Safdarjung Tomb to shine bright: Monument to soon have a cafe and host evening events

In a bid to revitalise and promote the rich cultural heritage of Safdarjung Tomb, the Dalmia Foundation, which has adopted the monument, is gearing up to introduce a series of innovative changes aimed at boosting night tourism.

“Among the planned upgrades are a range of new amenities, including a bustling cafeteria, state-of-the-art elevators, and regular cultural events, all designed to enhance the visitor experience after dark,” said an official from the Archaeological Survey of India’s (ASI) Delhi circle.

At present, only a handful of monuments in the city, such as Red Fort, Sunder Nursery and Mehrauli Archaeological Park, have cafes.

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Challenges from night tourism

Amid the new surge in interest in the monument, Patriot learned through official records and sources that only about 25 visitors frequent the monument during evening hours, a stark contrast to the bustling foot traffic it witnesses during the day.

ASI officials are mindful that Safdarjung Tomb faces certain challenges in becoming a popular nighttime destination. “The monument is located in a quieter part of the city. Another issue is the entrance fee, as well as the fact that it is not particularly couple friendly. Additionally, the monument lacks proper gardens and food outlets,” the official said.

“If things go smoothly with the Dalmia Foundation, we will also see more toilets and drinking water facilities at the monument,” he added.

Broader efforts to promote heritage sites

The move comes in the wake of a larger push to make heritage sites more accessible and engaging at night. In a recent development, ASI extended the timings at Humayun’s Tomb from 6 PM to 9 PM, one of Delhi’s other iconic Mughal-era monuments, as part of a broader effort to make the city’s monuments more welcoming to tourists after sunset.

The ASI has also illuminated several other monuments around the city, transforming them into nighttime spectacles. Among the latest illuminated landmarks are the Shish Gumbad and Bada Gumbad in Lodhi Garden, Adam Khan’s Tomb, and Chaumuka Darwaza in the Qutub Minar complex.

Enhancing visitors experience

ASI officials said Dalmia Foundation’s proposed upgrades are designed to make night visits to Safdarjung Tomb more comfortable and enjoyable. “A new cafeteria will offer refreshments for visitors, while the installation of elevators will help make the monument more accessible to elderly tourists or those with mobility challenges, thereby opening the gates to a more inclusive experience,” the official said.

“Additionally, the foundation plans to host regular cultural events, including classical music performances, storytelling sessions, and light-and-sound shows, to provide an immersive cultural experience that complements the monument’s historical significance,” he said.

He added, “We hope this will not only increase footfall but bring the monument into more limelight.”

Also read: ASI extends visiting hours at Humayun’s Tomb

A promising future

Safdarjung Tomb was illuminated for the first time in 2019, with special lighting designed to highlight its historical grandeur and architectural splendour. This lighting initiative, the first of its kind for the monument, was part of a broader effort to transform the site into a must-visit destination at night.

In contrast, monuments like the Red Fort have been illuminated for many years, and the Qutub Minar has been lit up since 2023, with a light-and-sound show organised to attract visitors.

While the current footfall remains low, officials are optimistic about the future. “With the addition of these facilities and the emphasis on nighttime tourism, we believe Safdarjung Tomb can become a vibrant hub that attracts tourists, both domestic and international, throughout the year,” said an ASI official.

The new amenities at the monument are also expected to draw in evening walkers and photographers, who have increasingly shown interest in exploring Delhi’s landmarks at night. “As with the illumination of India Gate and Qutub Minar, the carefully curated lighting of Safdarjung will highlight the architectural details of the monument and create a striking visual experience against the night sky.”

As Delhi continues to embrace the trend of night tourism, Safdarjung Tomb’s transformation could pave the way for other monuments across the city to follow suit, offering a fresh perspective on the city’s rich cultural heritage after the sun sets.