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Humayun's Tomb highlights, history and HI-FIVES in New Delhi
Updated: Jun 16
With our train to Agra scheduled to leave at 2.40pm, we decided to visit Humayun's Tomb early in the morning, along with the famous Red Fort, and then get back to our hotel for 12pm check out. Things did not go exactly according to plan, but we did make the Tomb and it was a great experience. We found out that Humayun's Tomb was the inspiration for the great Taj Mahal, where we were headed to in the afternoon. What were the chances!
In what was to be our last stop in New Delhi, Humayun's Tomb turned out to be a real gem. Not just the main attraction, there is also Isa Khan's Tomb and Mosque, and the wonderful gardens surrounding and connecting everything on the site. Gardens which also happen to be the first ever tomb gardens on the Indian sub-continent!
Thank you for stopping by, and a warm welcome to our India series here on Jenn & Leon Travel Blog. We had always wanted to visit this country, officially the 7th oldest in the world, and not only was the time finally upon us, but it came with our good friends and fellow Youtuber's Jackson and Marjo.
If you missed our earlier posts and would like to catch up, head over to our dedicated INDIA page or look out for the links in this blog.
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Our Humayun's Tomb highlights
Before we get to the tomb, we first have to mention that Jackson had a pretty rough night of it before coming here. Much of the night spent in the bathroom; he had definitely caught (or eaten) something causing severe stomach and intestinal pain. Even more challenging because of a lack of public bathrooms, he came with us to the tomb wearily. To be fair to him he really pulled on through and tried to make the most of it.
We had planned to head to the famous Red Fort in Delhi afterwards, figuring we had enough time before check-out from our hotel. We had arrived at Humayun's Tomb for 9am, but given the condition of Jackson, we did not stay long and we went back to the hotel after to try and catch some rest before the train ride to Agra.
The entrance to the grounds has a small ticket office area where you can only pay cash for admittance. We did feel it was a tad expensive at 600 rupees each, but having said that, it is not bad considering how much this site no doubt needs for maintenance. It is big!
There is also a very small charge for cameras, 50 rupees, although there is no enforcement of this (so you can easily hide them in your bag). A bit of a sneaky money-grab there so do not be fooled!
Upon entering the tomb the you will be given a small token, which you will have to hand back on the way out. Try not to lose this!
The main entrance is literally a direct path through well-manicured lawns, heading strait to the grand tomb. This was a walled tomb so you will see that throughout the site if you cast your gaze outwards. It certainly adds to the history and allure, especially given how well maintained they are. Initially we were a tad confused as the first thing you will see is Isa Khan's tomb, which branches off to the right. At first we thought this was Humayun's Tomb itself, not realizing that this was just the first stop on the way. Fortunately we investigated further and found the other tomb; we could have just as easily thought this was it and left after! Luckily we had seen photos and knew there was more to it.
So let's take a closer look at Isa Khan's tomb before we get to the star of the show!
Isa Khan's Tomb, New Delhi, India
Isa Khan's Tomb is a 16th-century mausoleum located in the Humayun's Tomb complex, built in 1547-48 for Isa Khan Niazi. He was a nobleman in the court of Sher Shah Suri, and his tomb is considered one of the finest examples of Indo-Islamic architecture.
The tomb is octagonal in shape and built mainly of red sandstone. It is decorated with intricate carvings, lattice screens, and glazed tiles. The tomb is surrounded by a sunken garden, which was a popular architectural feature of the Lodi period.
Isa Khan's Tomb is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Delhi. It is a beautiful and peaceful place to visit, and it offers a glimpse into the rich history and culture of India. The tomb is also known as the "Asylum of Paradise" because of an inscription on its entrance.
The sunken garden at Isa Khan's Tomb is one of the oldest in India, and it is thought to have inspired the gardens at the Taj Mahal and Akbar's Tomb. We actually did not know this until we made it on site, having had a really nice chat with one of the workers there (which you can check out in our YouTube video). Give we were heading to the home of the Taj later it was a pretty cool surprise!
This tomb is indeed really peaceful, and is certainly worth checking out if you have the time. It was an unexpected addition to the trip, and comes as part of the admittance price to Humayun's Tomb with no additional cost.
Humayun's Tomb
After we figured out where to go, we made our way to the main tomb of Humayun. It is a short five minute walk from Isa Khan's tomb, nicely covered by trees for shade and surrounded by lush gardens. The entrance to the tomb (below) has to be one of the most imposing and attractive entrances we have seen in India, with some beautiful stonework assisted by a tall arch and clay-colored blocks on the corners. Couldn't resist that Instagram shot walking through it!
