Tomb of Safdarjung: Visiting India’s Last Garden Tomb 2026
If you have driven through South Delhi, you might have passed Safdarjung Tomb. It is an imposing Mughal style tomb, with a massive gate and 4 towers.
You certainly would have noticed it. South Delhi has many tombs, but this is one of the largest and most impressive.
I can’t recall when I first visited the tomb of Safdarjung, but I have been back many times. It’s located in the loveliest part of New Delhi, very close to Lodhi Garden and Khan Market, so it is a regular stop whenever I have visitors.
Visiting the Tomb of Safdarjung: Overview
It’s called Safdarjung Tomb, but it’s actually a mausoleum with a tomb inside. In India these mausoleums are called tombs. The tomb of Safdarjung is one of the most beautiful in Delhi.
It was built at the end of the Mughal empire, and is the last garden style tomb built in India. During the Mughal empire (1526 – 1761) many tombs were built in Delhi. It was a way to leave a lasting legacy and make a political statement.
South Delhi is full of these tombs, and you’ll probably pass a few when you are out exploring. But Safdarjung is one of the grandest.
Safdarjung is sometimes credited with being the inspiration for the Taj Mahal, but this is false. The tomb was built long after the Taj Mahal.
I recommend buying your tickets on the official ASI website in advance, so you can avoid the ticket counter. The ticket counter can’t always make change, and sometimes it doesn’t accept electronic payments.
- Hours: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm, daily
- Cost: INR 300 for foreigners, children under 15 free
- Location: Sri Aurobindo Marg, Jorbagh, New Delhi
What To Expect
The tomb of Safdarjung is one of the largest in Delhi, but you can easily explore it in 1 to 1.5 hours. It’s very photogenic, but try to go in the early morning or evening for the best light.
You may get lucky and see peacocks in the morning, they frequent the gardens. Besides exploring the mausoleum, there is a three domed mosque, and you can stroll around the gardens and perimeter wall.
There isn’t a ton of walking, but there are stairs. There’s limited shade in the gardens, so make sure you bring water, a hat and sunglasses.
You can’t purchase food or drinks inside Safdarjung Tomb, but there are usually vendors set up outside the entrance. Toilet facilities are on site, though I have never used them and have no idea how clean they are.
If you want to get something to eat or drink after visiting Safdarjung Tomb, there are some great places in Lodhi Colony, a 10 minute walk. I like Guppy and Jamun for a meal and Jaatre for ice cream.
Tomb of Safdarjung History
Safdarjung Tomb was completed in 1754 for Nawab Safdarjung, a powerful Vazir in the royal court.
Unfortunately, Safdarjung was run out of Delhi by rival factions shortly before he died. His son had to plead with the emperor to be allowed to build the mausoleum.
The mausoleum looks grandiose, but in fact it was built with sub-par materials, and by raiding other tombs for marble and sandstone. By this time the Mughals were in decline and simply didn’t have the wealth or resources.
If you look at the marble in the mausoleum and on the domed roof, you’ll notice variations in size and colour. That’s because almost all the marble was plundered and had to be pieced together.
The carved dome ceilings were made from plaster instead of marble, as was the norm in earlier Mughal tombs. Even the design is a bit off, often criticized for being too narrow.
How To Get There
Safdarjung Tomb is centrally located and very easy to reach.
If you are staying in South or Central Delhi, the best way is to use an auto rickshaw (if you are less than 3 km away), or Uber. Both are widely used in Delhi.
If you’re further out the best way to get to Safdarjung Tomb is by Delhi metro. The closest station is Jorbagh on the Yellow line (use exit gate 2). It’s a 5 minute walk to the tomb. The Delhi metro is excellent, don’t hesitate to use it.
What Else Can You See Nearby
Safdarjung Tomb is close to some of Delhi’s best sites and attractions. You can even walk to some of them:
- Lodhi Garden: Delhi’s most beautiful heritage park. You can walk there in 5 minutes and admission is free.
- Lodhi Art District: India’s first outdoor art district. There are over 50 huge murals on social themes, all in a quiet residential enclave. Also within walking distance and free.
- Khan Market: A vibrant, upscale market with many shopping and dining options. One of Delhi’s favourite social and shopping spots.
- Dilli Haat INA: Delhi’s favourite Indian handicrafts market. It’s a pedestrian zone and has an excellent outdoor food court. Small entry fee.
Where To Stay Near Safdarjung Tomb
The Tomb of Safdarjung is in Lutyens Delhi, the most beautiful part of the city. It’s a walkable and safer area of South Delhi. These are my top recommendations near the tomb:
- Taj Mahal, New Delhi (luxury): Beautiful 5 star hotel in a very walkable area. Great location for exploring Delhi. Rooms with odd numbers have views of Delhi’s greenery and parliament buildings.
- Lutyens Bungalow (mid-range): Lovely boutique heritage property beside Lodhi Garden, within walking distance of Safdarjung Tomb. Outdoor pool, beautiful gardens and breakfast is included.
- YWCA International Guest House (budget): There are no good budget options in Lutyens Delhi, but you can easily reach Safdarjung Tomb by auto rickshaw from the YWCA. Rooms are large with private bathrooms and AC. The location is excellent, close to many 5 star hotels.
Last Words on Tomb of Safdarjung: Visiting India’s Last Garden Tomb
Safdarjung Tomb is an important site in Delhi. Not only is it the last garden style tomb built in India, it’s an excellent example of Mughal architecture when the empire was in decline.
Despite the tomb’s imperfections, I think it is one of the most magnificent sites in Delhi and absolutely worth visiting.
