Humayun’s Tomb: A Masterpiece of Mughal Architecture in Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb: UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi

Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most stunning monuments in Agra and is the first garden tomb in India, the first structure to use red sandstone on a large scale. The best part of this tomb is the Char Bagh surrounding the tomb, a Persian-style garden divided into four parts by walkways or flowing water.

Humayun's Tomb is famous for its historical significance, stunning architecture, and serene gardens, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Delhi's rich cultural heritage.

History & Significance Of Humayun’s Tomb

- Humayun’s Tomb, dating back to the 16th century, was commissioned by Haji Begum, also known as Bega Begum or Malika-e-Jahan (Queen of the World), the chief consort of Humayun and the mother of Akbar.

- Haji Begum, a Persian princess who married Humayun in 1530, played a crucial role in restoring Humayun’s power in India after his exile to Iran following his defeat to Sher Shah Suri.

- Deeply devoted to Humayun, Haji Begum decided to build a magnificent tomb for him as a symbol of her love and respect.

- She enlisted the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas to design and construct the tomb in 1565, with construction taking 14 years to complete and costing 1.5 million rupees at that time.

- Humayun’s Tomb is a testament to the fusion of Persian, Turkish, and Indian cultures, marking a significant milestone in the development of Mughal architecture.

- It signifies the transition from the Timurid style of Humayun’s father Babur to the Indo-Islamic style of his son Akbar.

- Humayun’s Tomb is renowned for being the first garden tomb in India, which inspired many other tombs and monuments in the country, including the iconic Taj Mahal and Safdarjung’s Tomb.

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Architecture Of Humayun’s Tomb

- Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, featuring an octagonal shape, double domes, arched facades, lattice work, pietra dura floors, and attics.

- Built on a raised platform measuring 120 meters by 120 meters.

- The platform has four arched entrances on each side leading to the main chamber housing Humayun’s cenotaph, made of white marble with Quranic inscriptions.

- The main chamber also contains smaller chambers with graves of other royals and nobles.

- Covered by a double dome rising to 42 meters, with an outer dome of white marble and a brass finial, and an inner dome of red sandstone with an opening for natural light.

Char Bagh Garden

- Surrounds the tomb, measuring 300 meters by 300 meters.

- Divided into four quadrants by two intersecting water channels with fountains and pools.

- Features pavilions, tombs, mosques, and gateways, enhancing its beauty.

- Designed to symbolize paradise as described in the Quran.

Enclosure Wall and Gates:

- The tomb and garden are enclosed by a high wall with four gates on each side.

- The main gate, located on the south side, is adorned with marble and red sandstone.

- The gate includes a small chamber serving as a museum and library.

Must Read: Know about Humayun's Tomb: Pride of the Mughals

Timings & Entry Fee Of Humayun’s Tomb

Opening Hours:

Humayun’s Tomb is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset.

Timings may vary based on the season and weather conditions.

Entry Fee:

Indian visitors: 40 rupees.

Foreign visitors: 600 rupees.

Children below 15 years: Free entry.

Entry fee includes access to the museum and library inside the main gate.

Photography and Video Fees:

Photography fee: 25 rupees.

Video filming fee: 300 rupees.

Ticket Purchase:

Tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter near the main gate.

Tickets are also available for purchase online through the official website of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

Dining Options Near Humayun's Tomb

Lodi - The Garden Restaurant: Located near Lodhi Garden, this restaurant offers a peaceful ambiance and a menu featuring Indian and continental dishes. Approximate cost for two: 1500-2000 rupees.

The Lodhi: A luxury hotel near Humayun's Tomb, The Lodhi offers several dining options, including Indian, Asian, and Mediterranean cuisine. Approximate cost for two: 3000-4000 rupees.

Naivedyam: A popular South Indian restaurant located in Sunder Nagar, Naivedyam offers a range of authentic South Indian dishes. Approximate cost for two: 600-800 rupees.

Café Turtle: Located in Khan Market, Café Turtle offers a cozy atmosphere and a menu featuring organic and vegetarian dishes, along with a variety of beverages. Approximate cost for two: 800-1000 rupees.

Khan Chacha: A well-known eatery in Khan Market, Khan Chacha is famous for its rolls and kebabs. Approximate cost for two: 400-600 rupees.

Must Read:Did you know the Humayun's Tomb is the inspiration behind iconic Taj Mahal?

Nearby Attractions From Humayun's Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb is not only a monument but also a gateway to explore other attractions in Delhi that are nearby or within a short distance.

Nizamuddin Dargah: This is a shrine of the famous Sufi saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, who was a contemporary of Humayun and Akbar. The dargah is a place of worship and devotion for Muslims and is also a place of music and poetry, where qawwali singers perform every evening.

