Qutb Minar Delhi, India | Tourist Attraction (2024)
We are going to talk about the Qutb Minar, which is a symbol of the dominance of the Mughal Empire, this 72.5 m high monument is seen as an important link in the history of Delhi. Often people prefer to call it “Qutub Minar” and “Qutab Minar” instead of saying “Qutb Minar”. It is a part of the Qutub Complex, which includes the Kuwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Alai Darwaza, Ala Minar, Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa, and Tomb, Iron Pillar, Imam Jamin’s Tomb, Sanderson’s Sundial and Major Smith’s Cupola.
Table of Contents
History
Qutb Minar has a height of 72.5 meters, which is the highest minaret in the world made of bricks. It was built in the early 13th century a few kilometers south of Delhi by the first Islamic ruler of North India “Qutab-ud-din Aibak”, known as the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, after defeating the king of the Hindu Empire “Prithviraj Chauhan” in battle. But he had only built the first floor. His successor Iltutmush had added three more storeys, and in 1368, Feroz Shah Tughlaq built the fifth and last storey.
The ruins mark the violent end of Hindu rule in Delhi at the end of the 12th century and the acquisition by Muslims. An inscription at its eastern gate provocatively informs that it was built with material derived from the demolition of ’27 Hindu temples’. Recognizing as having historical significance, the Qutb Minar complex was named in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1993.
Architecture & Design
- The tower has five superposed floors. The lowest three include cylindrical shafts or light red sandstone columns, pointed and separated by individual balconies, carried on Muqarnas corbels. The fourth column is made of marble and is relatively plain. The fifth is of marble and sandstone. The flanges are a deep red sandstone and are engraved with Quran texts and decorative elements. The entire tower has a spiral staircase of 379 steps.
- Qutb Minar was built by looking at the Jam Minar located in Afghanistan.
- Qutb Minar was an ideal model and prototype for many minarets. The Chand Minar and Mini Qutub Minar are similar to and inspired by the Qutub Minar.
Opening and Closing Time
- 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Best Time to Visit
- Visit early in the morning during the summer season and do not forget to carry an umbrella to avoid the heat of the sun.
- The best time to visit this place is during the winter season when the weather is cool and pleasant to visit all the surrounding places.
Entrance Fee
- Its entry fee for Indian Travelers is INR 40.
- While for International Visitors a ticket is INR 600.
How to Reach
- The nearest metro stations to reach the Qutb Minar are Qutub Minar Metro Station, Saket Metro Station, and Malviya Nagar Metro Station.
- You can take a DTC bus to reach here from anywhere in Delhi.
- You can reach here by taxi from any taxi booth in Delhi.
- The nearest airport to reach the Qutb Minar is Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi.
Location Map for Qutb Minar
Nearby Food Corners
- Subway (Sandwich Shop) [190 m]
- Suraj Paratha Wala (Hawker Stall) [240 m]
- Olive Bar & Kitchen (European Restaurant) [450 m]
- Bo Tai (Thai Restaurant) [500 m]
- Dramz Delhi (European Restaurant) [650 m]
- Malik Dhaba (North Indian Food Point) [950 m]
- Thai High (Thai Restaurant) [ 950 m]
- B Hungry [950 m]
- Southern Cafe (South Indian & Chinese Food Corner) [1.1 km]
What’s Worth Seeing Near Qutb Minar
- Alai Darwaza
- Imam Zamin’s Tomb
- Iltutmish Tomb
- Iron Pillar
- Madrasa and tomb of Alauddin Khalji
- Azan Tower
- Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Things to Do in Delhi
- There are many interesting things in Delhi such as shopping in popular places like Sarojini Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar, and Janpath Lane, as well as enjoying street food at Chandni Chowk.
- You can visit beautiful temples in Delhi areas like Akshardham Temple, Chhatarpur Temple, Kalkaji Temple, Yogmaya Temple, and many more.
