Humayun's Tomb

Humayun's Tomb
Photo by Els Slots.

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi is a monumental Mughal garden-tomb complex.

This dynastic mausoleum was built in 1570 for Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India, and now contains about 150 graves of ruling family members. It uses mainly red sandstone, with white and black marble inlays. It is a landmark in the development of Mughal architecture, as it introduced a Persian/Central Asian style Charbagh garden with pools joined by channels to the funerary monument.

Community Perspective: “The contrast between the city and the peaceful garden and the monument was truly stunning”. Carlo has also covered two of the 'lesser' tombs at the complex and provides some pointers for a longer visit than the usual 45 minutes.

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Carlo Sarion

Philippines | New Zealand - 08-Jan-24 -

Humayun's Tomb by Carlo Sarion

My visit to Delhi in December 2023 was part of my mission of retracing my steps back in 2013, when I first travelled to India and missed visiting two of the three inscribed sites in Delhi, namely Humayun's Tomb and Qutb Minar. That was the time when I didn't care much about UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and my travel companion had a set itinerary I didn't want to deviate from. I therefore made sure that I would visit these sites on my return to Delhi.

The inscribed property refers to a complex comprising one main tomb (Humayun's tomb itself) and several other smaller tombs. Note that this complex of tombs is just one of the many tombs that are scattered across Nizamuddin neighbourhood and the greater Delhi. As my friend would call it, Delhi is both a metropolis and a massive graveyard.

1. Humayun's Tomb

We arrived at the ticket office around 2 pm, which was about the same time the school kids were finishing their visit to the tomb. We went straight to the Western Gate, passing both Bu Halima's Tomb and Garden and Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque on the way to the main tomb. After taking a photo of the UNESCO plaque, we passed through the Western Gate and walked towards Humayun's tomb. The mausoleum sits on top of a high platform, giving the already prominent mausoleum a more "superior" status over the entire complex. We climbed the stairs and explored the mausoleum. We saw people "testing" the acoustics of the mausoleum walls, while others were busy taking their perfect Instagram photos. We then went to the eastern side of the mausoleum, sat on a bench under the shade, and admired the entire structure.

I see the symmetry, geometry, and lines within the mausoleum as indicative of the intricate architectural and decorative features of the building. The buildings in the complex represent one of the early examples of Mughal architecture, which may also serve as a good benchmark to see the differences in and perhaps the evolution of Mughal architecture over time, particularly when compared with Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and the forts in Lahore, Agra, and Delhi. I also agree with the previous reviews: this site is a perfect place to find some respite from the overwhelming chaos just outside of the gate. The peace is punctuated by the noise from the nearby Hazrat Nizamuddin train station, however. Additionally, the gardens are well-maintained as evidenced by the number of workers tending to the plants amidst the crowd of tourists.

2. Barber's tomb

The bench where we sat and rested was right in front of the Barber's Tomb, a cute mausoleum made of grey and red sandstone. The faded hues of the building made it look unkempt compared to the main tomb, though I like how the blue colour of the chhatri domes breaks the monotony of dominant grey and red. Contrary to what the name of this tomb suggests, the identity of the person interred here remains unknown.

3. Isa Khan's tomb and mosque

After hanging around the main tomb for about 45 minutes, we decided to head back to the Western Gate. We were quite ready to leave the site and didn't even think of checking out Isa Khan's tomb and mosque. Thankfully, my partner insisted on entering the enclosure and boy was I happy we did. If it is details and colours that you are looking for, Isa Khan's tomb would offer you just that, though the architecture of the structure is said to be more of Lodhi style than purely Mughal. The colours of the domes of the canopies and the highly ornamented ceilings are noteworthy. There were several cenotaphs inside the tomb, which were illuminated by the sunlight that came through the lattice screens. Don't forget to check the small mosque on the western side of the tomb. 

I'd also like to note that in 2016, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other involved agencies put forward a minor boundary modification to include some tombs within the adjacent Sunder Nursery, such as Sundarwala Mahal, Sundarwala Burj, and Lakkarwala Burj. Sunder Nursery was being restored at the time of inclusion as part of the wider Nizamuddin Urban Renewal Initiative. The "heritage park" finally opened in February 2018. While I did not go to Sunder Nursery to check the other tombs, I am certain that it is worth a visit. In this case, it is best to allot about 3 hours to visit this site, both to unwind in the gardens surrounding the main tomb and to check the smaller tombs in Sunder Nursery.


