Qutub Minar

The Qutub Minar is located in the heart of Delhi, India’s capital city. It is one of the most frequented tourist attractions of the city, with thousands of tourists visiting the place every month. Delhi is home to a number of historical attractions, and the Qutub Minar is one of the most significant ones among them. A trip to Delhi is never complete without a trip to this tall tower. Standing at a commanding length of 73 metres, the height of Qutub Minar in feet is about 240 feet, which is extremely tall and towering.

Delhi has always been a tourist hub, and apart from housing several historical monuments, the place also has a very modern look and is rightly considered to be India’s first and most important international city. From flawless roads to luxury hotels, from smooth transport options to lip-smacking food, Delhi will never disappoint the tourist in you! You can eat and shop, rest and indulge in sightseeing and have a very fulfilling vacation when you visit the national capital. With stunning monuments such as the Qutub Minar, there is always something to see and visit in this marvellous city.

The exact Qutub Minar location is the heart of the Lal Kot, said to be the first city of Delhi. It was built by the Tomar Kings and was a flourishing centre, but it soon fell to ruins. The Qutub Minar was built amid the ruins, and even today, the entire Qutub Minar complex is located here. It is towards the south of Delhi and close to commercial areas such as Saket and Vasant Kunj. The Qutub complex can be reached by car, bus or even by walking. Metro connectivity is excellent in Delhi, so if you want to use the public transport system, you will not be disappointed and can reach your destination smoothly and quickly.

History of Qutub Minar:

One of the oldest minarets in India, the Qutub Minar, is highly historical and still stands in its full glory at the heart of India’s capital, New Delhi. The Qutub Minar was built by the Ghurid emperors. The monument was built between 1199 and 1220, and Qutub-ud-din Aibak started the construction. Qutub-ud-din Aibak was a Turkish general who set up the Delhi Sultanate, and so he held a very strong position in India’s history. While the work on the Minar was started by Qutub-ud-din Aibak, the Qutub Minar was completed by his son-in-law and successor, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish. Many believe that the Qutub Minar was named after Qutub-ud-din Aibak, but others argue that it was named after the famous Sufi Saint, Khwaja Qutbuddin Bakhtiar Kaki, who Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish devotedly followed.

The Qutub Minar architecture reference was taken from the Ghurid dynasty, the homeland of both Aibak and Iltutmish. It was built next to the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and was used as a prayer-calling tower. The Quwwat Ul Islam Mosque was built by Qutub-ud-din Aibak before the construction of the Minar. The tower stood tall amid the ruins of the ancient Lal Koth city in Delhi and was a monumental structure in the city that served as an important base for the Sultanate. The monument has been preserved and is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Delhi and also in India. 

Interesting facts about Qutub Minar:

Here are some of the most interesting Qutub Minar details:

  1. It is the tallest Minaret, made out of brick, anywhere in the world. While there is some debate on which Qutub Minar is made up of which rock, many believe red sandstone is the one used. The Qutub Minar holds its unique distinction after it was built with brick and adorned with carved architecture. The tower has 379 stairs inside it and has several floors and stories with lavish balconies.
  2. There are many other historical monuments surrounding the Qutub Minar. It has the  Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Tomb of Iltutmish, the Alai Darwaza, the Iron Pillar of Delhi, Sanderson’s Sundial, and the Tomb of Imam Zamin as its famous neighbours.
  3. The top two levels of the Minar are made of white marble and are quite different from the rest of the structure. This is because after deadly lighting destroyed the top portion of the Minar, the then-ruling king, Firoz Shah Tughlaq, rebuilt the damaged portion.
  4. Ala'i Minar is a replica of the Qutub Minar but is much higher. The Qutub Minar made by the Ghurid kings was grand. Ala-ud-din Khilji was completely enamoured by the Qutub Minar and wanted to build one for himself too. However, he died before the entire monument was completed, and the Ala’i Minar still stands in its incomplete form on the northern side of the Qutub Minar.

Best time/ Season to visit Qutub Minar:

The Delhi weather can be quite harsh. This is why there are some specific seasons in which you should visit the Qutub Minar. Here are some detailed tips for you:

In summer:

The summers in Delhi are extremely warm, with the temperatures rising close to 50 degrees Celsius. This is, therefore, not the most favourable time to visit the Qutub Minar. However, this is also a peak holiday season in India, so many people visit it during the months of April, May, and June. 

If you are planning to go at this time, carry comfortable clothes, hats, and umbrellas, and remember to stay adequately hydrated. The morning Qutub Minar open timing is usually very early, so try to get in before the sun gets too harsh. 

In winter:

The winters are very cold in Delhi, with temperatures dipping to single digits. However, this is a good time to visit the Minar as you can engage in sightseeing and go to the places to visit near Qutub Minar during the daytime when there is a lot of sunshine. If you are planning a trip to the Minar in the winter, carry a lot of warm clothes and book comfortable hotels that will keep you protected on very harsh and cold winter nights.

