Humayun's Tomb on Obama's itinerary

If they can't go to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, they visit the 16th century Humayun's Tomb, one of the three world heritage sites in the Capital. HT reports.

If they can't go to see the Taj Mahal in Agra, they visit the 16th century Humayun's Tomb, one of the three world heritage sites in the Capital.

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So, when the US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle make their first culture stop in Delhi at this red-and-white octagonal tomb at Nizamuddin, they would be following a trend that has emerged in recent times amongst the visiting heads of states.

The Humayun's Tomb has seen visits by over a dozen dignitaries during the last few years. German President Horst Kohler and foreign minister Guido Westerwelle visited the site this year on different occasions. Earlier, the heads of states or the important ministers from Cyria, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Canada have visited the place famous as a precursor for the Taj Mahal.

So what are the reasons for its popularity? Prof AGK Menon, head of the Delhi chapter of INTACH observes, "It is a beautiful monument. As compared to the other world heritage sites of Red Fort and Qutub Minar, this is the most complete monument, as original as it could be."