A TOMB MARKING THE END OF MUGHAL EMPIRE IN INDIA…
Safdarjung Tomb Delhi – A 17th-century mausoleum built in a typically Mughal style with marble and red sandstone, enclosing two more pavilions including Jangli Mahal and Moti Mahal. Usually not included in the must-see places in Delhi, but being from Delhi knowing the city’s history, I highly recommend visiting one of the best historical places in Delhi.
The main Safdarjung tomb is encompassed with huge garden divided into four section depicting the Mughal Charbagh style and water channels for each garden. Acquiring its name from Mughal prime minister of 17th century India ~ original name “Mirza Muqim Mansur Khan” or Safdarjung.
Safdarjung Tomb Delhi
The Safdarjung tomb is built on the similar lines of Humayun Tomb but severely lacks the splendor of the later. Even I was little under-whelmed in first look!! Nonetheless, each monument is unique, shaping up in a different timeline, each with its standout historical significance. Despite its flaws, the Safdarjung tomb’s is still one of the most visited historical places in Delhi.
The huge facade at the entry gate of the Safdarjung Tomb standing in way till the main tomb blocking the view was a pleasant surprise!! The vestibule itself is made up of reddish yellow sandstone with distinguishable carvings. The ticket counter for visit to the Safdarjung Tomb is on the right side of the entry building easily visible from the main gate.
Walk your way through the gardens along the water canal till the main Safdarjung Tomb and you will be welcomed with the rooms in the basement and a subverted staircase to ride upstairs towards the main grave.
The Safdarjung Tomb marks the decline of Mughal empire in India standing high as the last monument of the era. After the death of the minister, his son Nawab Shajaud Daula was allowed to construct a tomb in Safdarjung’s name. The interiors of the Safdarjung Tomb are dark, with baroque work on ceilings of each of the nine rooms whose rococo plaster seems to have been faded bearing the brunt of time.
However, being such an eminent historical monument the Safdarjung Tomb evidently lacks the symmetry easily found in its inspirations from Humayun Tomb and Taj Mahal. The dome seems to be more stretched out from the corner angles giving easy hints at its architectural flaws.
The rear end of the Safdarjung Tomb holds a direct view to Jangli Mahal which earlier used to showcase pictures and paintings from history but now is closed for tourists. I completely understand why many tourists as many give it a pass as the only people found there were either a group of friends targeting photography or couples looking for a quiet place. Well, none was the reason for me to visit one of the renowned monuments of the medieval period in India!!
Although I was a tad disappointed considering my perception of the Humayun Tomb, the kind of restoration the later have received while this has not!! The wreckage of the Safdarjung Tomb building is indubitably out in open with little evidence of reclamation work. One of the greatest historical places in Delhi and yet the water canals are deprived of water and dried up!! I got talking to a security personnel wherein he told me that rehabilitation is in progress.. no matter how slowly & steadily, more due to lack of funds from the government. It actually saddened me to see such an architectural gem and one the prominent historical monuments in Delhi is brought down to almost ruins while the other monuments are given ultra priority!!
How to Reach Safdarjung Tomb Delhi
Safdarjung is also a known name in Delhi for its historical and now a VIP airport – Safdarjung airport. Considering the Safdarjung airport was an important airport set up during the British rule in India used as a major transport media while the WWII, the Safdarjung airport is still a landmark in Delhi.
- Metro – There’s no Safdarjung metro station and rather the nearest metro station to Safdarjung is “Jor Bagh”. Use Yellow line (Samaypur Badli to Huda City Center) – Take the metro going towards *Huda City Center* (or Qutub Minar as few metros going only till here) and get down at Jor Bagh station and exit towards gate no 2. The tomb is located at hardly less than 2 km so if you prefer walking, just keep walking straight to the exit and you can see the tomb on first red light on your right. If confused – ask any street vendor the route or better Google Maps. If you fancy it in Delhi style – you will surely be welcomed with a bunch of auto-wallahs asking you to take either to Lodhi Garden or Safdarjung tomb – board the auto and it wouldn’t take more than 5 mins to reach there.
- Uber/ Ola – As the Safdarjung tomb is pleasantly located in central/south Delhi, you wouldn’t find much traffic here and cabs are another comfortable medium for reached here.
Related Read – Top 10 insider tips for first-time travel to Delhi, India!!
Any of the historical monuments in Delhi or anywhere in the world I visit is mainly in regard to my deep interests towards history and capturing it in best possible manner. I also have a profound inclination towards the imaginative doors existed in that era which is why I have an eye for them.
Have you heard about – Safdarjung Tomb – one of the famed historical monuments in Delhi? Did you get a chance to see the Safdarjung tomb in your visit to the Indian capital?? Do share your experience with me!
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[…] minaret of the world aka Qutub Minar, or Humayun Tomb a red sandstone mirror image of Taj Mahal or Safdarjung Tomb. Delhi has a fair share of historical monuments. The sunsets captured there are floated everywhere […]
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A great trip. A must do next time. Jamie
Thanks 🙂
[…] had a great day checking out Humayun’s Tomb. Another great place to explore is the equally awesome Safdarjung Tomb, which we have to save for next time. Humayun tomb is in the Nizamuddin neighborhood on Lodhi road. […]
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Beautifully described
Whoa, your photos are amazing!! I’d visit just to see these in real life!
