Qutab Minar

Apart from being the capital of India, Delhi is a fascinating city with pleasant contradictions. Comprising of Old Delhi and New Delhi, the city is home to famous tourist destinations like the Laxmi Narayan Temple, India Gate, Jama Masjid, Red Fort, Rashtrapati Bhavan, Humayun's Tomb, and the vivacious shopping bazaar of Chandni Chowk. One such tourist attraction in Delhi is the Qutab Minar, the highest stone tower in India.

History and Facts : Qutab Minar

A glance at this tall imposing tower of Delhi called the Qutab Minar will give you the details about the history of Qutab Minar. This red and buff colored sandstone structure of Qutab Minar has a unique towering presence. Considered to be the tallest tower of India, the history of Qutab Minar is quite interesting as its height.

The foundation of Qutab Minar was laid by Qutabuddin Aibak in 1193 and it was completed by Illtutmish and then Firoz Shah Tughluq in 1368. Built of red sandstone, the stark differences in architecture of different periods and different dynastie.

The monument located near Mehrauli, rises to a height of 237.8 ft. It has a series of 399 steps to reach the topmost level. When Qutabuddin Aibak was crowned the king he wanted to celebrate the victory of Islam and the fall of the Hindu empire. So he built this tower to establish the supremacy of the Islam over the Hindu monarchy.

The high standing tower has shafts and balconies and the walls are adorned with inscribed verses from Quran. Intricate carvings give an exquisite look to the minaret. There are inscriptions that tell us the history of Qutab Minar.

The tall column of red stone has been a silent witness to the changing dynasties and passing time. The meaning of the word Qutab Minar is axis minaret. The first three storeys of the tower are made of red sandstone by Qutabuddin Aibak and Iltutmish and the last two storeys are made of marble by Firoz Shah Tughluq. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque is located near the minaret. It is considered to be one of the oldest mosques in India.

LOCATION

It is located in the Qutab Complex, which is in Mehrauli and it is 16 km from Connaught Place.

TIME TO VISIT / ENTRANCE FEE

Open : Daily
Entery fee : Rs. 10 (Indians), Rs. 250 (foreigners)
Opening Time : 10:00 AM Closing Time : 05:00 PM
Closed on public holidays : No

HOW TO REACH

To reach Qutab Minar, the nearest airport is the Indira Gandhi International Airport located 23 km southwest of Central Delhi and the domestic terminal at Palam is 5 km away from the international terminal. Taxi and coach transfer is available from both International and Domestic Arrivals.

 Nearest Airport

Indira Gandhi International Airport

 Nearest Railway Station

Nizammuddin Station.

 Nearest Metro station

Kendriya Terminal.