Are you looking for a place to visit in Delhi that combines history, culture, and beauty? If yes, then you should definitely check out Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning monuments in the city. Humayun’s Tomb is the first garden tomb in India and the first structure to use red sandstone on a large scale. It was built in the 16th century by Haji Begum, the widow of the second Mughal emperor Humayun, as a tribute to his memory and legacy. The tomb is a marvel of Mughal architecture, with its octagonal shape, double domes, arched facades, lattice work, pietra dura floors, and attics.
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Humayun’s Tomb, such as its history, architecture, significance, timings, entry fee, location, how to reach, nearby attractions, etc.
We will also give you some tips and tricks to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. So read on and discover why Humayun’s Tomb is a must-visit monument in Delhi.
Humayun’s Tomb History and Significance
Humayun’s Tomb has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to the 16th century. It was built by Haji Begum, also known as Bega Begum or Malika-e-Jahan (Queen of the World), who was the chief consort of Humayun and the mother of Akbar. She was a Persian princess who married Humayun in 1530 and accompanied him in his exile to Iran after he lost his throne to Sher Shah Suri. She was also instrumental in restoring Humayun’s power in India with the help of the Persian king Tahmasp I.
She was a devoted wife who loved Humayun deeply and mourned his death for two years. She decided to build a magnificent tomb for him as a symbol of her love and respect. She commissioned the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas to design and construct the tomb in 1565. The construction took 14 years to complete and cost 1.5 million rupees at that time.
The significance of Humayun’s Tomb lies in its architectural innovation and influence. It is the first garden tomb in India, which inspired many other tombs and monuments in the country, such as Taj Mahal, Safdarjung’s Tomb, etc. It is also the first structure in India to use red sandstone on a large scale, which gives it a distinctive appearance and character. The tomb is influenced by Persian, Turkish, and Indian styles of architecture and art.
It has elements such as double domes, arches, pietra dura, lattice work, etc., that reflect the fusion of these cultures. The tomb is also considered as a milestone in the development of Mughal architecture, as it marks the transition from the Timurid style of Humayun’s father Babur to the Indo-Islamic style of his son Akbar.
Humayun’s Tomb Architecture and Design
Humayun’s Tomb is a masterpiece of Mughal architecture, with its octagonal shape, double domes, arched facades, lattice work, pietra dura floors, and attics. The tomb is built on a raised platform that measures 120 meters by 120 meters. The platform has four arched entrances on each side that lead to the main chamber where Humayun’s cenotaph is placed. The cenotaph is made of white marble and has inscriptions from the Quran on it. The main chamber also has several smaller chambers that contain the graves of other members of the royal family and nobility. The main chamber is covered by a double dome that rises to a height of 42 meters. The outer dome is made of white marble and has a brass finial on top. The inner dome is made of red sandstone and has an opening that allows natural light to enter the chamber.
The tomb is surrounded by a Char Bagh that measures 300 meters by 300 meters. The garden is divided into four quadrants by two water channels that intersect at the center. The water channels have fountains and pools along them that create a soothing effect. The garden also has several pavilions, tombs, mosques, and gateways that add to its beauty and charm.
The garden is designed to represent the paradise as described in the Quran. The tomb and the garden are enclosed by a high wall that has four gates on each side. The main gate is on the south side and is decorated with marble and red sandstone. The gate also has a small chamber on top that serves as a museum and a library.
Also check out: Humayun's Tomb: Pride of the Mughals
Humayun’s Tomb Timings and Entry Fee
Humayun’s Tomb is open to the public every day from sunrise to sunset. The timings may vary depending on the season and the weather conditions. The entry fee for Indian visitors is 40 rupees and for foreign visitors is 600 rupees. The entry fee for children below 15 years of age is free.
The entry fee also includes access to the museum and the library inside the main gate. The photography fee is 25 rupees and the video filming fee is 300 rupees. The tickets can be purchased at the ticket counter near the main gate or online through the official website of ASI (Archaeological Survey of India).