During the monsoons:

Monsoon is not a favourable time to visit the Qutub Minar, and it is best that you avoid travelling to Delhi at this time. The monsoon, though not very intense in Delhi, lasts between the months of July and September. The city experiences sudden bouts of heavy rainfall and waterlogging, which can make it very unpleasant for you to see the tourist spots. 

No matter when you decide to go to the Qutub Minar, make sure you plan well in advance. Get your plane or train tickets in time and also make your hotel bookings to avoid any last-minute disappointments and cancellations. Since the entry inside the monument is closed, you may not get the Qutub Minar top view, but proper planning can surely make the other experiences pleasant.

The location of the Qutub Minar:

The Qutub Minar is located in south Delhi. The exact locality where it falls is often distinguished as the Mehrauli neighbourhood of Delhi. Previously, in ancient times, the ruins of the Lal Koth city were seen in the vicinity of the Qutub Minar. While some of the ruins are still present and visible, the landscape has changed considerably over the years and decades. 

Qutub Minar Seth Sarai Mehrauli New Delhi is centrally located and well-known to everyone in the city. This is why, as a tourist visiting the city, you will not have too many problems or issues reaching the Qutub Minar and locating the exact location of this beautiful and large monument that has a lot of history associated with it.

How to reach the Qutub Minar location?

As mentioned above, the location of the Qutub Minar is quite central and easily accessible. Because of its popularity and history, every single person in the city of Delhi knows where the Minar is located. So, whether you take a taxi, hop onto an auto rickshaw or choose to go by bus or metro, you will not have any difficulties reaching the monument. Just be aware of the Qutub Minar timing and get going. Here are some guidelines:

Reaching Delhi:

Most of the tourists who visit the Qutub Minar are not residents of Delhi. They travel from all across the country, and some come from abroad as well. Reaching Delhi has become quite convenient these days. The city is connected by a huge airport that has flights from practically every Indian city. Flights also come from and go to many major global destinations. You can easily find a flight if you are planning to travel to Delhi by air. Apart from this, the city is also very well connected by train. Hundreds of trains come into the various Delhi railway stations. The city can also be accessed by road. You can drive to Delhi in your own vehicle, you can hire an outstation cab, or you can also travel by bus. 

Reaching Qutub Minar:

Once you arrive in Delhi, there are various modes of transport available for your travel to Qutub Minar. Just find out whether Qutub Minar open today and reach the spot. You can call a radio cab through your mobile app. You can also hire a local taxi. It is beneficial to do so, as the drivers of such taxis also double up as tourist guides and give you a lot of information about the Qutub Minar. Auto Rickshaws are another popular mode of transportation in the city of Delhi, much like it is in many major Indian cities. Take an auto rickshaw from your hotel to the monument directly. You can also book a cab or an auto rickshaw for the whole day and explore all the tourist spots in Delhi, including the Qutub Minar. Hopping on and off-cycle rickshaws can also be an interesting way to navigate around the Qutub Minar and the narrow lanes around it.

You can choose any mode of transport. However, to ensure you are charged fairly, try to book a cab or an auto from a reliable place such as your travel agent or hotel front desk. Else, you can ask a local person to help you. You should also look to get a Qutub Minar online ticket, as that makes the entry process quicker and smoother.

Instructions for Visiting Qutub Minar:

When visiting, you need to be aware of the Qutub Minar details. Unless you know when the monument opens and what the rules are regarding visits, photography, etc., you will not be able to enjoy the experience to the fullest. In this segment, we will share more information about the operational days, the prices of the tickets, monument timings, etc. Take a look and gather all the information you require before you go to visit the Qutub Minar in Delhi.

Operational days of the Qutub Minar:

The Qutub Minar is open on all days of the week. It opens from the time the sunrises till sunset, which on average, happens around 5.30 in the evening in the city of New Delhi. There are no off days of the week on which you cannot enter the Minar. The monument is also open and operational on all public holidays, making it very easy for you to plan a visit whenever you wish to do so. You can visit by yourself, or you can go with your family. It is also an excellent place to go with your group of friends.

Ticket price of the Qutub Minar:

There are different categories of tickets at the Qutub Minar. Here are some of them and the Qutub Minar ticket price listings in detail:

  • For Indian citizens - The Qutub Minar entry ticket is available for a fee of Rs 30 for citizens of India who are above the age of 15 years.
  • For children below the age of 15 - No entry fee is charged for children below the age of 15 years. Such individuals can enter the Qutub Minar free of cost on any day of the week or month.
  • For foreign nationals - All foreign nationals who visit the historic Qutub Minar will have to pay an amount of Rs 500 for a single Qutub Minar ticket.
  • For still cameras - If you wish to take a still camera with you inside the Qutub Minar, you have to pay a charge of Rs 2However, the images captured need to be for personal use only, as professional photography is prohibited inside this landmark monument situated in Delhi.
  • For video cameras - Similarly, a fee of Rs 25 is charged when entering the Qutub Minar with a video camera. Again, the videos recorded should strictly be used for personal use only.

