Humayun's tomb sometimes being reffered as a mini Taj Mahal. Infact, in my opinion after heard the history from the tour guide when visited there, it can be somehow the origin of Taj Mahal. Humayun's tomb is located in New Delhi, around 220KM from Taj Mahal in Agra.
The tomb was a present from wife to her lovely husband, Mughal Emperor Humayun. It was build around 16th century and it was the first structure using red stone in the area. On the other hand, Taj Mahal was a present from husband to her lovely wife, which using a white stone. Therefore, Mughal Emperor Humayun was the great grand father of Emperor Shah Jahan, the founder of Taj Mahal.
Can you spot why I said Humayun's Tomb is the origin of Taj Mahal?
The complex of Humayun's Tomb is represented a mixed of Mughal architecture which inspired by Islamic Persian style architecture. The tomb itself is located in the center of a 120,000 square Char Bagh (Four Gardens), with quadrilateral layout. It is really beautiful design architecture. Every sides of the main building will look excatly same eventhough seen from different side: from north, south, east or west. However, in the past there were three gates being used to enter this gardens. But today, only west gate is being remained open. South Gate was used during mughal era, but not anymore.
Furthermore, there are several monuments can be found in the complex: Tomb and Mosque of Isa Khan, Bu Halima's Tomb and Garden, Afsarwala Tomb and Mosque, Arab Serai, Nila Gumbad, an Aula, and Barber's Tomb. It needs one day to visit all the monuments inside the complex. But if want to take a quick look of other monuments, we can do it because some of them are located along the way from the entrance (ticket) gate to the exit gate.
Like Taj Mahal, Humayun's Tomb is a big complex which requires proper walking shoes/sandals. It is like the red and smaller version of Taj Mahal. Personally, I preffer Humayun's Tomb over Taj Mahal, because it is less crowded. I was really enjoying time there, admiring the beautiful red stones. I would love to visit again someday in the future if I can. Because last time was quite hurry and it was raining. I will recomend this place to visit when in Delhi.
