About Rang Mahal:
Rang Mahal or the Pleasure Palace is situated to the west of Jami Masjid. One of the oldest buildings of Fatehpur Sikri, it showcases several decorative motifs that were used here for the first time. It is in ruinous condition now. It is said that Akbar built it for his wife on advice of Sheikh Salim and that prince Salim was born here. The surviving portions of the palace have two courtyards in the southeast corner of the building with the pair of tall twelve-sided columns that have extraordinary double capitals and a deeply coffered roof. The beautiful brackets of these columns are shaped like heads of horses. It is said that originally it had five inner courts, one in the centre having one court on each side. The red sandstone palace had main entrance to its north. The eastern courtyard has three openings or tibara dalan. The inner closed room in here has survived. It also has a double storyed façade overlooking the court below. The building has a double storeyed living room, which lacks any superstructure or dome. Its beauty lies in the series of brackets used here. Despite its pitiful condition, this building is believed to be the best example of residential architecture in India.
General Information about Rang Mahal:
Location: Fatehpur Sikri
State: Uttar Pradesh
Capital: Lucknow
Language: Hindi, English
Temperature: Max 42˚C, Min 27˚C (summer), Max 26˚C, Min 14˚C (winter)
Best Season: October to February
How to Reach Rang Mahal:
By Air:
Kheria airport in Agra is the nearest airport from Fatehpur Sikri. Domestic flights are available to Agra from important places of India. From the airport, you have to reach Fatehpur Sikri via road route.
By Train:
Nearest major railway station is located in Agra. Agra railway is served by large number of express trains from important places of the country. Taj Express, Shatabdi express and several other trains are available from Delhi to Agra. Trains are available at regular intervals between Agra and Fatehpur Sikri.
By Bus:
UPSTDC, ITDC and other private operators arrange conducted tours to Fatehpur Sikri, but the tour buses stop only for an hour. If you want to spend longer time at Fatehpur Sikri it is better you take a regular bus from the Idgah Bus Stand.