Humayun's TombVisitors to Humayun’s Tomb will soon be able to spend time in the sprawling garden complex housing the monument until 9pm, one of 10 historic sites to now open late.
The 16th century monument housing the grave of Mughal emperor Humayun is among 10 monuments, managed by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other committees, that will be kept open till late to attract more tourists. The announcement was made by Prahlad Singh Patel, union minister for tourism and culture while speaking in the Parliament.
Another Delhi monument, Safdarjung’s Tomb, also features in the list prepared by a committee comprising officials of the culture and tourism ministries. Bijapur’s Gol Gumbaz, Sheikh Chilli’s Tomb in Kurukshetra, Bhubaneswar’s Rajarani Temple Complex, Khajuraho’s Duladeo Temple, Varanasi’s Man Mahal, Rani-ki-Vav stepwell in Gujarat’s Patan, a cluster of monuments in Karnataka’s Bagalkot, a UNESCO Heritage site and a clutch of temples in Maharashtra’s Gadchiroli district make up the list.
"We are considering more such monuments to be open till later."
Culture ministry officials said the new plan will be implemented within the next few days and will be in place for an initial term of three years. As of now, the monuments that come under ASI, the body entrusted with managing tourist operations at heritage sites, are mostly open till sundown.
Rani-ki-Vav stepwell
“These 10 monuments are in the first phase of the plan, and we are considering more such monuments to be open till later in the near future,” said Patel.
ASI’s most popular monument, the Taj Mahal, did not find a mention on the list. The 17th century monument premises, though, is open for midnight tours five days every month -- on full moon nights and two nights before and after it.