Humayun’s Tomb Location and How to Reach
Humayun’s Tomb is located in Nizamuddin East, a residential area in south Delhi. The address of the tomb is Mathura Road, Opposite Dargah Nizamuddin, New Delhi, Delhi 110013. The tomb is easily accessible by different modes of transport such as air, rail, bus, metro, taxi, auto rickshaw, etc. Here are some of the ways to reach Humayun’s Tomb from different landmarks in Delhi:
From Indira Gandhi International Airport:
The distance from the airport to the tomb is about 20 kilometers and it takes about 40 minutes to reach by car or taxi. The fare ranges from 400 to 500 rupees depending on the traffic and the type of vehicle. Alternatively, one can take the Airport Express Metro from Terminal 3 to New Delhi Railway Station and then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the tomb. The metro fare is 60 rupees and the taxi or auto rickshaw fare is about 100 rupees.
From New Delhi Railway Station:
The distance from the railway station to the tomb is about 8 kilometers and it takes about 20 minutes to reach by car or taxi. The fare ranges from 100 to 150 rupees depending on the traffic and the type of vehicle. Alternatively, one can take the Yellow Line Metro from New Delhi Metro Station to JLN Stadium Metro Station and then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the tomb. The metro fare is 20 rupees and the taxi or auto rickshaw fare is about 50 rupees.
From ISBT Kashmere Gate:
The distance from the bus stand to the tomb is about 12 kilometers and it takes about 30 minutes to reach by car or taxi. The fare ranges from 150 to 200 rupees depending on the traffic and the type of vehicle. Alternatively, one can take the Red Line Metro from Kashmere Gate Metro Station to Rajiv Chowk Metro Station and then change to the Yellow Line Metro to JLN Stadium Metro Station and then take a taxi or an auto rickshaw to the tomb. The metro fare is 30 rupees and the taxi or auto rickshaw fare is about 50 rupees.
From India Gate:
The distance from India Gate to the tomb is about 5 kilometers and it takes about 15 minutes to reach by car or taxi. The fare ranges from 50 to 100 rupees depending on the traffic and the type of vehicle. Alternatively, one can take a bus or an auto rickshaw from India Gate to Nizamuddin Bridge and then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the tomb. The bus fare is 10 rupees and the auto rickshaw fare is about 30 rupees.
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Nearby Attractions
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. Some of these attractions are:
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 as well as people of other faiths. It is also a place of music and poetry, where qawwali singers perform every evening. The dargah is located just opposite Humayun’s Tomb and can be reached by walking for about 5 minutes.
Purana Qila:
This is an old fort that was built by Humayun before he lost his throne to Sher Shah Suri. It was later renovated by Sher Shah Suri and his son Islam 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. The fort is a witness to many historical events and battles, such as the First Battle of Panipat, the Revolt of 1857, etc. The fort is located about 2 kilometers from Humayun’s Tomb and can be reached by car, taxi, bus, or auto rickshaw.
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. The gate also has an eternal flame that burns in memory of the unknown soldiers. The gate is a popular tourist attraction and a picnic spot, especially in the evenings when it is illuminated with lights. The gate is located about 5 kilometers from Humayun’s Tomb and can be reached by car, taxi, bus, or auto rickshaw.
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. The zoo is a great place to visit for families and children who love animals and nature. The zoo is located about 3 kilometers from Humayun’s Tomb and can be reached by car, taxi, bus, or auto rickshaw.
Humayun’s Tomb is a monument that you should not miss when you are in Delhi. It is a place where you can admire the beauty and grandeur of Mughal architecture, learn about the history and culture of the Mughal dynasty, enjoy the tranquility and serenity of the Char Bagh garden, and explore other attractions nearby.
Humayun’s Tomb is a place that will leave you spellbound and amazed by its charm and elegance. So what are you waiting for? Plan your visit to Humayun’s Tomb today. You will not regret it.