Opening & Closing Time of the Qutub Minar:

Here is some Qutub Minar information related to the timings of the monument - the Qutub Minar is open from sunrise every day. The gates shut close after the sun sets, which is usually around 5 PM.

However, now the Qutub Minar is open in the evenings as well, from 7 PM to 10 PM.

Keep the points mentioned above in mind, and you will be well-prepared before you travel to Qutub Minar. This is a very important thing to do as if you go without knowing the details; you may waste time finding the place, etc. You may also encounter fraud and pay more than you need to struggle to find your way around the monument. So, soak in all the information about Qutub Minar listed above and get all the help you need.

Languages are spoken in Qutub Minar place.

The most common language spoken in and around the Qutub Minar is, quite obviously, Hindi, which is the national language of India. Hindi is widely spoken across Northern India, and since Dekhi falls in that very region, it is the most common language there. You can also hear some Urdu being spoken around the area. 

Most of the officials and local tourist guides, and some cab drivers speak English, which makes it easier for foreign nationals to communicate when visiting the Qutub Minar. If you are not familiar with Hindi, it would be highly advisable for you to either venture to the area with a local person or hire a proper tourist guide beforehand who would know English. 

Things to do in the Qutub Minar location:

There are many interesting ways in which you can explore the essence of the areas surrounding Qutub Minar after you see the monument. Here are some handy tips for you:  

Shopping:

Delhi is a shopper’s paradise! From beautiful clothes to ethnic jewellery, from stunning bags to fascinating pieces of art, you will find everything your heart desires when you visit the areas adjoining the Qutub Minar. Shop to your heart’s content when you visit this place, and you will never regret taking a holiday! 

Eating:

Many people agree that a vacation is never complete without good food! If you are a lover of good, authentic, north-Indian cuisine, you will not be disappointed in Delhi. There are some pockets in the city, including the area around the Qutub Minar, where some of the best food is found. From kebabs to biryani, from chaat to lassi, you can satisfy your taste buds to the absolute fullest when visiting the Qutub Minar area for sightseeing. 

Sightseeing:

If you love sightseeing, you will have plenty of things to do in Delhi, especially in the area around the Qutub Minar. After seeing the Minar itself, you can also venture to see the Iron pillar in Qutub Minar. It is located within the same premises. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and other very important historical structures are located there, and these make for excellent tourist destinations. Learn about the history, architecture, and legacy of these places and make our tour a truly meaningful one.

Walking tours:

At 73 metres, the Qutub Minar height is quite fascinating for most visitors. However, this is, by no means, the only fascinating thing around. There are many such places to see and going on a walking tour is a great idea. You can explore all the places by taking some excellent walking tours. Just like the Qutub Minar ticket booking happens online, the walking tours can also be booked online, so start your research right away.

Popular places to visit around the Qutub Minar location:

Many of the features of Qutub Minar are also noticeable in the other historical monuments around it, and this is mainly because the architectural styles of the times were similar. You can see them in other popular places around the Qutub Minar, like:

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque:

The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque is one of the oldest mosques. The Minar was constructed as a prayer-calling tower for this very mosque. It has beautiful carvings and is an ideal place to explore on your holiday.

Tomb of Iltutmish:

Iltutmish was the successor and son-in-law of Qutub-ud-din Aibak. He himself was a very powerful and revered ruler and had his name etched in the history of India. Hence, a visit to his tomb is a must.

Ala’i Minar:

Very similar in appearance to the Qutub Minar but longer in height, the Ala’i Minar was heavily inspired by the Qutub Minar. However, it was never completed, and even today, you can see the wonderful structure standing right next to the Qutub Minar.

Tomb of Firoz Shah Tughlaq:

Another very beautiful and historically-rich monument to explore, the Time of Firoz Shah Tughlaq, is also in close vicinity to the Qutub Minar. You can visit this tomb and admire the architecture and also learn about the Tughlaq Dynasty, which had a significant reign in India.

Zafar Mahal:

A very ancient and historic structure, the Zafar Mahal was built to be the summer castle of the Sultan. It lies in ruins today, but many are still fascinated by its haunting beauty and architecture.

Hauz-i-Shamsi:

This is a water reservoir that has been in the exact same place since the 13th century. It was built by Iltutmish and still stands in all its glory, filled with water.

These are just a few of the many places that you can explore within the Qutub Minar complex. Plan your itinerary in such a way that you can cover a lot of these attractions and learn more about the history of India. Find out the Qutub Minar timing today and get going.

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