Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi: IS it worth Visiting?

One of the most popular historical monuments of Delhi, Humayun’s Tomb is the mausoleum of the second Mughal ruler Humayun. 

Humayun’s Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajasthani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting.

But there is more to why you should visit Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi. Read on more to discover about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal.

Humayun’s Tomb is located in a large complex that includes many other structures like Isa Khan Niyazi Tomb, a mosque, Nila Gumbad, Afsarwala Tomb, Bu-Halima Tomb and Char Bagh. 

There is also a tomb that belongs to Humayun’s trustworthy barber called Barber’s Tomb.

Want to discover India and Don’t know how?

Wondering which places to visit to make the most of your money spent?

On popular dates of travel such as during Fall, Spring & festival time, flight tickets & Good Hotels tend to get fully reserved 3-4 months prior.

To avoid settling for something less than what you pay for, I recommend you plan your itinerary well in advance.

You can reserve your ticket and plan your trip to Delhi with me and relax knowing that my trusted team will take good care of a fellow wanderlust traveler. FOR DETAILS EMAIL at richa@lighttravelaction.com

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

What to see inside Humayun’s Tomb Garden Complex?

When you enter, you would see a vast span of open lush gardens. 

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

The lay-out of the gardens around the monument is called Char Bagh. This design of gardens on four sides is a major part of Mughal architecture which is inspired from Quranic belief regarding the gardens of paradise. 

Humayun’s Tomb stands at the centre of a huge garden, on a 7 metre high platform. The height of the tomb is 47 metre and the domes are 42.5 metre high. 

There is a single cenotaph inside the central burial chamber that demarcates the Humayun’s grave. Eight smaller chambers branch out of the main chamber. There are tombs in the rooms connected to the main chamber. 

This masculine monument houses graves of more than 100 people from the Mughal dynasty. That is how it earned the name of ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’.

This mausoleum is an epitome of the rich legacy of Mughals. 

The extravagance of this monument is evident in what we see today. 

It took 15 lakh rupees at that time to construct it. 

Humayun: the unfortunate emperor 

In history, the personality of Humayun has been shadowed by two other Mughals – his father Babur and his son Akbar. Humayun was known for his kindness and was an admirer of art. 

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

He was interested in astrology and cosmology. After his father Babur, Humayun ruled India from 1530 to 1540. His reign was interrupted when Sher Shah Suri defeated him and sent him into exile. 

The death of Sher Shah Suri and his son gave Humayun a chance to regain control in 1555. Sadly, his reign was quite short-lived as he fell from the stairs and lost his life in 1556. 

Hence, he is also considered an unfortunate emperor.

The Humayun’s tomb was commissioned by his first wife Empress Hameeda Bega Begum. Emperor’s sudden demise had left the Empress so heartbroken that she decided to spend the rest of her life in making a grand mausoleum in her husband’s memory. 

Who designed Humayun’s Tomb?

It was designed by a Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son Sayyid Muhammad. Construction of this tomb started in 1565, 9 years after Humayun’s death and it took around 8 years to complete the work. 

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

It is believed that the design of the Taj Mahal was inspired from this monument only.

This monument was the first one to have the combination of red sandstone and white marble in its construction. 

The tomb is made up of black and yellow marble. White marble has been used for construction of the domes. Rubble walls enclose the structure on three sides of the garden and river Yamuna flows on the fourth side. 

The river has now drifted far away from the structure than it was at the time of construction.

With the decline of Mughal Empire, this brilliant piece of architecture started losing its glory. Onset of British Empire further deteriorated its original condition. 

The monument and the gardens were altered and renovated according to the taste of the then rulers. During the partition of India, the premises were used to house the refugees which further added to its worsening condition.

Humayun’s Tomb: UNESCO World Heritage Site

The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. With this came the hope for this grand monument to see some good days again.

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

Since then, extensive restoration work had been undertaken to restore it to its original glory by Archaeological Survey of India and Aga Khan Trust for Culture.

The tomb is illuminated with lights after sunset. This definitely makes it a sight worth watching.

How to reach Humayun’s Tomb?

