Named after the Afghan ruler Sikander Lodi, Sikandra is the final resting place of Emperor Akbar. The Emperor began the construction of his own garden mausoleum during his lifetime. However, the construction was completed by his son Jahangir in 1613. An impressive marble - inlaid gateway leads to the spacious four - tiered monument which is crowned by a white marble cenotaph and screen. What is interesting is that the structure imbibes the best of Hindu, Christian, Islamic, Buddhist, Jain motifs, signifying the new religion started by Akbar - the Deen-e-Ilahi. The red sandstone structure is surrounded by chahar-bagh, a four-square formal garden.

The tomb in elevation has a pyramid style construction and consists of five floors:

Ground Floor

The ground floor has spacious cloisters on all the four sides except in the middle of the southern side. The cloisters are divided by the numerous bays by massive piers and arches. Each bay measures 22 feet square. A vestibule, which has been ornamented very profusely with exquisite carvings, occupies the centre of the southern side, artistic paintings and inlay work in geometric and floral designs. The tombstone of Akbar is placed in the middle of this room. Akbar's daughters, Shakrul Nisha Begum and Aram Bano are also entombed in this floor.

Second Floor

The second storey has an arcaded verandah on each side, which is composed of 23 bays. The use of an ornamental arch and square pillar has brought about a unique composition.

Third And Fourth Floors

These storeys are smaller in size than the ones below it. They have an identical arrangement of arches supported on pillars and chhatris attached on the exterior to each facade.

Fifth Floor

The fifth storey is entirely in white marble as against the lower storeys, which are finished in red stone.

On top is an open courtyard surrounded by a marble screen enclosing the tomb itself. The building is unique in its departure from Islamic architectural tradition, for it has no domed roof.

A fine insight into how the Mughal art was developing, the tomb has three-storey-minarets on its corners. These minarets are built in red sandstone with stunning in lay work of marble. On the walk ways langur monkeys wait to be fed.

Sikander Lodhi had built the Baradi palace in the garden. On the road from Sikandra to Agra (Home of Taj Mahal, India) are several tombs and also two 'Kos Minars' or mile stones.