Within an hour after he landed in the national capital on Sunday evening, US President Barack Obama, accompanied by his wife Michelle, reached Humayun's Tomb in Nizamuddin area in south Delhi. The US President kicked off his engagements in Delhi with a 45-minute visit to what he later called "specta cular" world heritage site.

US officials had earlier said  “it is important to pay tribute through this stop given the rich civilization that India has."

Dressed in a white shirt with a black dotted tie, and dark trousers, the 49-year-old President removed his suit jacket as he entered the complex and walked towards the first information board and read it while he folded his sleeves. "Wonderful. Let's take a look," Obama said.

Archaeological Survey of India’s Delhi circle superintending archaeologist KK Muhammed showed the Obamas around the complex.

As the trio walked towards the main mausoleum, Muhammed started with information about the monument, followed by an interactive session between him and the US first couple about the build, the architecture and the time taken to build the monument.

At the mausoleum, the Obamas inquired about the half-domed arched niches in red and white, which give the monument its characteristic style.   

They also posed for photographs with the children of the labourers involved in the monument’s conservation work. Later, Obama interacted with ASI officials and answered the media's queries.

"It is spectacular. If our guys have to build it in seven years, it would be pretty tough. Good contractor," a visibly impressed Obama said.

 with inputs from PTI