Most people are familiar with the Taj Mahal being a mausoleum built by Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his third wife, Mumtaz Mahal.
Not so well known, but very beautiful in its own right is Humayun’s Tomb in Delhi ,which was built around 100 years earlier and was the start of garden-tombs in India.
Humayun was the second Mughal Emperor of India. The tomb was commissioned some years after his death by his first wife Bega Begum (aka Haji Begum) in 1569-70. It was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyas, a Persian architect. In later years other rulers and members of the family were also buried here.
For more information regarding the history of Humayun’s Tomb, you may like to read the Wikipedia entry.
Its incredibly well preserved and the gardens are lovely. We enjoyed watching the peacocks and parrots. On the day we went, there were very few other visitors here. We went by taxi as part of a private half day tour.
Its open from sunrise to sunset and entry is 10 rupees for Indian nationals and $US5 or 250 rupees for visitors.
The photos are a little hazy as it was a hot, misty day when we visited.
Humayun’s tomb is one of my favourite pieces of Mughal architecture in Delhi. Not far from it is the Nizamuddin area, strewn with architectural gems from that period. Have you been there?
I’m not familiar with that area, we only had a few hours in Delhi when we visited but Humayun’s Tomb was a highlight! It was beautiful and peaceful when we were there, a real contrast to the outside world.
Thanks for writing about this oft-ignored monument 🙂
It was too beautiful to not write about 🙂
Do check out my blog for writing on some hidden Indian gems 🙂
I had that on my reading list for tonight 🙂
Wow. What does the western world have that can compare? Not a lot?
I have a few more posts coming up about India. The architecture through Rajasthan was amazing!
You nailed it ,thanks for writing about this monument 🙂
Thanks 🙂