Purana Qila: This is an old fort that was built by Humayun before he lost his throne to Sher Shah Suri. The fort has three gates, namely Bara Darwaza Humayun Darwaza, and Talaqi Darwaza. The fort also has a mosque, a stepwell, a museum, and a lake.

India Gate: This is a war memorial that was built in the 20th century to honor the Indian soldiers who died in World War I and the Afghan Wars. The gate is a 42-meter high arch that has the names of more than 13,000 soldiers inscribed on it.

National Zoological Park: This is a zoo that was established in 1959 and covers an area of 176 acres. The zoo has more than 1,300 animals of different species, such as tigers, lions, elephants, rhinos, bears, deer, monkeys, birds, reptiles, etc. The zoo also has a library, a museum, a cafeteria, and a souvenir shop.

Lodhi Garden: Located a short distance from Humayun's Tomb, Lodhi Garden is a peaceful oasis in the heart of Delhi. The garden is home to several historical monuments from the Lodhi and Sayyid dynasties, including tombs, mosques, and bridges.

Best Time to Visit Humayun's Tomb

Winter months from October to March are ideal.

Pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 5°C to 25°C.

Comfortable for sightseeing.

Tourist season in Delhi, with more activities and events.

How To Reach Humayun's Tomb

Easily accessible by various modes of transport such as air, rail, bus, metro, taxi, and auto rickshaw.

From Indira Gandhi International Airport

Distance: 20 kilometers, 40 minutes by car/taxi, Fare: 400-500 rupees.

Alternatives: Airport Express Metro to New Delhi Railway Station, then taxi/auto rickshaw. Metro fare: 60 rupees, taxi/auto rickshaw fare: about 100 rupees.

From New Delhi Railway Station

Distance: 8 kilometers, 20 minutes by car/taxi, Fare: 100-150 rupees.

Alternatives: Yellow Line Metro to JLN Stadium Metro Station, then taxi/auto rickshaw. Metro fare: 20 rupees, taxi/auto rickshaw fare: about 50 rupees.

From ISBT Kashmere Gate

Distance: 12 kilometers, 30 minutes by car/taxi, Fare: 150-200 rupees.

Alternatives: Red Line Metro to Rajiv Chowk Metro Station, then change to Yellow Line Metro to JLN Stadium Metro Station, then taxi/auto rickshaw. Metro fare: 30 rupees, taxi/auto rickshaw fare: about 50 rupees.

From India Gate

Distance: 5 kilometers, 15 minutes by car/taxi, Fare: 50-100 rupees.

Alternatives: Bus or auto rickshaw to Nizamuddin Bridge, then walk for about 10 minutes. Bus fare: 10 rupees, auto rickshaw fare: about 30 rupees.