Humayun's Tomb is beautiful, and the inspiration for the Taj can certainly be seen here. Missing just the minarets, the shape itself is very similar, although there is that clay-colored theme here as opposed to white marble.
The surrounding gardens are really nice, and there are multiple channels for water, coming in from each direction, converging into what we assume is a fountain at the center point. Unfortunately there was no water, but for a few workers who seemed to be cleaning out the fountain pit. It would have been nice to see this operational, as we are sure it would have added even more serenity and beauty to this place.
It did not seem like there was access inside Humayun's Tomb, like there is with the Taj Mahal. You can go up to the second level however, quite the climb on some big steps. That puts you just beneath the entrance, as close as you can get the the distinctive dome which stands tall over the site.
It is really pretty, even more so up close. The architecture and design is flawless, and this structure really does give so much more than just a photo opportunity. It is peaceful and calm, traditional and cultural. It holds so much heritage and value, and it is in places like these that you can learn and immerse yourself in the great culture of one of the world's oldest countries.
After making our way back from the tomb, we were encountered by one of the biggest trains of schoolchildren we have ever seen! There could have easily been a thousand, all walking in single file towards Humayun's Tomb. We could not believe it! Every one was saying hello (or namaste), running up to us with hi-fives, giggling and laughing. It was almost surreal; the second moment we had felt like celebrities after our India Gate shenanigans. Jenn tried her best to give as many hi-fives as possible!
Even after we eventually made it to the exit, there were still coachloads of kids being dropped off. This must have been the most amount of kids we had ever seen in one place. They honestly just kept on coming! Thankfully we made it to the tomb when we did, being able to enjoy the peace but also the lack of people there. It was practically empty! It seemed that everything just worked out perfectly. With that we went back to the hotel for some rest before the train, very much hoping that our travels to Agra (And the Taj Mahal) would work out just as well.
Read on for more on the history of Humayun's Tomb, some interesting facts about it, how to get there, plus opening and ticket information.
The history of Humayun's Tomb
The construction of Humayun's Tomb was commissioned by Haji Begum, the widow of the Mughal Emperor Humayun. Humayun, the second Mughal emperor, died in 1556, and his tomb was built to honor his memory. The construction began in 1565 and was completed in 1572. It was designed by the Persian architect Mirak Mirza Ghiyas.
Humayun's Tomb is considered a masterpiece of Mughal architecture and is one of the earliest examples of this style. The tomb's design is inspired by Persian and Islamic architecture, and it is often seen as a precursor to the more famous Taj Mahal.
The tomb is situated within a vast garden complex, which was designed in the Persian Charbagh (fourfold garden) style. The garden is divided into 36 squares by a grid of water channels and pathways, creating a serene and symmetrical environment.
Over the centuries, Humayun's Tomb suffered from neglect and decay. In the 20th century, it underwent extensive restoration efforts, thanks to the work of the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, in partnership with the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration work aimed to preserve and revitalize the monument, ensuring its continued existence as a historical and architectural gem.
In 1993, Humayun's Tomb was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with other historic monuments in the area, collectively known as the "Humayun's Tomb Complex." This recognition has helped in the conservation and protection of the site.
Humayun's Tomb holds cultural and historical significance not only as a Mughal monument but also for its role in influencing later Mughal architecture, particularly the design of the Taj Mahal. It symbolizes the rich heritage of the Mughal Empire and its contributions to India's architectural and cultural history.
Yes, it really was eight hours! We were having such a good time here that we just did not want to leave. Check out the food and our review!
Some Humayun's Tomb facts
⪢ Taj Mahal Influence: Humayun's Tomb is often regarded as the precursor to the world-famous Taj Mahal. Its architectural design, including the use of white marble, symmetry, and the Persian Charbagh garden layout, served as an inspiration for the construction of the Taj Mahal in Agra by Emperor Shah Jahan, Humayun's great-great-grandson.
⪢ First Garden Tomb in the Indian Subcontinent: Humayun's Tomb is considered the first garden tomb in the Indian subcontinent. The garden, designed in the Persian Charbagh style, was a departure from previous architectural traditions in the region and set a precedent for future Mughal garden-tomb complexes.
⪢ Double-Dome Architectural Innovation: The tomb's architectural innovation includes the use of a double dome. This feature, with a smaller dome placed above the main one, enhances the aesthetics of the structure and significantly influenced Mughal architecture.
⪢ Restored by the Aga Khan Trust: The restoration of Humayun's Tomb in the 20th century was a significant project carried out by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture in collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India. The restoration efforts were aimed at preserving the monument and its surrounding garden, and they have been highly successful in bringing back its original grandeur.
