Delhi Qutub Minar or Qutb Minaret
Qutub Minar or Qutb Minar (Minar mean tower) is the largest historical tower in India located at Mehrauli (Qutb Minar Complex) in Delhi. It derived its name from the name after Qutb-ud-din Aibak who was the founder the kingdom of Delhi Sultanate. Qutb Minar is a five storey minaret. The first floor of the Minar was constructed in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak. Iltutmish had completed the next three storey of the Minar who was son-in-law of Aibak. And the final storey was built by Feroz Tuglaq in 1368.
Qutub Minar has a diameter of 14.3 meters but it decrease with its height and get a diameter of just 2.75 m at the top. This minaret is about 72.5 meters tall. The first floor of the Minar is built of red sandstone but the remaining parts are made up of marble and sandstone. This building is a great example of Indo-Islamic architecture during the age of Delhi Sultanate. Recently, this tower is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, it is surrounded with lush green manicured garden, which is perfect to spend some good moment for the tourists.
The minaret received some damage by earthquakes and lightnings in different time but these were repaired. In 1368 ad the ruler Firoz Shah repaired the Minar when a massive lightning destructed upper two floors of the Minar. Later on, tow earthquakes in 1505 and 1794 have damaged some parts of the tower but were repaired. This tower was a sign of victory and pride for Delhi Sultanates. Actually, they used it as a defense tower from where they could view any unwarranted signals from their enemies.
Attractions around the Qutub Minar (place to see in Qutb Complex)
Iron Pillar: Most probably, the pillar was constructed by Vikramaditya (Gupta Ruler) during 4th (after 375) century. It is about 7 meters high and decorated with Sanskrit inscription in Gupta script. This pillar is located at Qutb complex.
Quwwatu'l-Islam mosque is located at Qutb complex which is supposed to the first mosque of Delhi. Qutb-ud-din Aybak, the founder of the mosque, destructed many Hindu and Jain Temples and constructed the mosque with the materials of these temples.
Alai Minar is a creation of the Sultan Alauddin Khalji but he failed to complete the tower as he planned. He conceived this tower to be double higher than Qutb Minar but he was succeeded to complete only the first-storey (24.5 m) of the Minar as he died (1316 ad) early.
Alai Darwaza is located to the southern gateway of the Quwwatu'l-Islam mosque. It was constructed by Ala-ud-Din Khalji in 1311 ad.
Tomb of Iltutmish is another attraction close to Qutub Minar. It was constructed by Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish in 1235.
How to reach Qutub Minar?
Whether you are a tourist from foreign country or Indian other big cities then the Indira Gandhi International Airport will be the right destination to you. This airport is located just 13 km away from Qutb Minar. Qutub Minar is located at Mehrauli in South Delhi about 15 Km away from Connaught Place.
Travel by Delhi Metro (DMRC) to reach Qutub Minar is the best option for locals. Qutub Minar Metro Station is extended to Central Secretariat and Gurgaon. Travel by Bus is quite comfortable as the minaret is very well connected with the low floor DTC buses. Otherwise you can also hire a private cars, taxis or auto.
Hotels near Qutub Minar
| Hotel R Blues Delhi Mahipalpur, New Delhi-110037 Phone: 011-26782871 |
Hotel Swasno Palace DLF City, Gurgaon, Haryana Phone: 0124-4056227 |
| Tivoli Daffodils Hotels & Resort Chhattarpur Hills, Meharuli, New Delhi Phone Number: 011-26301616 |
Residency Resorts Private Limited Rao Tula Ram Marg, New Delhi-110057 Phone: 011-26151228 |
| The Grand Hotel Vasant Kunj, New Delhi-110070 Phone: 011-26771234 |
Jaypee Vasant Continental Vasant Vihar, New Delhi-110057 Phone: 011-26148800 |
Information about Qutub Minar
| Country | India |
| Union Territory | Delhi |
| Landmark | Mehrauli |
| Nearest Metro Station | Qutb Minar |
| STD Code | 011 |
| ISD Code | 009111 |
| Clothing | Summer Season - Light Cottan Winter Season - Light Woolen |
| Entry Fees | Rs. 10 (Indian), Rs. 250 (Foreigners) |
| Timing | 10:00 am to 5:00 pm |
| Open Days | Every day. |
| Languages | Hindi (main language), English, Punjabi, etc. |
| Best season to visit | October to March |
| climate | Summer - max 41°C min 27°C avg 32°C. Winter - max 24°C min 8°C avg 16°C. |
| Founder | Qutub-ud-din-Aibak |
| Built in | 1193 ad |
| Photography charges | None, (Rs. 25/- per camera) |