Humayun’s Tomb

Maqbera e Humayun or the Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi is a major historical site in India and also one of the best places to visit in north Delhi. It is the tomb of the famous Mughal emperor of India Humayun. It was commissioned by the first wife of Humayun who was the chief consort as well, Empress Bega Begum in 1569-70. The design of the tomb was born in the heart of Mirak Mirza Ghiyas- a persial architect invited by Bega Begum herself. Located in Nizamuddin East in Delhi, the tomb is known as the first garden tomb found on the Indian subcontinent, placed very close to the Dina-panah citadel. It is known to be one of the best places to visit in Delhi during summers as it also has a walled garden within its enclosure.

UNESCO declared it as a World Heritage Site in 1993 and since then its reputation began to flourish. But after that, it had to undergo several restorations. Near the tomb, there are several smaller monuments from the main entrance to the West that include one that even built prior to the main tomb. Isa Khan Niyazi’s tomb is that one who was an Afghan noble in Sher Shah Suri’s court of the Suri dynasty. Humayun’s tomb complex accommodates the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun along with the graves of Bega Begum, Hamida Begum and Dara Shikoh as well as other significant Mughal members.

An inimitable leap in Mughal architecture is displayed along with the Persian model garden that is the Charbagh garden. The construction of the toms was started in 1565, almost nine years after his death. The completion of the tomb was in 1572. The memorial built for Humayun symbolizes the unpredictable symbiosis between Humayun and his wife Bega Begum who was so grieved over the death of her husband finally decided to create such an astonishing remembrance.

The Turkic and Mughal rule in the subcontinent introduced the influence of Central Asian and Persian styles of Islamic architecture and from the 12th century onward, those styles started inspiring several monuments in and around Delhi. Humayun’s tomb is made of red sandstone and white marbles and the measurements say it is 47 meters high and 91 meters wide.

Humayun’s Tomb entry timing:
The visit to the tomb is allowed from sunrise to sunset on all days but the best time to visit is between 08:00 am and 06:00 pm.

Humayun’s Tomb entry fee:
Indian citizens and the visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries have to pay Rs.10 to enter the tomb while for other foreign nationals, it is Rs.250 per person. Children up to the age of 15 need not pay an entry fee.

Humayun’s Tomb location:
Opposite Dargah Nizamuddin, Mathura Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110013.

Insider Tips:

-Visit the tomb during the early hours or late hours of a day during summer as the mid time will be very hot.

-Khan Market Metro station is the nearest metro station and it is the easiest way to reach the structure. Hire a tuk tuk to cover the last 2.5 kilometers to the tomb.