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture
  • Nearest railway station is Nizamuddin in Delhi and there are a number of trains connecting various parts of the country to Delhi.
  • The nearest Airport is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
  • JLN Stadium Metro Station on the Purple line is nearest at a distance of 2 Kms. It takes about 20 minutes of walking to reach the Humayun’s tomb. Jor Bagh Metro Station on Yellow line is about 5 Kms away from the Tomb.
  • Buses operated by Delhi Transport Corporation ply through the city and can be used to reach here. Taxi, cabs and auto-rickshaws can be hired.
  • One can also opt for Delhi Tourism’s Hop on Hop off Sightseeing service.

frequently asked questions

Do you need to Hire a Guide for visiting Humanyun’s Tomb?

Sufficient information displayed in the complex about the monument makes it unnecessary to hire a guide but if you like you can hire one at the entrance.

When is the best time to visit Humayun’s Tomb?

October to March is the best time to visit the Humayun’s Tomb is the weather is good to walk around. December and January are the coldest months of the year in Delhi when the temperature may fall to 7 degree Celsius.

Who constructed Humayun’s Tomb?

The Humayun’s tomb was commissioned by his first wife Empress Hameeda Bega Begum. Emperor’s sudden demise had left the Empress so heartbroken that she decided to spend the rest of her life in making a grand mausoleum in her husband’s memory. 

Entry fee for Humayun’s Tomb

Indian INR 40 (35 for cashless transaction), foreigners INR 600 (550 for cashless transaction).
Free entry for children under the age of 15 year
Tickets can be bought online in order to avoid the heavy rush at the ticket counter.

Opening & Closing time of Humayun’s Tomb

Open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Time Required to visit Humayun’s Tomb

Time required to visit- 1.5 to 2 hours.

Where is Humayun’s Tomb located?

Humayun’s Tomb is located at Mathura Road, Opposite Hazrat Nizamudin Aulia Dargah, Nizamuddin, New Delhi.

Places to visit near Humayun’s Tomb

  • Shrine of the famous saint Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya is situated opposite Humayun’s Tomb. Visit it for the mesmerizing Qawwali performance held every Thursday evening.
  • Gurudwara Damdama Sahib (Sikh temple) is also located nearby.
  • Purana Qila, one of the oldest forts of Delhi, is located to the north of the Humayun’s Tomb.
  • For the foodies: If you love street food, there is a huge variety of lip-smacking street food that you can try in Nizamuddin area. 

Travel Tips for visiting Humayun’s Tomb

  • Wear comfortable footwear as there is a lot to be explored on foot.
  • Photography is allowed and it is a great place for photography.

Places to stay in Delhi

Joey’s Hostel in Delhi

Popular place to stay due to good location, friendly staff, activities for the guests and a chance to meet like-minded travellers from different places.

Free wifi, parking, non-smoking rooms, 24-hour front desk, terrace, laundry are some of the facilities available.

For reviews, availability and latest prices click here.

The Oberoi, New Delhi

This is a five-star property that offers the view of the Delhi Golf Course on one side and Humayun’s Tomb on the other side. Guests can enjoy delicious food and drinks at the restaurants and Bar in the hotel.

Fitness centre, Spa, Swimming Pool and Airport Shuttle are some of the popular facilities.

For reviews, availability and latest prices click here.

GG Bed and Breakfast, New Delhi

Great location, friendly staff, clean and cozy rooms with nicely done decor makes this property a popular choice among travelers.

Humayun’s Tomb, Pragati Maidan and Lodhi Gardens are located within a distance of 5 kms from the property.

For reviews, availability and latest prices click here.

Next time when you are in Delhi, make it a point to visit Humayun’s Tomb. Providing  insight into the rich architecture and history of the Mughals’ period, this monument is a must-visit for art, history and architecture enthusiasts.

Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture
Humayun's Tomb is a delightful blend of Persian, Turkish and Indian architecture. A hint of Rajathani architecture in Jharokhas, lattice work and chhatris is visible in the structure and is definitely worth visiting. But there is more to why you should visit Humayun's Tomb in Delhi.Click to more about this Architectural Marvel that inspired the construction of Taj Mahal. #lighttravelaction #delhitravel #incredibleindia #humayunstomb #humayunstombphotography #mughalarchitecture

Sharing is Caring! If you have liked reading the post please feel free to subscribe to email and share it with your friends and follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from Light Travel Action

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading