Delhi - Safdarjung Tomb

Event date: July 2009

The Safdarjung tomb was very quite at the time of my visit. There's hardly any tourist, beside me within the complex. The caretaker let me explore the complex on my own without charging anything. Usually, the ticket rate for locals is Rs10 whilst foreigner is Rs250. Safdarjung tomb is the last enclosed garden tomb in Delhi in tradition of Humayun's tomb. It was built in 1753-54 as the mausoleum of Safdarjung, the viceroy of Awadh from 1719 to 1748 under a weak Mughal Emperor, Mohammed Shah.

A 3 storey high ornate gate, before going to the 3 storey tomb chamber is seen in below photo. The top storey of the edifice houses the Archaeological Survey of India. The garden, in the style evolved by the Mughal Empire that is now known as the Mughal gardens style influenced by Persian gardens style, is entered through an ornate gate. Its facade is decorated with elaborate plaster carvings.

The central tomb has a huge dome. There are four water canals leading to four buildings.1 building has an ornately decorated gateway while the other 3 are pavilions, with living quarters built into the walls. Octagonal towers are in the corners. The canals are four oblong tanks, one on each side of the tomb. In my opinion, the complex is not really being taken care well as it was not as popular as Humayun's tomb. Part of the 3 domed mosque within the complex can be seen in below photo.

A view of an impressive roof which is in a Mughal architecture style and inheritance.

A tomb plaque can be seen at the entrance hall. The mausoleum has lent its name to Safdarjung Airport, Safdarjung Road, Safdarjung Terminal, Safdarjung Hospital, and localities like Safdarjung Enclave and Safdarjung Development Area (SDA), all nearby in New Delhi.

From 5th May 2011 to 5th August 2011, I've been occupying our company guest house in Safdarjung Enclave, which is within the same vicinity with Safdarjung tomb. From my observation, not may tourist visited the tomb.