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Qutub Minar

The 73-metre red sandstone tower begun by Qutub-ud-din Aibak in 1193, and India's tallest minaret, twenty kilometres north of Cyber City.

Where
New Delhi
Time needed
2 hr visit
Tickets
₹40
The 73-metre red sandstone tower of Qutub Minar in South Delhi The 73-metre red sandstone tower of Qutub Minar in South Delhi

What to expect at Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the closest major monument to Gurugram — twenty kilometres north across the Delhi border. Construction began in 1193 to celebrate the Delhi Sultanate's arrival and continued under three rulers until 1368; the fluted red sandstone tapers from 15 metres wide at the base to 2.7 metres at the top, with bands of Quranic calligraphy at each of its five storeys. It is the tallest brick minaret in the world.

The complex holds more than the tower. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque next to it was built with pillars from twenty-seven Hindu and Jain temples that stood on the site, and the salvaged carvings are visible in the arcades. In the courtyard stands the sixth-century Iron Pillar of Delhi, famous for not rusting despite 1,600 years exposed to the weather. Around the tower are the Alai Darwaza gateway, the incomplete Alai Minar (intended to be twice the height of Qutub before its patron died), and the tomb of Iltutmish.

Come first thing at 7am — the light on the sandstone is best and coach tours arrive by 10am. The site is walkable in about ninety minutes at a normal pace. From Gurugram, the Qutub Minar metro station is one stop past Chhatarpur on the Yellow Line and a fifteen-minute walk from the ticket gate. Buy tickets online on the ASI portal to skip the counter queue. The tower interior has been closed to climbers since 1981; you view from below only. Combine with lunch in Mehrauli village nearby.

Plan your visit Tickets₹40 Time needed2 hr visit WhereNew Delhi Opening hours Mon-Sun 7:00-17:00 Hotels near Qutub Minar

Questions about Qutub Minar

How much does entry cost?

₹40 for Indian visitors, ₹600 for foreign nationals. Children under 15 free.

Are there free days?

Yes — World Heritage Day (18 April) is free entry for everyone.

How long does a visit take?

About ninety minutes to two hours for the full complex.

When is it closed?

Open every day of the year; last entry is 5pm.

Do I need to book?

Not required, but online tickets skip the queue at the counter.

Nearest metro?

Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line, 15 min walk to the entrance.

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