HUMAYUN’S TOMB
The tomb of Emperor Humayun, influenced by both Persian and Indian styles, set a precedent for Mughal architectural design. As a result, it served as the inspiration for many architectural innovations, including the Taj Mahal, which was built six decades later. Commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, it was built in the 1560s from red sandstone and inlaid with white marble, with a Persian-style marble dome in the centre. The tomb was the first garden-tomb to be constructed on the Indian subcontinent and is an example of a charbagh, a four–quadrant garden that is based on the four gardens of Paradise, which are mentioned in the Quran. There is plenty for visitors to explore, especially as it's known as the ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’ because over
150 of Humayun’s family members are buried here. In fact, the complex houses the tombs of other Mughal emperors as well as the tombs for members of Humayun’s entourage, including his favourite barber. Undoubtedly, Humayun’s tomb has a fascinating history for visitors to uncover – the last Mughal emperor, Bahadur
Shah Zafar, took refuge here before he was captured and exiled by the British in 1857. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1993, Humayun’s Tomb is a quiet and peaceful location in the midst of the bustling city of Delhi.
Open daily 6am-6pm. Average adult ticket is 30Rs for Indians and 500Rs for foreign tourists.