“When the hero of plain bravery departs from the transitory, may he become a resident of god’s paradise”. This is the Arabic translation of text inscribed on the walls Safdarjung tomb.
As an active Instagram scroller while my stay in Delhi, I have always been fascinated by some of the great nightscape shots of a tomb that I only read under the captions but never heard of it from anyone. Delhi's streets have been a hotspot for me which always gives me a bunch of ideas and life and enhances my photography with a better perspective and visual dimension. Since I am a moody traveler and prefer walking, I planned to reach out to an address at Air force golf course in Delhi. I stepped out of Jor Bagh Metro Station, and after walking a few hundred meters, I saw an enormous gateway with a beautiful skylight decorated with beautiful patterns and reflecting every bit of the Mughal era.
Like the Humayun’s Tomb, of which I will write some other day, it has almost similar appearance but less grandeur and small. In the morning, it actually does not has much to offer.
If you want to see a better version, then I would recommend Humayun’s Tomb any day. But still, it has some different visuals like dangling trees planted in a straight row, reaching far right to the tomb structure. Also, the fountain is longer and ends very closer to the tomb itself, unlike its better version, which is at a distant and comparatively small and shallow.
There is not much to see, to be honest. But, if you are really interested in Mughal architecture, then this place will not disappoint you. You don’t get any guide here, so it’s better to read about it on the web or pick a book. The garden is gorgeous and a heaven for photographers. You can enjoy the walk inside its lush green garden, which has four divisions and walkways, similar to most of the other architecture of that time.
The tomb is not big either, and the marble coffin is easily visible. But its inside walls are so pleasing that you would definitely question why it was not made grand.
You can visit this site from 6 am to 6 pm. But wait, if you know Delhi, then you would also know when to step out. I would suggest you come here after 4 when the heat has lowered down. This place is generally not crowded, so don’t worry about lining in a queue. Just download the entry tickets from the ASI portal, which cost me only 20 Rs and no extra for the camera. The link is below: https://asi.payumoney.com
I suggested this time for a reason. The real magic begins after dark when the whole complex is lit up like a castle in some storybook or a painting. It is pleasing that the visual will spellbind you and won’t let you roll your eyes over. Adding to it is the tomb's reflection, which falls right in front of you over its longer and larger fountain pool like molten gold swirling in front of you. You got to see it to believe it.
It was built in 1753-54 by Nawab Shuja-ud-Daula for his father Safdarjung, often spelled as Safdarjang or Safdar Jang, the second Nawab of Awadh from 1739 to 53. An architectural example of late Mughal dynastic rule. It is a symbolic monument depicting love between a father and a son and the downfall of the empire and the destitution encountered by the Mughal Kings for over 300 years. It was not constructed to commemorate the rulers' power, instead of in memory of a high ranking officer, who was awarded the title Safdarjung and was appointed as the Subadar Nawab of Oudh.
Address: Airforce Golf Course, Delhi Race Club, New Delhi, Delhi 110021 Nearest Metro Station: Jor Bagh
Timing: 06:00 am to 06:00 pm to visit inside but to see the tomb lit up after dark then you can only stand and see from the doorway till 08:00 pm.
Duration: There is no time limit after you enter inside but it should not take more than 1:00 or 1:30 hrs to complete the sight seeing.
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