Humayun’s Tomb, Delhi

Visitor Information

  • Famous for: History, Culture, Sightseeing
  • Entrance Fee:30 per Indian and Rs.500 per foreigner
  • Visiting Time: Sunrise to Sunset
  • Visit Duration: 1 hour to 2 hours

The Humayun’s Tomb, located in the capital of the country, is another UNESCO Heritage site which is widely visited by tourists from all over the world. An epitome of beauty, the tomb was the first of its kind to be built in garden style by the first wife of the great Mughal emperor, Humayun. His widow, Haji Begum, ordered the construction of the tomb about nine years after the emperor passed away. The period of construction spanned about seven years from 1565 AD to 1572 AD with a tomb being successively constructed for her within the same premises after her demise. In addition, the complex now also contains the tombs of Isa Khan Niyazi, Dara Shikoh, Alamgir II and many members of the powerful Mughal royalty. With a well-maintained garden, and an alluring architecture to marvel at, this piece of history located at Nizammudin East is a spot which has got to be visited by all.

Humayuns Tomb
Photo by Dennis Jarvis, CC BY-SA 2.0

Traveler Tips

  • Wear comfortable footwear to cover the long walking distances around the premises.
  • Keep yourself well hydrated while also carrying caps or hats to counter the effects of the heat.

Things to Do

  • Marvel at the amazing architecture of the Mausoleum which was built in Persian style, as it was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
  • Relax and unwind in the vicinity of the serene ambience present throughout the location.
  • The spot serves as a great location to play around with lighting and capture some really good photographs.
  • Shop at the nearby shops and local markets to collect trinkets related to these structures.
  • Visit the large number of tombs which have each been constructed in their own unique style according to the titles that the deceased held.
  • Eat out and enjoy a wide variety of culinary masterpieces at the restaurants and local eateries situated around the area.

Availability of Guides

Guides are always available in plenty around the area as it is a famous tourist spot which is frequented by visitors. They can be paid a certain fee to explain the history of the place in your language of convenience.

Best Time to Visit

Summers are best to be avoided as Delhi experiences scorching heat during this time of the year. The winter months of October to March are perfect to visit the city as the climate starts toning down and turns mild and pleasant. This makes the ambience of the city perfect to sightsee. The evenings are a better option to visit the tomb as the un setting over the lush green garden is another sight to take in.

How to Reach

Present in the middle of the city, this area is easily accessible by the metro with the nearest stoppings being the Race Course station and the Jorbagh station. There are plenty of buses which stop on the way through this spot as it is a major tourist attraction. The Nizammudin stopping is another way to reach the area through rail. In addition to this, auto rickshaws and cabs are always available in plenty to reach the tomb.

Interesting Facts and Trivia About the Humayun’s Tomb

  • The completion of the construction was overseen during the great emperor Akbar’s reign.
  • The tomb which was constructed out of red sandstone stands amidst a square garden.
  • Emperor Humayun is said to have passed away after falling down the stairs of his palace.
  • This site was declared a Heritage Site by the UNESCO in the year 1993.
  • The interior most chamber is octagonal in shape and has got balconies which oversee the large room.
  • Inside the complex there are said to be about 124 chambers.
  • The tomb of the Sufi preacher Nizammudin Auliya is also present in it, making it a spot which was favored by members of the royalty to be buried as it was believed to be good for them.

Nearby Restaurants

  • Varq
  • E.D
  • Bukhara
  • Indian Accent
  • Hauz Khas Social

Nearby Attractions

  • Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
  • Agrasen Baoli
  • Dilli Haat
  • Hauz Khas Village
  • India Gate

The Humayun’s Tomb was a trendsetter in the architectural designs of the buildings which are important historical sites today. Visiting it is a must for any history buff who wants insight into the cultural heritage of our past. The serene aura of the location does wonders to our perspective on the rich culture of the country.

About Rohit

An architect by profession, Rohit Agarwal is a curious traveller, seeking out the minutest detail about the places he travels to, and that’s what one will find in his writings. His writings have appeared in various blogs, he’s currently trying to bring forth as many different places a traveller who shares the same level of curiosity like him would like to visit through his writings.

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