About Todarmal-Baradari:
The name of this magnificent structure is totally arbitrary because it has neither twelve doors to be called Barahdari and nor there are any proofs linking it to Todarmal, the finance minister of Akbar’s court. It cannot be a residential building of this nobleman because it consists of only a single hall with open gallery and has no other attachments nor it can be his tomb, for Todarmal being a Hindu minister could not have been buried in a tomb. This double-storeyed building is made up of red sandstone and is square in shape with chamfered angles. There is a tibara dalan in the middle of each façade of building on the ground floor and the arches are synchronized well with pillars and brackets on the upper storey. The corner rooms are given delicate tower like forms and are inter-connected. The upper storey has rectangular corridors overlooking the hall below. It has no dome or chhatri but the presence of the brackets suggest that there must have been a chajja supported by them. The central hall has a vaulted soffit but a flat roof and thus, this building presents harmonious fusion of different architectural traits.
General Information about Todarmal-Baradari:
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 Todarmal-Baradari:
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.