Background
Built in 1570, Humayun's Tomb is of particular cultural significance as the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent. UNESCO says it inspired several major architectural innovations, culminating in the construction of the Taj Mahal.
The tomb was commissioned by Humayun's first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, in 1558 and designed by the Persian architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son Sayyid Muhammad, whom she chose herself. It stands in Nizamuddin East, close to the Purana Qila citadel that Humayun founded in 1538, and was the first structure to use red sandstone on such a scale. Extensive restoration has since been completed, and several smaller monuments dot the pathways to it.
- 1538Humayun founds the Purana Qila citadel nearby
- 1558Empress Bega Begum commissions the tomb
- 1570The tomb is completed
- 1993Inscribed as World Heritage
Find Your Way Around
The main parts of the site, in the order most visitors see them
- 1The TombThe red sandstone and white marble mausoleum at the centre of its charbagh garden.
- 2The GardenThe four-part Persian garden with its water channels.
- 3Isa Khan's TombThe octagonal tomb by the entrance, older than Humayun's.
- 4Nizamuddin DargahThe Sufi shrine nearby; the GoGo guide goes on from the tomb, and returns for qawwali on Thursday evenings.
- 5Sabz BurjThe blue-domed Central Asian-style tower on Mathura Road, built between 1530 and 1535.
Know Before You Go
From Wikivoyage and the GoGo guides
The Tomb and the Shrine
From the GoGo Delhi guide · Open the Delhi Guide ›
- 08:30Humayun's Tomb90 minThe Mughal garden tomb that inspired the Taj.
- 10:15Nizamuddin Dargah45 minThe Sufi shrine.
- 15:00Qutb Minar Complex90 minThe 72.5-metre victory tower and the iron pillar.
- 18:30Qawwali at Nizamuddin Dargah90 minSufi music at the shrine, Thursdays.
Best Time to Visit
Best months: Nov–Feb. Very hot (highs 34°C+) in Apr–Jul. Rainy season Jul–Aug.
Typical highs
Climate: NASA POWER
Pair It With
Other World Heritage sites nearby, by distance
