I took a local bus to Fatehpur Sikri, a ghost city 40 km west of Agra. On the bus ride, I met a lovely French couple from Paris. Despite the record high temperature, we explored the Jama Masjid and the palaces together.

Fatehpur Sikri, another World Heritage site, was the capital of the Mughal empire under Emperor Akbar for about fourteen years in the late sixteenth century. He built this city in an area that was known for water shortages. After his death, the city was abandoned.

The palaces are still in pretty good shape and the mosque is still in use today. Many Indians were inside the mosque praying. Surprisingly we were permitted to take photos while others were praying.