Much as I was spellbound by Fatehpur Sikri; I was equally disappointed with the sad- neglected state of the monument.

It was dirty, litter strewn across the courtyard. Half-eaten food/fruits/banana peels were left around with flies on them. Why cant ASI or the caretakers of Fatehpur Sikri stop people from eating inside the premises...?

The hawkers in the premises spoil the beauty of the majestic monument - Especially near the Bulund Darwaza.

Worse of all, as soon as we arrived in Fatepur Sikri, our car was surrounded by tourist guides who showed us their pass claiming to be official tourist guide. We finally settled for one at a haggled price of Rs. 350/- (which I thought was still over priced for a 20 mins guide). He assured us that the parking and rickshaw charges from the car park to the monument were included in the price. Hence we agreed to Rs. 350/-.

We were conned by this tourist guide into buying a Chadder at the site for Rs 600/- which is not necessary or required.

When we were done with the tour, the guide took the money and guided us to the waiting rickshaw. On reaching the parking lot, the rickshaw driver demanded for Rs. 100 and we even had pay another Rs. 100 for the parking charges. Quite obviously the guide had done the infamous disappearing trick. All in all it left a very unpleasant feeling about the whole visit. And surprising there are no officials to control the sorry state of affairs.

Why are these heritage sites a haven for cheaters and con-men..?

PLEASE BEWARE.