Kai Chongloi

India - 10-Nov-13 -

This monument is the best site to see in Delhi. I went there in 2010 and was surprised to see that it was totally different from other sites in Delhi. The surrounding was clean, calm and peaceful. No hawkers, conmen, scammers etc. And the monument was magnificient. I highly recommend this site to anyone visiting Delhi.


Clyde

Malta - 07-Sep-12 -

Humayun's Tomb by Clyde

I visited this WHS in January 2012. This site is unique as it was the stepping stone to build the Taj Mahal. The architectural symmetry of the tomb and its gardens can be clearly seen also in this site.


Els Slots

The Netherlands - 20-Jan-11 -

Humayun's Tomb by Els Slots

Humayun's Tomb was the last of Delhi's WHS that I visited. It is undoubtedly the most picturesque of all of the sites, with its perfect shapes. It is easy to see how it has influenced the Taj Mahal. But I have not become a big fan of Mughal architecture here in Delhi: the buildings were constructed to impress, but lack fine details (or maybe these have disappeared during the ages, the glazed tiles are very few now).

My visit to the site lasted a mere 45 minutes, and I cannot see how I could have spent more time here (although part of the complex is fenced off at the moment). The "park" could use some more water, to make the lawns look green and fresh, and also to fill up the little canals and pools that surround the Tomb.

However, as Rob Wilson already stated below, the state of the site has improved a lot over the last few years. There's an exhibition on site where you can see "before" and "after" photos.


Christer Sundberg

Sweden -

Humayun's Tomb by Christer Sundberg

Bustling and busy Dehli can prove to be quite a challenge for the first time visitor so entering the gates of Humayun’s Tomb felt like quite a nice relief from persistent rickshaw-drivers, touts, beggars, snake charmers and other annoying elements you are confronted with. It’s a cultural shock that any European have to go through but after some weeks of travel on the Indian continent I promise that you will see them as part of a wonderful and massively colourful society that draws you back for another visit.

Humayum’s Tomb was built by the grief-stricken wife of emperor Humayun in 1565. It took nine years to complete the tomb and it is said to be a landmark in the evolution of early Mughal architecture and legend tells that it’s been a model for the mighty Taj Mahal in Agra.

I visited Humayum’s Tomb on an early December morning when only a few visitors had entered the site and the contrast between the city and the peaceful garden and the monument was truly stunning. With several adjacent palaces and tombs, make sure you take at least some 2-3 hours to fully enjoy this wonderful place.


Siddharth Dasgupta

India -

Haunting. Mesmerizing. Unforgettable. The mythical aura surrounding Humayun's Tomb became a part of my soul the moment I laid my eyes on it, in January of 2005. That beautiful foggy winter morning in New Delhi is indelibly entrenched in my heart... as the day I came across perfection.


Rob Wilson

UK -

I have visited the tomb twice. Once in 2002 when it was a fairly horrific state of repair. I returned last summer and am pleased to say that the ASI have done a magnificent job of restoring this wonderful old tomb. It is surely one of the most evocative tombs on Earth. It provides a moments peace from the madness of Delhi and is even more interesting if you know about the extraordinary life of Humayoun himself.


Site Info

Full Name
Humayun's Tomb, Delhi
Unesco ID
232
Country
India
Inscribed
1993
Type
Cultural
Criteria
2 4
Categories
Structure - Burial
Link
By ID

Site History

1993 Inscribed

Locations

The site has 7 locations

Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb: Sundarwala Burj
Humayun's Tomb: Sundarwala Mahal
Humayun's Tomb: Mirza Muzzaffar Hussain's Garden Tomb
Humayun's Tomb: Lakkarwala Burj Garden Tomb
Humayun's Tomb: Unknown Mughal Garden Tomb
Humayun's Tomb: Nila Gumbad's Garden Setting

