India is a bustling country in South Asia, rich in cultural heritage, much of which pays homage to its ancient royalty. Specifically, they are quite famous for having a number of beautiful mausoleums and palace-like tombs all over the country. For example, the world-famous Taj Mahal is already an icon of India but, did you know that in the country’s capital, New Delhi, there is also an equally beautiful royal mausoleum that’s said to be the inspiration of the Taj and even predates it? Humayun’s Tomb, where the Mughal Emperor Humayun was laid to rest, resembles a beautiful palace with striking Persian architectural features. It was Humayun’s widow, Hamida Banu Begum, who was responsible for the construction of the tomb. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is located on the city’s eastern side of the city and is a must-add to your itinerary while in the city. Should you wish to learn more, read on for our guide to Humayun’s Tomb, New Delhi.
Things to do/ highlights
Architecture and design
The first thing you will notice about Humayun’s Tomb is its beautiful architecture. The style is highly influenced by Persian architecture. It was designed by Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and construction began in 1565 and lasted until 1572. On the outside, the mausoleum is a geometric wonder made from red sandstone and is one of the first structures to have used this material at that time.
Inside, you will find the main tomb in the center of a chaharbagh garden, a Persian garden divided into four sections. Aside from these stunning features, another unique thing about the mausoleum is the Persian double dome on top of the structure, which is one of the first of its kind in India. Standing at 47 meters (154 feet), Humayun’s tomb is truly a magnificent structure deserving of attention.
Place of remembrance
More than just a stunning structure, Humayun’s Tomb is a special and solemn place that was built in remembrance of the second Mughal Emperor in India. The idea to build a mausoleum in his honor came from his wife, Hamida Banu Begum. She ordered construction to begin in 1565, 9 years after his death. When she too passed, she was also laid to rest at this very mausoleum. Eventually, Humayun’s descendants were also laid to rest here, thus making it a very important part of ancient Mughal history.
The tomb also has an unusual member amongst its dearly departed - the royal barber. The Barber’s Tomb is a famous part of the mausoleum and is special because of the strange importance of the royal court barber during Humayun’s rule. Also, while many mausoleums have mosques or temples within the building, this particular one doesn’t, but it does not make it less of a beautiful attraction.
Travel tips
Accessibility
The grounds surrounding Humayun’s Tomb are vast and a lot of previous travelers have enjoyed taking lovely walks around it. The place is also not too crowded, especially early in the morning. Thus, going around the garden won’t pose much of a problem with accessibility. However, to get into the tomb itself, the place is not exactly wheelchair accessible due to the narrow steps leading to the inside.
Take lots of photos
It’s seldom to nearly impossible to hear that anyone who has visited Humayun’s Tomb was dissatisfied. Humayun’s Tomb is often regarded as a twin to the world-famous Taj Mahal, which is nearly identical, except the Taj Mahal is mostly made of white marble while Humayun’s Tomb is made of red sandstone. But because the latter is not as famous as the former, many who have visited were in awe of what they saw.
The stunning structure amidst the beautiful gardens make for a scenic spot fo several photographs. Be sure to take many photos of the place as a remembrance but also don’t forget to admire it in person. Just be mindful when taking photos inside as there might be a photography charge.
Tip from Trip101 local expert
This is the beautiful Humayun's tomb in Delhi, India. A masterpiece from the Mughal era, this historical gem was one of their earliest monuments in India. If you find yourself in Delhi, don't miss the chance to add this beauty to your must-visit list. The well-preserved Monument is surrounded by lush green lawns and fountains that add to the allure of this architectural marvel. It's a perfect spot to capture Instaworthy pics, and be transported back in time!
TIP: There is an entry fee for the monument and parking place. You can explore Sundar Nursery which is a beautiful park just adjacent to the Humayun Tomb Complex. Avoid visiting during holidays, especially during Christmas and New Year, when it can be very crowded.
How to get there
Humayun’s Tomb is a well-known attraction in Delhi, so it will be very easy to find. You can either go by train, by bus, or by private vehicle.
By train
If you’re taking the train, simply hop on board at the central station of New Delhi and your stop should be at Nizamuddin East Station. This is the nearest station to the attraction as it is only a few minutes’ walk away.
By bus
You can also take the public bus and make sure it will be passing by Sarai Kale Khan Bus Station because this will be your nearest stop to the attraction.
By private vehicle
Feel free to hail a taxi or hire a vehicle to take you straight to the site in comfort and convenience. Simply ask the driver or you can also seek the assistance of navigation apps.
How to get tickets (from USD 18.0)
There are different ways you can purchase tickets to Humayun’s Tomb. The traditional way is to buy it on site. According to the attraction’s website, they charge 10 INR or less than 1 USD for Indian nationals and visitors from certain countries. You may visit their website to see if your country is included in the list. If not, then you will be charged approximately 380 INR or 5 USD for admission. You may also find great deals and combo tours in third-party websites.
Humayun's Tomb Skip-the-Line E-tickets & guide Delhi transfers
Duration: 4 to 8 hours
Humayun's Tomb information
Address: Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi-110002, India
Opening hours: 6am to 6pm (sunrise to sunset) (daily)
Cost: 5 USD
Official website: Humayun’s Tomb
Department of tourism: Visit New Delhi
News & updates for Humayun’s Tomb: Ten monuments including Humayun’s Tomb to be open till 9 pm: Here’s full list | At Humayun’s Tomb complex, 17th Century Baoli is given life
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