Humayun's Tomb

At the heart of the complex stands Humayun’s mausoleum, crowned with a grand white dome. Don’t miss the 24-carat gold finial replaced two years ago after a vicious storm tore down the previous one. The building itself bears all the hallmarks of Mughal design; intricate carvings adorn the sandstone and marble frontage. Step inside to find the imposing sepulchre, the eight sides of which represent the gateways to heaven. Walking around the immaculate gardens with their reflecting pools and fountains, you can see how this tomb influenced the Taj. But instead of battling for space at the infamous Princess Diana bench, visitors to Humayun’s Tomb can relax; there are plenty of superb photo opportunities here to enjoy at your leisure.

A recent restoration project has helped return the site to something approaching its former glory. So take a moment to sit and appreciate the special, meditative atmosphere – or catch up on your holiday reading.
If you want to stretch your legs, seek out the hidden graves and tombs in the rest of the grounds. Highlights include Isa Khan’s gorgeous white tomb and accompanying mosque, the Afsarwala Tomb and mosque, and, oddly enough, the tomb of Humayun’s favourite barber. This dense clustering of tombs is the reason why some call this complex the ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’. It’s little wonder that UNESCO has named Humayun’s Tomb a World Heritage site.