Humayun’s Tomb, located in Delhi, India, stands as a seminal masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

With its UNESCO World Heritage status and cultural importance, Humayun’s Tomb remains a testament to the rich heritage and architectural prowess of the Mughal Empire.

Commissioned in 1558 by Empress Bega Begum, the first wife of Mughal Emperor Humayun, this grand mausoleum holds historical significance as the first garden-tomb built on the Indian subcontinent.

The tomb blends Persian and Indian architectural styles, setting a precedent for future Mughal architectural endeavors in Delhi and nearby regions.

If you are planning a trip to Delhi, read my detailed travel guide here. On top of general information, it also includes several tips for Delhi from my travel experience.

Entry Fee and Visiting Time

The entry fee for Humayun’s Tomb is Rs. 35 for adults of Indian and SAARC country origin. However, the entry for all other international tourists is Rs. 550. Entry is free for children under 15 years of age. There is no additional charge for photography.

You can book your tickets at the ticket counter of Humayun’s Tomb, or you can book them online on the ASI website.

Humayun’s Tomb is open to visitors on all days of the week from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

Additional Information for Tourists

Here are some useful and additional information for tourists visiting Humayun’s Tomb:

• During weekends and peak season, it is best to book your ticket online to avoid wasting time in long queues.
• There are no food stalls or canteen inside the complex. It is best to have something before entring the complex.
• There will be a lot of walking in sunny paths with no shade. Carry an umbrella, wear a hat, use sunglasses, and apply sunscreen for sun protection.
• Best time to visit is in the colder months between October to March. I visited in early April and the heat was unbearable.
• If you are not in the mood for walking the sprawling 66 plus acres of the complex, visit just the Isa Khan’s Tomb complex and Humayun’s Tomb complex.
• If you are a foreign national tourist, you are likely to be approached by unauthorized locals posing as “guides.” Ignore them. Hire only authorized guides for your visit. You can check with the information centre at the complex for any assistance.

Interesting Facts about Humayun’s Tomb

World Heritage Site: Humayun’s Tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, recognizing its cultural and historical significance as a masterpiece of Mughal architecture.

First Garden-Tomb: Built in 1558, Humayun’s Tomb was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent, setting a precedent for subsequent Mughal architectural endeavors.

Architectural Influence: The tomb’s design influenced the architectural style of later Mughal structures, culminating in the iconic Taj Mahal, showcasing the evolution of Mughal architectural techniques over time.

Empress Bega Begum’s Patronage: Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s first wife, played a pivotal role in commissioning and overseeing the construction of the tomb, dedicating her life to honoring her husband’s memory.

Cultural Diversity: Persian and Indian craftsmen collaborated on the construction of Humayun’s Tomb, blending elements of Persian and Indian architectural styles to create a unique and harmonious masterpiece.

Symbolic Layout: The tomb’s Charbagh layout, representing the four rivers of Quranic paradise, symbolizes harmony and balance, reflecting spiritual and metaphysical themes prevalent in Mughal architecture.

Restoration Efforts: Over the years, extensive restoration work has been carried out to preserve the tomb’s architectural integrity and historical significance, ensuring that it remains a cultural treasure for future generations to appreciate.

Burial Site of Mughal Royalty: Humayun’s Tomb serves as the final resting place for over 150 members of the Mughal royal family, including Empress Bega Begum herself, highlighting its importance as a dynastic mausoleum.

Integration with Surrounding Landscape: The tomb’s location on the banks of the Yamuna River, amidst lush gardens and surrounded by other Mughal structures, creates a picturesque and serene setting, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.

Architectural Innovation: Humayun’s Tomb introduced several architectural innovations, such as the use of red sandstone on a monumental scale and the incorporation of intricate pietra dura craftsmanship, showcasing the technical and artistic prowess of Mughal artisans.

History

Humayun’s Tomb, also known as Maqbara-i Humayun, is where the Mughal emperor Mirza Nasir al-Din Muhammad, commonly known as Humayun, rests. It’s in Delhi, India, and Empress Bega Begum, Humayun’s first wife, had it built in 1558.

Persian architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad, designed it. It’s the first garden-tomb made in India.

Located near the Dina-panah Citadel, also called Purana Qila, in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, it’s famous for using a lot of red sandstone, which influenced later Mughal architecture.

After Humayun died in 1556, he was first buried in his palace in Purana Quila, Delhi. Later, he was moved to Sirhind, Punjab, before finally being buried in the grand tomb by Bega Begum.

Construction began in 1565 and ended in 1572, costing 1.5 million rupees, paid entirely by the Empress.

Bega Begum’s deep sorrow over her husband’s death led her to create a magnificent memorial. Historical records, like the Ain-i-Akbari, show how she oversaw the tomb’s construction after her pilgrimage to Mecca.

When the Mughal capital moved to Agra in 1556, keeping up the tomb became hard, causing it to fall into disrepair. By the early 18th century, the gardens around it turned into vegetable gardens.

During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur Shah Zafar, hid in the tomb before being captured by the British. British rule worsened the tomb’s condition, leading to changes in its gardens.

In 1860, the original Mughal garden changed into an English garden-style. But efforts to restore the original design started in the early 20th century under Viceroy Lord Curzon’s orders. The garden as we see today is a result of several restoration efforts.

Architecture

The grandeur of Humayun’s Tomb set the stage for grand dynastic mausoleums that would define the architectural landscape of the Mughal era, culminating in the iconic Taj Mahal.

