Qutub Minar Delhi: History, Timings, Attractions & Travel Tips

Overview

The Qutub Minar is a world heritage site and one of the major attractions of Delhi. It is a tall brick tower constructed during the twelfth century. It was built by many rulers over several centuries. The complex surrounding the Qutub Minar itself houses many notable attractions such as the Iron Pillar, Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and Alai Darwaza. 

About Qutub Minar 

Built between 1192 and 1196 A.D., by Qutb ud din Aibak, and continued by his successors, the Qutub Minar is a 73-metre tall, tapering tower of red sandstone studded with marble, Iron, and richly carved with Arabic inscriptions. It was constructed to depict Muslim control over Delhi and has stood numerous years of disasters of different forms and invasions. 

Related Information

Timings (Operation Hours) – 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Entry Fee:

  • International Tourists – INR 500
  • Indian Adults – INR 40
  • Kids (below 15 years) – Free
  • Still Camera (personal use) – INR 25 
  • Video Camera (Personal Use) – INR 25 

Time Required: 2 to 3 hours

Best Time to Visit – October to April 

How to Get There 

  • By Bus – Regular DTC buses are available quite often from all parts of Delhi to the Qutub Minar.
  • By Metro –  You can travel on the Yellow Line metro and alight at Qutub Minar Metro Station located at a convenient 5-minute rickshaw ride. 
  • By Taxi/Auto – Taxis and autorickshaws are the most comfortable way of travelling from any part of the city to Qutub Minar. 

Nearest Restaurants 

  • Qla – One of the trendy restaurants in the city offering European cuisine with a beautiful view of Qutub Minar.
  • Dramz Delhi – You indulge in a wide variety of food and drinks while enjoying the beautiful light show at Qutub Minar. 

Popular Markets Nearby

  • Mehrauli Market – It is a popular local market ideal for a low price and food items that can be found in the country.
  • Select Citywalk Mall (nearby) – It is a mall with all the modern amenities. A perfect place for shopping that hosts numerous branded outlets and restaurants.

Best Hotels 

  • The Leela Palace New Delhi – An expensive option but it comes with all that one could wish for a perfect royal stay. 
  • Hotel Malik Continental –  An affordable option close to the Qutub Minar.

History of Qutub Minar 

The construction of Qutub Minar was started by Qutb-ud-din Aibak around 1192, later it was continued by Iltutmish and was finally finished by Firoz Shah Tughlaq in 1368. There are many stories about the structure. For some, it was built as a symbol of the Mughal rule in India while for others it was constructed for the purpose of call to prayers. The Qutub Minar has undergone many restorations. Sikandar Lodi got restoration work done during 1489-1517 and late in 1829, it was again repaired by Major R. Smith.

Main Attractions/Must-See

  • Iron Pillar – A famous rustless iron pillar in the complex that is 7 meters tall.
  • Alai Darwaza – An exquisite arched gate that remains a symbol of Indo-Islamic architectural works of art.
  • Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque – A beautifully constructed mosque with intricate details that later became the trait of Indo-Islamic architecture. 
  • Tomb of Iltutmish – The tomb of Shamsu’d-Din Iltutmish, the second Sultan of Delhi.  

Travel Tips

  • Visit early in the morning to avoid the crowds. You will be able to marvel at the grandiosity of this architectural marvel in peace. 
  • Wear comfortable shoes as the complex is pretty large involving a lot of walking. 
  • Hire a tour guide to better understand the intricate details of Qutub Minar. 

Architecture of the Monument

Qutub Minar is a 73-meter tall tower, a beautiful representation of Delhi’s development and history. This is one of the best-known landmarks in India owing to its architectural appearance, and historical significance. The minar is slightly off vertical but it is very well-balanced and holds its position even after centuries of its construction.

Constructed with red and buff sandstone with inscriptions from the holy Quran, carvings and floral motifs, the Qutub Minar is an outstanding piece of architecture. It narrows down from a width of approximately thirty-four feet at the circular, three-walled base to fifteen feet at the rounded apex. The architectural style of Qutub Minar later became the blueprint for the Indo-Islamic style of architecture. 

Qutub Minar and the entire surrounding complex is a historic and architectural icon.  When you are witnessing the grandiosity of the mInar in person, you cannot help but marvel at how it was made in the 12th century and the experiences it had gone through. A visit to Qutub Minar is a must when you are in Delhi as it is not only an architectural marvel but also an important part of India’s rich past.