The garden-tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal — Mughal architecture's first masterpiece in India.
Humayun's Tomb is in Delhi. Entry is ₹40 for Indian visitors. It opens open daily, about 6:00 am to 6:00 pm. Open all week. The best time is Golden hour. When the sandstone glows and the gardens are quiet.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Built | 1565–1572 |
| Commissioned by | Empress Bega Begum, for Emperor Humayun |
| Style | Mughal (red sandstone & marble) |
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Location | Nizamuddin, Delhi |
Humayun's Tomb was built from 1565 by Humayun's widow, Bega Begum. It was the first great garden-tomb in the Indian subcontinent. Set in a formal charbagh (four-part garden).
Its high arched façade, double dome. Red-and-white stonework became the template for later. Mughal tombs — most famously the Taj Mahal. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sources: Humayun's Tomb — Delhi Tourism · Humayun's Tomb — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Humayun's Tomb.
What makes it special, and what to look for.
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Dome height | 47 m | Wikipedia |
| Garden area | 10 ha (25 acres) | Wikipedia |
| Built | 1565–1572 | Wikipedia |
| Architect | Mirak Mirza Ghiyas | Wikipedia |
| Commissioned by | Empress Bega Begum | Wikipedia |
| Cost | 1.5 million rupees | Wikipedia |
| Garden plan | Char-bagh (paradise garden) | Wikipedia |
| Material | Red sandstone & marble | Wikipedia |
| UNESCO listing | 1993 | UNESCO |
| Nickname | Dormitory of the Mughals | Wikipedia |
| Also here | Isa Khan's tomb | Wikipedia |
| Location | Nizamuddin, Delhi | Wikipedia |
| Restored by | Aga Khan Trust | Wikipedia |
| Structure | Double-dome design | Wikipedia |
| Enclosure | Walled char-bagh | Wikipedia |
| Gates | Two grand gateways | Wikipedia |
The tomb's dome rises 47 metres. Its garden covers 10 hectares. That is about 25 acres.
Bega Begum commissioned the tomb. It was built from 1565 to 1572. It cost 1.5 million rupees.
A Persian architect shaped it. His name was Mirak Mirza Ghiyas. He came from Herat.
The char-bagh garden splits in four. Water channels quarter the lawns. It echoes a paradise plan.
Red sandstone meets white marble. UNESCO listed it in 1993. Its design foreshadowed the Taj.
The site holds many royal graves. It is called the Mughals' dormitory. Isa Khan's older tomb shares it.
In 1857, the last emperor hid here. He was captured within the walls. The Aga Khan Trust later restored it.
A high plinth lifts the tomb. Arched niches line each side. The double dome rises clean and high.
Sources: Humayun's Tomb — Delhi Tourism · Humayun's Tomb — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Humayun's Tomb.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: Humayun's Tomb — Delhi Tourism · Humayun's Tomb — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Humayun's Tomb.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1565 | Bega Begum begins the tomb. |
| 1572 | The mausoleum is completed. |
| 1857 | The last emperor is captured here. |
| 1993 | UNESCO inscribes the tomb. |
| 2013 | A major restoration finishes. |
Sources: Humayun's Tomb — Delhi Tourism · Humayun's Tomb — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Humayun's Tomb.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Indian | ₹40 |
| Foreign tourist | ₹600 |
| Children under 15 | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open daily, about 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. |
| Weekly closing | Open all week. |
| Best time to visit | Golden hour, when the sandstone glows and the gardens are quiet. |
| How long to allow | Allow about one to one and a half hours. |
Sources: Humayun's Tomb — Delhi Tourism · Humayun's Tomb — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Humayun's Tomb.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Nearest metro | JLN Stadium or Jangpura, then a short ride |
| Nearby | Nizamuddin Dargah is a short walk |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Delhi from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Plan around India's seasons. Golden hour. When the sandstone glows and the gardens are quiet.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Delhi to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Delhi guide for the best areas.
Come late afternoon for the best glow.
Catch qawwali at the nearby dargah in the evening.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | ₹40 |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Humayun's Tomb with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
Indian visitors pay ₹40 and foreign visitors around ₹600. Under-15s are free.
It is open daily from about 6 AM to 6 PM.
It was the first Mughal garden-tomb in India. Inspired the Taj Mahal.
It was commissioned by his widow. Empress Bega Begum, and completed around 1572.
About one to one and a half hours.
Nearest metro: JLN Stadium or Jangpura. Then a short ride; Nearby: Nizamuddin Dargah is a short walk.
Golden hour. When the sandstone glows and the gardens are quiet.
Yes. The garden-tomb that inspired the Taj Mahal — Mughal architecture's first masterpiece in India.
You can also visit Qutub Minar, India Gate, Delhi guide.
Stay in Delhi. See our Delhi guide.
Keep exploring around Delhi.
