Fatehupur Sikri is the deserted ancient capital of Emperor Akbar, approximately 35km from Agra. It was built in the 16th century but was abandoned after only 12 years due to a scarcity of water. The entire complex of red sandstone palaces and temples is virtually intact.
The Panch Mahal, is a unique five storied open pavilion palace sometimes known as the Palace of Five Levels, it is has five floors of decreasing size and is supported by 176 intricately carved columns or pillars. The ground floor has 84 columns, while the top-most floor is a small chhatri or kiosk supported by just four pillars. It was designed as a wind-tower, or badgir, often often in Persian architecture. The extra height of the building was designed to capture and circulate cool breezes during the summer. It was used for relaxation and as a pleasure pavilion.
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