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A. Mehmet Haksever AC Aanusha Adiaro18 Afshin Iranpour Airpunk Alberto Rodriguez Gutierrez Alexander Barabanov Alexander Lehmann Alexander Parsons Alfons and Riki Verstraeten Ali Zingstra Allison Vies Amohanty Andrew Wembridge Andyng-site Ani Anna Wludarska Annalett Swanepoel Anticpantaloon Antlane Anuradha Goyal Ari Kailash Artur Anuszewski Arw456 Aspasia Athena2186 Atila Ege Austra78 BH Bag-packer-family Bamse Beaglekeeper5 Ben Pastore Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero Bin Bob Parda Boj Boroka Szamosi Bram de Bruin Brigitte Huber Bspooner Carlo Sarion Carlos Garrido Carolinerowe25 Catherine Rankine Chen Taotao ChenMing Chenboada Cheryl Chinmaya Chole Ross Chris Law Christer Sundberg Claire Bradshaw ClaireWhiteley Clem C Corbomite Corinne Vail Coulpete Craig Harder Czesioszpachelka Daniel Gabi Dasexps David Marton Diggy Donnico DouglasR DuSilo Duesi73 Eldhoelias67 Elisabeth Fransisca Situmorang Els Slots Emi_mimmi Eric Lorentz Eric PK Erik Jelinek Eva Kisgyorgy Everlien FGKJR1492X Fan Yibo Ferdimerkx Filip Murlak Frederik Dawson Frediehung Garrett Gary Arndt Garyrjtaylor Ge zhang Geert Luiken George Evangelou Gernot Gianmarco Gilles Gisella Gordon Mitchell Greg Troy Grzegorz Andruszkiewicz HE SHAOMIN HPayne2804 Hadrianus Handballrama Hanming Harald T. Harry Mitsidis Hfxdeb Howard Brayer Howe Siang Tan Hrishikesh Hsjamsil Htupaz Hurrvinek Hyoga Iain Jackson Ivan Rucek Iwilliams J Mitchell Jacob Choi Janeyvette Janis Janklak Jarek Pokrzywnicki Jason and Corrinna Javier Coro Jeanne OGrady Jeffrey Chai Ran Jennifer Prout Jezza Joachim Nölte-Baumann Joel on the Road John booth Johnson Zhao Jos Schmitz Joshuakirbens Joyce van Soest Jsalda Jsrinivasan Judit Dalla Judith Tanner JudyWalsh Junwang111 Juropa KB1 Kbolton KeithBailey Kelly Henry Kevin McFarland Kevin Padley-Knight Kgeographer Kinstell Kjlauer Klaus Bondar Knut Krijn Kurt Lauer LaVale Lameduck99 Lara Adler Larry F Lauren Lichia Liu tuo LonelyCanopy Lorenzo2022 Lucio Gorla Luke LOU MMM MSNarayanan MWaters66 MaYumin Maciej Gowin Malgorzata Kopczynska Maltishah100 Marcel staron Marcobrey Marlies van Wolfswinkel Martina Rúčková Marton Kemeny Mateusz Matthewrw Matthewsharris Mattias Michael Novins Michal Marciniak Michelle.has.murphy Mihai Dascalu MikeWaters Mikko Milan Jirasek Mnikish730 Monica Tasciotti Morodhi Naim Y Nan Nathaniel Chin Neil McPaul Nihal Ege Nomad99 Olli-Pekka Turunen PKalnai Pascal Cauliez Patrick Matgen Paul Hilder PeterA Petteri Philipp Leu Philipp Peterer Phillipmeng PhotographyBar Potsdamer Prasadsawant Priyaranjan Mohapatra Qqalexqq Rahul Rathi Ralf Regele Randi Thomsen Raphael Ravishankar Rchlny Red Reisedachs Reza Riccardo Quaranta Richard Stone Richardleesa Riomussafer Rob Wilson Robin Frank Roger Ourset Roland Roman Raab Ronald Lange Roxfts Royacurt Rswood SHIHE HUANG Saxondean Sergio Arjona Seudy Shandos Cleaver Simisingh3 Simonf Skalec Socon Solivagant Sophie Srfmoyle Stanislaw Warwas SteO153 Stephanv Stephanvermeulen Stephen Brooker Stephen S. Kamin Steve Preddy Sue hayton Sujan Kumar Sun_jianyuan@me.com Super-Sophie Svein Elias Szucs Tamas Tamara Ratz Tammy Gouldstone Tevity The Salmons Thomas Kunz Thomas van der Walt Timonator Timothy C Easton Tlaloc Tony H. Tony0001 TravelPeter84 Travelindan Travelure Travtasy Usagi1974 Vanessacmc Vicente B. Avanzado Jr. Vincent Cheung WHS Lux Walter H. Wang Qin Waxwing Weggeworfeneleiter Werner Huber William Quan Wolfgang Hlousa WolfgangHl Wtrentfox Wuzefelix YAO WEI Yorch Yuri Samozvanov Zhang xiaozhong Zos M Zoë Sheng _johsch_