Its as amazing it seems
I definitely had never heard of this. It’s quite beautiful, despite being in ruins. Fascinating how reminiscent of the Taj Mahal it is, on a smaller scale. I would love to visit.
I’d love to walk through that spectacular architecture. Love the quality of light too.
Wow, incredible architecture, I would lose my mind! It’s also a photographer’s dream and your editing skills are good! 🙂
Thank you so much 🙂
Wow – your photography is incredible. I love how you varied the photos – so beautiful.
Thank you so much🙂
what gorgeous architecture, it would be a real sight to see in person. my husband and would love to plan a trip to see more of Delhi.
Glad you liked it🙂
Amazing information travel related. Great pictures too!
Thank you🙂
I can definitely understand why your first impression was that it lacks splendor – I’ve definitely seen more spectacular tombs and sites throughout historic India, though it is still quite a beautiful, and as you said, pleasant, structure, and there’s definitely some interesting architecture around.
Thanks for your honest recount of your experience – maybe I’ll visit Safdar Jang Tomb first, and then Humayun Tomb, so I get my expectations around the right way!
Glad to know that 🙂
Have not been to India yet, so reading this was quite interesting and informative. The architecture is magnificent. This is one place I will put on my must-visit list when we finally make it to India. Thanks for the story behind the magnificent architecture. By the way, love your photos of the doors. I love unique doors too 🙂
Hope you too like Delhi 🙂
Nice to read about the Safdar Jang tomb, one of the lesser known monuments of Delhi as compared to the more hyped Qutub Minar and Humayuns Tomb. Delhi is indeed a treasure house of archaelogical and architectural wonders and if on were to look carefully, there is something fascinating around every corner.
Delhi indeed has a lot of archaeological sites to offer!
The buildings look beautiful, great photos
Thank you 🙂
Lately I’ve seen many stories about India keep appearing in my feed. Perhaps the universe is trying to tell me it’s time for me to travel to India. I really love ruins! Somehow it keeps a lot of interesting stories behind. I’d definitely put Safdar Jang Tomb on my list. Thanks for sharing ! 😀
Glad you liked it🙂
I’ve wanted to go to India for a while, but have never had a chance! Your photos are beautiful and the architecture looks amazing.
Thank you🙂
Absolutely amazing photos. There’s something about this style of Architecture that really excites me, too 🙂
Glad to know that🙂
Absolutely amazing photos. There’s something about this style of Architecture that really excites me, too 🙂
I love your photos! The style of architecture is so beautiful and fascinating to me. I would love to see it in person. I have never been to India, so hopefully one day!
Hope you make it one day 🙂
woooow. This place is amazing. I have to go when traveling to Delhi. Your travels are an inspiration!
Thank you🙂
Gosh, you really know your tombs. Love your detailed commentary. I don’t think I’d be underwhelmed – the tomb itself looks like lace. I do know what you mean about proper restoration being so essential to preserve monuments like this. I do hope it gets the attention it deserves.
I hope so too 🙂
The doors are incredible, so fascinating to read the history behind this place. India is a place I still haven’t had the chance to visit but when I do, I’ll definitely be checking this place out. Great pictures too!
Glad you liked it🙂
Oh wow, when I first looked I thought I had been here. On second look though, I realise I went to Humayan Tomb. It will never cease to amaze me how much there is to see in India
Yes it is built on the lines of Humayun Tomb 🙂
Quite something!
janet
Thank you🙂
Despite not getting the restoration that other monuments received I still see beauty in Safjarung Tomb. Your pictures, particularly of the arches, are stunning.
Glad you liked it🙂
Always fascinated to see the various monuments and tombs and really, really old cemeteries created for the dead. This one is particularly lavish but then so too is India in my humble opinion. Interesting read.
Thank you🙂
This place looks really nice. And it appears to have far fewer people than the Taj Majal. I always like to visit this kind of location in my travels, and I’ll keep it in mind when I finally make it to India.
Thank you🙂
Such an interesting tomb! The architecture is really neat! Kinda nice that you got to visit a quieter place as I’m sure the Taj Mahal is always crowded and busy!
Yes Taj is so busy all the time.
I think Safdarjung Tomb is worth a visit if you have the time. The problem with Delhi is there’s SO many historical places! But I’m glad I went as it’s interesting to see the development of the Mughal style — which of course culminates in the perfection of the Taj Mahal.
Yes there’s historical monument in every nook amd corner here in Delhi.
Despite being to delhi a trillion times, Never explored it throughly. Always been a huge fan of the city of Djinns and the Mughal architecture 🙂 You have captured it so perfectly!! Love the arches and the doors:)
Thank you🙂
this tomb looks beautiful! I have to admit I’ve been to Delhi several times but not heard of it – I will make sure to check it out on my next trip! Thanks for the lovely pictures and info.
Glad you liked it🙂
Awesome Blog
Thanks🙂
A very informative post. I’ve never heard of this tomb before so it was interesting to read about a new place. Like you, I also love finding unique doors 🙂
Glad to hear that🙂
What a beautiful tomb! I always only heard about the Taj Mahal, but I think this one is almost as beautiful, just in a different way. It reminds one more about the transience of life. I’d definitely love to see this place when we’ll go to India!
Glad to know that🙂
A fascinating place. I love that reflection shot near the end. Nicely done 🙂
Thank you Norm, glad you liked it 🙂
Detailed information and beautiful pics. We have such beautiful monuments. Wish more steps are taken to preserve these amazing structures!