Situated within a sprawling complex spanning 27.04 hectares (66.8 acres), the tomb is surrounded by other contemporary Mughal garden-tombs from the 16th century, including Nila Gumbad, Isa Khan, Bu Halima, Afsarwala, Barber’s Tomb, and the Arab Serai.

Arab Serai was where craftsmen employed for building Humayun’s Tomb resided.

Constructed in the 1560s under the patronage of Humayun’s son, Emperor Akbar, the tomb represents a fusion of Persian and Indian architectural styles, showcasing unparalleled grandeur for its time.

It stands as a prime example of the charbagh, a quadrilateral garden divided into four parts symbolizing the four rivers of Quranic paradise, with interconnected pools and lofty gateways providing access from the south and west.

The mausoleum itself rests on a raised terraced platform, boasting a unique irregular octagonal plan with chamfered edges.

Adorned with a 42.5-meter double dome clad in marble and flanked by pillared kiosks, or chhatris, the structure exudes architectural magnificence.

Its interior features a large octagonal chamber interconnected by galleries, showcasing intricate vaulted roof compartments and adorned with red sandstone, white marble, and black inlaid marble borders.

Humayun’s Tomb, often referred to as the ‘dormitory of the Mughals,’ holds over 150 graves of Mughal family members within its cells.

Situated amidst the archaeological richness of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya’s shrine, the tomb forms the heart of a dense ensemble of medieval Islamic buildings.

Inspired by Persian architecture, the tomb’s exterior features a symmetrical and simple design, while its interior floor plan reveals a complex arrangement of chambers radiating from a central domed chamber.

This chamber houses the central sepulcher, positioned in alignment with Islamic tradition, and adorned with intricate stone latticework and pietra dura craftsmanship.

With its towering height of 47 meters and a plinth width of 91 meters, Humayun’s Tomb boasts a commanding presence, showcasing the Persian double dome atop a high neck drum.

The tomb’s unique combination of red sandstone and white marble, along with elements of Indian architecture such as chhatris, adds to its architectural significance.

Historical Monuments within Humayun’s Tomb Complex

Within the Humayun’s Tomb complex, several notable monuments add to its historical and architectural significance. The most notable of them are Humayun’s tomb, Isa Khan’s Tomb, Nila Gumbad, Arab Sarai, and Bu Halima’s Tomb.

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun’s Tomb, the focal point of the complex, stands majestically as the final resting place of Mughal Emperor Humayun.

Commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in 1558, this architectural masterpiece showcases a harmonious blend of Persian and Indian styles.

Its grandeur is evident in its towering double dome, intricate marble work, and symmetrical design, making it a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Mughal splendor.

Isa Khan’s Tomb

Isa Khan’s Tomb, believed to date back to 1547, offers a glimpse into the architectural heritage preceding Humayun’s Tomb.

This elegant structure is thought to be the burial site of Isa Khan Niazi, a noble from Sher Shah Suri’s court.

Characterized by its intricate decorative elements and octagonal dome, Isa Khan’s Tomb exudes a sense of historical significance and artistic craftsmanship.

Nila Gumbad

Nila Gumbad, distinguished by its striking blue dome, adds a vibrant touch to the Humayun Tomb complex.

While its exact purpose remains uncertain, it is speculated to be the tomb of a noble or religious figure.

The vivid blue tiles of the dome stand out against the red sandstone structures and lush greenery, creating a picturesque scene that enhances the charm of the surrounding landscape.

Arab Serai

The Arab Serai, nestled within the complex, served as lodging for the skilled craftsmen and artisans involved in constructing Humayun’s Tomb.

This compound, with its interconnected chambers and courtyards, offers a glimpse into the lives and workspaces of the laborers who contributed to the monument’s creation.

It stands as a testament to the meticulous planning and collaborative effort behind such monumental architectural endeavors.

Bu Halima’s Tomb

Bu Halima’s Tomb, a lesser-known gem within the Humayun Tomb complex, holds historical significance as the burial site of Bu Halima, a nursemaid who played a vital role in the upbringing of Emperor Akbar.

While comparatively modest in size, the tomb’s simplicity and charm reflect the reverence accorded to figures associated with the Mughal dynasty. It adds another layer of historical depth to the rich tapestry of monuments within the complex.

How to Reach Humayun’s Tomb

Reaching Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi, India, is relatively straightforward due to its central location and accessibility. Here’s how to get there:

By Metro: The nearest metro station to Humayun’s Tomb is the JLN Stadium Metro Station on the Violet Line. From there, you can take a taxi or an auto-rickshaw to reach the tomb, which is about 3-4 kilometers away.

By Bus: Several public buses operate routes that pass near Humayun’s Tomb. You can check local bus routes and schedules to find one that suits your location and convenience.

By Car: If you’re traveling by car, you can easily reach Humayun’s Tomb via the city’s well-connected road network. The tomb is located off Mathura Road, which is easily accessible from various parts of Delhi.

By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw: Taxis and auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Delhi and are a convenient option for reaching Humayun’s Tomb. Make sure to negotiate the fare beforehand if traveling by auto-rickshaw.

By Walking: Depending on your location, you may also choose to walk to Humayun’s Tomb if you’re staying nearby. It’s advisable to check the distance and plan your route in advance.

Conclusion

Humayun’s Tomb stands as a remarkable testament to the architectural ingenuity and cultural richness of the Mughal Empire. Its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site underscores its historical significance.

As a symbol of love and devotion, commissioned by Empress Bega Begum in honor of her husband, Mughal Emperor Humayun, the tomb remains a revered landmark in Delhi, India.

Its blend of Persian and Indian architectural styles continues to captivate visitors from around the world.