur Sikri and Agra covering all the major historic monuments like Nuabat Khana, Taj Mahal, Ibadat Khana and many more.