Humayun Tomb Reviews

Uditi

619 Followers

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This grandiose Delhi monument is actually inspired by one of the seven wonders of World, Taj Mahal. Built in 1570, Humayun’s Tomb is a burial chamber of the great Mughal King, Humayun. Set amid the beautiful garden, Humayun’s tomb was the beginning of changed Mughal architecture in India. With the overwhelming appreciation of this artistic monument, the Mughal rulers build such tombs all across the country. • Location: Nizamuddin East, New Delhi • Opening Hours: Sunrise to sunset • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available Source Known for its magnificent architecture, Jantar Mantar is another famous monument of Delhi which has gathered endless tourists across the world. Jantar Mantar is considered one of the most interesting Indian masterpieces. It was built in1712 A.D.by Maharaja Jai Singh II of Rajasthan. The complexity of its structure and maze-like constructions has made it a glorious attraction of India. • Location: Sansad Marg, Connaught Place, • Opening Hours: 6 am to 6 pm • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available6. Jama Masjid Source The Jama Masjid in Delhi is one of the biggest Mosques in India. The religious sentiments and the architectural splendor draw a lot of tourists to this place and made it a historical monument of Delhi. The Mosque is surrounded by three huge gates, four towers and two 40m high minarets constructed of strips of red stone and white marble. • Location: Opposite Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi • Opening Hours: Sunrise to Sunset. Closed during prayer hours from 12.15 p.m. to 1.45 p.m • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available7. Old Fort or Purana Kila Source Stood sturdy for long 5000 years, Old Fort or Purana kila is one among the oldest Delhi monuments. Purana Kila was built in 1538-45 by the ruler Sher Shah Suri. It is popular for its massive structure with three grand gateways namely Talaqi Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Humayun Darwaza. The ambiance, the still lake, lush green beautiful lawns created to attract visitors has made it on top of the list of monuments in Delhi. • Location: Mathura Rd, New Delhi • Opening Hours: 7 am to 5 pm • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available8. Lodi Tomb Source Build inside the beautiful Lodi Garden, Lodi Tomb is one of the most famous monuments of Delhi which defines the majestic art of Mughal architecture. It is the memorial tomb for the great leader and king, Sikander Lodi. Lodi Garden is also popular as garden of tombs. Apart from the wonderful Lodi tomb, one can also behold Muhammad Shah tomb, Shish Gumbad, and Bara Gumbad. • Location: Lodi Road, not far from Humayun's Tomb. • Opening Hours: 6 am to 8 p.m Monday • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available9. Swaminarayan Akshardham Source Akshardham is an enormously build tomb-like structure with the bright white colored coating, is an incredible masterwork to witness in Delhi. It was built by a spiritual association, Swaminarayan Sanstha to showcase the tale of Swaminarayan. This huge and famed attractions is dedicated to exhibiting the stories and karma of Swaminarayan and to glorify the beauty of Indian culture. Witness some amazing sculptures, well-maintained garden, golden statues and so on at Akshardham. • Location: N. H. 24 | Near Noida Mor, New Delhi. • Opening Hours: 9.30 a.m to 6.30 p.m  How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available10. Lotus Temple Source Lotus Temple is one of the most eminent Delhi monuments, known for its beautiful flower-like structure. The best of Lotus Templecan be seen after the sunset when it is lit up with colored lights. Designed with crystal white marble, the lotus temple is associated with the Bahai Faith, which believes in the unity and harmony of all people irrespective of religions. The serene pond area and quiet garden encircling the temple is an attraction point of Lotus temple. • Location: Near Nehru Place, south New Delhi • How to Reach- Buses or Delhi Metro are frequently available • Opening Hours: 9.00 a.m. to 7pm

Rishabh Sinha

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India,the country with divine temples,splendid monuments,glittering culture,worth a million heritage,mouth watering cuisines,magnetic tongue and eternal nature.In short a country must visit.It is like a dream come true for me to explore this exotic and fáscinating land. The sky was clear and blue was the colour when I went to explore the sovereignty of the Mughal Emperor “ Humayun Tomb” .This masterpiece of Mughal era is located near the crossing of Mathura road and lodhi road ,New Delhi.Jawhar lal Nehru is the nearest metro station to reach this wonderful place. When I saw the tomb,the gigantic structure literally gave me ‘goose bumps’ .The tomb not only verbalize about the unmatched creativity of the Mughals but it is a symbol of love and affection as the mausoleum was built by the Humayun’s begum “Hamida Banu Begam after his death in 1565 AD. The Mausoleum is amalgam of Persian and Indian style of architecture and was engineered by” Mirak Mirza Ghyath” who was not only the master mind of Humayun’s Tomb but designed many structure across the country. “Humayun ka Makbara ( Humayun’s tomb) is the first building to use Persian concept of double dome as well as the first tomb of its kind surrounded by garden constructed to the end of time in Indian subcontinent. The Tomb stand in the centre of the beautifully styled ” Char Bagh” (as the whole garden is divided into four parts) connected with water channels, having its main entrance from the south and other from the west side as well.This was the first time when red sand stone was used in such a grand scale for its construction. Apart from Humayun the complex is the final resting place of his wife Hamida Bahu Begum,Shah Jahan’s son and many other prominent Mughals. What called the symbol of love “The Taj Mahal” was inspired from the Humayun’s Tomb The tall Ashoka trees which embellishes the beautiful garden with their willowy outgrowth compliment the structure and clash with the magnificent complex to deadlock visitors attention. While exploring this mammoth complex I got drained and I sat down into the lavish garden which was superbly maintained and it was venerating the tomb,made me spell bound. But I could hardly stop my self from clicking the pics of such a mesmerizing views of the complex.

