Humayun's Tomb
Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi, 110013
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Humayun's Tomb is the final resting place of Humayun, whose father Babur founded the Mughal Empire. It's considered one of the earliest examples of true Mughal architecture; ironically, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah II, was captured here during the 1857 Indian Rebellion.
The Basics
With a mix of red sandstone and white marble, the stunning onion-domed main complex of Humayun's Tomb is believed to have inspired the architecture of the Taj Mahal, though its elegant gardens, filled with symmetrical fountains, are equally noteworthy for their precise design. The complex is large and filled with numerous smaller tombs, and visiting with a guide or as part of an organized tour can provide considerable insight into the history and significance of the buildings here.
Things to Know Before You Go
Humayun's Tomb is a must-visit for history buffs and anyone with an interest in architecture.
Wear comfortable shoes and sun protection, as the complex is fairly large.
Humayun’s Tomb is wheelchair accessible.
There’s a fee to film here, but it’s aimed at professionals; if you’re just filming with your phone, you’re unlikely to catch any flack.
How to Get There
Humayun's Tomb is located in Central Delhi, just east of the intersection of two major thoroughfares: Lodi Road and Mathura Road. It’s about a 15- to 20-minute drive from Connaught Place. The site is not easy to reach using public transportation; both the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium station of the Delhi Metro and the Hazrat Nizamuddin railway station take around 25 minutes to reach on foot.
When to Get There
Humayun's Tomb is open daily from sunrise to sunset throughout the year. If you want to take photos, it’s best to arrive early in the morning, as crowds will be fewer and the light will be ideal. If you happen to be in Delhi in February or March, try to score tickets to Jahan e Khusrau, a three-day festival of Sufi music that's held here every year.
Char Bagh Garden Design
One of the most significant features of Humayun's Tomb is the char bagh (or four gardens) layout of its grounds. Based on the four gardens of paradise detailed in the Koran, this style originated in Persia. These geometric gardens can be found throughout Mughal sites in Northern India, with notable examples at Humayun’s Tomb and the Taj Mahal.
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