⪢ Resting Place of Several Mughal Royalty: Besides Emperor Humayun, the tomb complex houses the graves of several other members of the Mughal royal family, including Empress Bega Begum (Haji Begum), who commissioned the tomb, as well as other princes and family members. The complex contains numerous cenotaphs representing various family members.
⪢ A popular attraction: Humayun's Tomb has averaged over 600,000 visitors every year for well over a decade. In 2018, prior to Covid, it attracted nearly 1 million people, and that growth looks set to resume now the pandemic is over.
Read on for details on how to get there, opening times and ticket prices, our experience rating, and our YouTube video!
How to get to Humayun's Tomb
Humayun's Tomb is located in the southeastern part of Delhi, near the center of the city. Here's how you can get there from the central part of Delhi, such as Connaught Place:
⪢ Metro
● Nearest Metro Station: The nearest metro station to Humayun's Tomb is "JLN Stadium Metro Station," which is on the Violet Line of the Delhi Metro.
● From Connaught Place: You can reach JLN Stadium Metro Station from Connaught Place by taking the Violet Line. The nearest interchange station to Connaught Place is "Rajiv Chowk Metro Station" (also known as Connaught Place Metro Station), which connects to the Violet Line. Board a train going towards "Badarpur" on the Violet Line and alight at "JLN Stadium Metro Station."
● From JLN Stadium Metro Station: After getting off at JLN Stadium Metro Station, you can hire a local auto-rickshaw or take a short cab ride to Humayun's Tomb, which is approximately 2-3 kilometers away. It's a convenient way to reach the monument.
From JLN Stadium Metro Station: After getting off at JLN Stadium Metro Station, you can hire a local auto-rickshaw or take a short cab ride to Humayun's Tomb, which is approximately 2-3 kilometers away. It's a convenient way to reach the monument.
⪢ Bus
Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) buses run through various parts of the city. You can check for a bus that has a route passing through India Gate or nearby locations. The area is well-connected by buses, although it is difficult to identify bus stops on the roads so do bear that in mind.
⪢ Auto-rickshaw or taxi
You can also hire an auto-rickshaw to take you to Humayun's Tomb and you will find one pretty much wherever you look on the road! Simply tell the driver to take you to the tomb, and they will know the way. Be sure to confirm the fare first.
⪢ Taxi
You can book a taxi through ride-sharing apps like Uber or Ola or find a taxi at various taxi booths throughout the city. Alternatively, you can hire a traditional taxi from the street. We had an Uber pick us up outside to get back to our hotel.
Address: Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia Dargah, Mathura Rd, Nizamuddin, Nizamuddin East, New Delhi, Delhi 110013, India
Humayun's Tomb Entrance Fee & Opening Times
⪢ Admission
● Indian citizens: 40₹
● Foreign visitors: 600₹ / £6.07 / $10.15 CAD
● Children up to 14 years: Free
● Filming / camera charge: 25₹
Prices stated are accurate as of April 2024. Please check the official website below for the most up-to-date information.
⪢ Opening hours
Monday to Sunday, 6am to 6pm
Find out more: delhitourism.gov.in/humayun_tomb
Save for later: Celebrities at India Gate Delhi after Akshardham Temple MISHAP, plus our first KFC India
After our temple fail, we grab a rickshaw and head to the spectacular India Gate at night, before a unique first time KFC India experience!
Our Humayun's Tomb experience rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Much of our excursions in Asia have been at temples, so to see a tomb, especially on the same day we were heading to the incredible Taj Mahal, we were super happy. With all of the noise and chaotic traffic in Delhi, it was also really cool to be able to come in to the Tomb gardens and experience quiet and calm. It really was peaceful. Until of course the schoolkids on the way out! What a moment that was.
Both tombs (Humayun & Isa Khan) are absolutely beautiful in their own right. While the Taj may be the one that gets the worldwide acclaim, it is easy to see why Humayun's was the inspiration. This is a classic piece of Indian history that is not to be missed!
Coming up: Taking the train from Delhi to Agra in India as foreigners - all you need to know
In what was our first train ride as foreigners in India, we take the Vande Bharat Express First Class AC Chair Car directly to Agra from Delhi. In this post we will show you what the train was like, how we got tickets, what to do at both stations, and other things you may need to know.
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Our New Delhi itinerary
Check out all of the places we visited in Delhi courtesy of this interactive map from Wanderlog. Tap any of the numbers for more information including directions, our blog posts, links to reviews and much more.
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Humayun's Tomb on YouTube
See even more highlights from this must-see location in New Delhi over on our YouTube Channel! In this video we take you on a full tour of the Isa Khan's Garden Tomb, along with the tomb of Humayun of course!
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