Rimjhim Pandey

94 Followers

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As the local adage goes- It takes three things for a city to come into being- badshah, badal aur dariya. Between the tapering remnants of Aravallis in the form of the ridge and the river Yamuna, at least nine towns have flourished in thousand years in what we presently callDelhi. Dinpanah was one of such cities founded by Emperor Humayun which sprawled across the present day Mathura road which has now buried under the multiple layers of civilization. Humayun's tombwas built by his first wife, Bega Begum and designed by a Persian architect, Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. The tomb complex, constructed in Mughal style of architecture, adorned with Jali work, archs and domes, char baghs criss crossed by canals, houses a number of other structures, as well. The most famous ones being: 1. Isa Khan ka makbara which was constructed two decades before the main tomb. There is a mosque inside the compound. 2. Bu Halima enclosure: Inside the ornate facade lies the tomb of Bu Halima about whom not much is known. It's a huge gated enclosure. 3. Arab Serai: The serai housed the Persian craftsmen who came to construct the tomb. 4. Afsarwala tomb: Where there is a ruler, there are officials. Apparently, it houses the tombs of prominent officers. It also has a mosque and a madrasa in the compound. 5. Barber's tomb: Not much is known about the christening of this tomb. 6. Main tomb: This beautiful octagonal structure has the tombs of Humayun, both his wives, his sister, Bahadur Shah I, Dara Shikoh among others. The convention is to enter a tomb from the side of the legs of the body placed inside, which is essentially southern side. It is advisable to take off your shoes before entering the mosque. One can also visit the Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya dargah which is at a stone's throw from Humayun's tomb. Also, to please your taste buds, one can visit Nizamuddin basti and get a taste of the delicacies. The other places one can go to eat are Cafe Lota in Crafts Museum on Bhairon Marg or Khan market which is also at a distance of 3-4 kms. Nearest metro station: Jorbagh, JLN stadium Timings: 6 am to 6 pm, 7 days a week Ticket: Rs 40 for an Indian Best time to visit: when the weather is pleasant

Kritika Goel

1381 Followers

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Growing up, I spent all my summers visiting my grandparents in Delhi, and each summer, my mom and I would talk about how we’d visit Humayun’s Tomb during that trip. Unfortunately, we never got around to doing it, and we mostly blamed it on the scorching summer sun. Although that excuse isn’t really valid because I lived in Delhi for three full years while in college and had plenty of time to go there. My nana (mom’s dad) always wanted to take us there too but somehow it never happened. Last month, I lost my nana to cancer. The whole family got together in Delhi for the funeral and a day after the funeral, my parents and I found ourselves at home without any plans for the day and just like that, we decided to go to Humayun’s Tomb. A part of me believes my nana made it happen and in a strange yet comforting way, I could feel his presence the entire time I was there. The Mughal era is my most favorite part of Indian history. Humayun’s Tomb, the tomb of the great Mughal Emperor Humayun, was built way back in 1572 by his widow Bega Begum, and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It’s said to be the first garden-tomb to be built in the Indian subcontinent and is the one of the first monuments to be made using the combination of red sandstone and white marble in India (and it is also said to have inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal). The tomb is set in 12 hectares of serene and beautiful gardens, and it is quite an experience to just take a stroll through them while marveling at the grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb. Having visited the place now, I can’t believe I’d never been there before. It’s amazing how such a magnificent structure is nestled in the middle of the city and transports you back in time, all while offering the most peaceful surrounding. I have a lot of great pictures from those few hours I spent at Humayun’s Tomb and thought it’d be a shame not to share them. So here goes!

Rajat Kumar

91 Followers

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Someone told me that Humayun's Tomb is a replica of Taj Mahal and when I saw it for the first time, I actually realized, it looked like Taj Mahal. This magnificent tomb will take you back to the history and you will find yourself in some different time... This tomb is the tomb of Mughal Emperor Humayun and the first garden tomb of Indian subcontinent. The tomb was commissioned by his wife Bega Beghum and was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and Sayyid Muhammad, his son. This was the first structure where red sandstones were used at such large scale. This tomb is huge, beautifully built and attracts tourists from all over the world. Main Attractions inside Humayun's TombIsa Khan Niyazi's Tomb The moment you enter, on the right side, there is Isa Khan Niyazi's Tomb, which dates back to 1547. It is an octagonal tomb and is surrounded by octagonal garden. His entire family is buried here.Bu Halima’s Tomb & Garden If you are entering the main complex (from West), you will first see Bu Halima’s garden.Afsarwala Tomb IT is located in the southwest end. It belongs to a nobleman who served in the court of Akbar.Arab Sarai This structure is just next to Afsarwala mosque. It was built by Bega Begum in around 1561 CE.Nila Gumbad Due to the blue glazed tiles used in construction, it is named so. Nila Gumbad (Blue Dome) was built for Miyan Fahim who was a servant.Chillah Niamuddin Aulia This structure is present outside of the complex and is said to be the living place of Nizamuddin AuliiyaBarber’s Tomb The Nai Ka Gumbad (Barber’s Tomb) is located towards south east corner. This tomb belongs to a royal barber. How to reach Humayun's Tomb? You can reach there easily. The nearest metro station is JLN Metro Station on Violet Line. From there, you can get an auto or e-riksha, which should cost you around 30 INR to 40 INR.