Read More on Humayun's Tomb
History
The Tomb was built by the first wife of Emperor Humayun. Many Persian and Indian craftsmen worked together and burned the midnight oil to construct the structure. This garden tomb was known to be the most magnificent tomb built in the Islamic world before the Taj Mahal was built. During the construction, the Persian architect died and his work was then completed by his son. The Humayun’s tomb has 124 chambers.
The tomb is also known as the dormitory of the Mughal’s that is because approx. 150 Mughal family members are buried here. The tomb is very thoughtfully constructed as it is centered at the Shrine of Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, a 14th century Sufi Saint. It was considered auspicious to be buried near the remains of a saint thus the structure was planned accordingly.
Architecture
One enters the tomb of the Emperor through two huge double-storeyed gateways. The tomb structure stands on a 7 meter-high platform making it seem dominant and in power. There is a mosque on the site of the tomb and the surprising fact is that the tomb of the royal barber can be found here too. This tomb is also known as the Nai ka Gumbad and is constructed beautifully using white marbles and some jaali work.
The Emperor’s tomb is built according to the Persian style of architecture and also has a double dome that was a rare sight back then. The structure has a lot of jaali work along with stone latticework. The octagonal burial chamber is situated beneath the white dome and it is said that this is not the real location where the Emperor rests. The real one is placed deep below the ground which is right under the upper cenotaph. The original one is accessible through a passage that is closed to the public.
Activities
- Once here, you will find yourself engaged in appreciating the beauty this monument holds.
- You can click as many pictures as you like and even relax in the gardens surrounding the monument.
- Remember to visit the tomb and mosque of Isa Khan, an Afghan noble from Sher Shah Suri’s court. It was built 20 years before Humayun’s Tomb and it is said that minute carvings and details from this tomb have been used in the Emperor’s tomb on a much larger scale.
- Spare some extra time and visit the Nila Gumbad located outside the complex boundaries.
- Do not miss out on the opportunity of visiting the Braber’s Tomb. It was built in 1591 CE. This tomb belongs to the royal barber in Emperor Humayun’s court. The Nai ka Gumbad is within the main complex.
- The city is filled with historical monuments and for history buffs, Delhi is no less than a haven. There are a lot many monuments with which you can club your visit to Humayun’s tomb.
- Yes, it may be hard for you to leave, and eventually, you would just end up searching to stay a bit longer but the list of monuments is huge so keep moving.
Tips for visiting
- Wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Carry a water bottle along with you and if you are visiting during the summers then plan accordingly.
- Do not damage the property in any way and avoid carving names on the monument because the ancient structures are one of a kind and we as citizens need to understand the importance of preserving such architectural marvels.
- You can try out street food while on your way to the tomb just to make your taste buds feel alive and awesome.
- Relax in the gardens, click pictures of the monument and take in the beautiful view that goes easy on the eyes.
Best time to visit
During the winter season, the best time to visit Delhi. From October to March you can move around and explore without worrying about the extremely sunny weather. The evenings are a perfect fit to visit the tomb as the sunset is another mesmerizing view to take in.
Nearby Atractions
- India Gate
- Agrasen Baoli
- Dilli Haat
- Red Fort
- Hauz Khas Village
- National War Memorial
- Gurudwara Bangla Sahib
- National Gallery of Modern Art
- National Museum of Natural History
- Raj Ghat Gandhi Memorial
Nearby market/ shopping places
After walking around for hours if you still have a tinge of enthusiasm left for shopping then you can visit the open-air Santushti Shopping Complex located in Chanakyapuri or the Dilli Haat. There aren’t many shopping malls or local markets near this area but if you have time to travel then these places will become accessible to you. The Khan Market and the Sarojni Nagar Market are the nearest ones. But it is always better to do your research if you are a shopaholic.
Nearby Hotels
The list of hotels mentioned below consists of a variety of hotels. Mentioned below are 5 star hotels, 4 star hotels, 3 star hotels, resorts, and budget hotels:
- Pride Plaza Hotel Aerocity New Delhi
- Crowne Plaza Okhla
- The Lalit New Delhi
- The Metropolitan Hotel and Spa
- Lemon Tree Premier Delhi Airport
- Mahagun Sarovar Portico Suites
- Grand Venizia Hotel
- Hotel International Inn
- Olivia Hotels
- Hotel Stay Villa
Interesting Facts About Humayun's Tomb
The tomb is constructed using red sandstone.
Mughal Emperor Humayun passed away 3 days after falling from the stairs while he was trying to kneel.
In 1993 this destination was declared as a Heritage Site.
The complex has a total of 124 chambers.