Known for being the tallest brick minaret in the world and a popular UNESCO World Heritage Site, Qutub Minar is one of the most appealing aspects of a Delhi city tour. Every year travellers from all over the world visit this marvel in large numbers which speaks volumes of the popularity of this structure globally. Owing to such massive recognition, it is important that we know about Qutub Minar in detail so that our visit to this glorious site becomes all the more interesting and enjoyable. So, we are here to break down every single important detail about the Qutub Minar. Read, enjoy, and learn!
About Qutub Minar
Situated at Mehrauli in Delhi, Qutub Minar is one of the most popular landmarks of India. With a height of 73m, it is the tallest brick minaret in the world! Owing to its massive popularity, the minaret enjoys a heavy footfall of both natives and foreign visitors making it a loved tourist destination in India tour packages.
Qutub Minar: History
The Qutub Minar is a historical monument that has been looking over the city of Delhi for ages! In 1192 AD, the Mamluk ruler, Qutb ud-Din Aibak, commissioned the construction of the minaret but the completion of the structure took place in 1220 under the rule of Aibak’s son-in-law, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish who is regarded as the founder of Delhi Sultanate. Over the years, the minaret faced the wrath of nature multiple times and has gone through restoration by rulers of various other dynasties making it a beautiful representation of the long and vibrant history of India.
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The Architecture Of Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar’s one of a kind architecture is what makes it one of the most popular places to visit in Delhi. The tower stands at a height of 73 metres with a base diameter of 47 feet and top diameter of 9 feet. The grand structure consists of 6 storeys out of which the bottom three are made up of red sandstone and the top three are made up of sandstone and marble. The minaret has verses of the holy Quran carved on it and the inside of the tower has a staircase of 379 steps that leads right to the top of the tower. The exquisite site that the structure presents is truly unparalleled.
How To Reach Qutub Minar
Once you are in Delhi, you can easily commute to Qutub Minar by making use of the public mode of transport. You can board a metro to Qutub Minar metro station on yellow line or take a DTC bus. An easy way to commute in a city is by hiring private transfer services online. You may also take a Hop on Hop Off Sightseeing Bus by Delhi Tourism to reach Qutub Minar effortlessly.
Qutub Minar: Entry Fee
The exquisite Qutub Minar can be visited at a very affordable ticket price. The entry fee for Indian natives is Rs. 30 whereas foreign nationals have to pay Rs. 500 to visit. Children below 15 years of age can visit the tower free of cost.
Qutub Minar: Timings
The timings to visit Qutub Minar are very convenient. You can visit the site as early as 7 am to enjoy a beautiful morning view of this stunning tower and as late as 5 in the evening.
Interesting Facts on Qutub Minar
While Qutub Minar is obviously an interesting structure to watch, there are also a lot of fascinating facts associated with the tower that a lot of people don’t know. Here are a few of them:
- While most people believe that Qutub Minar is named after Qutb ud-din-Aibak, the emperor who commissioned its construction, some also believe that it is actually named after the Sufi saint Qutubuddin Bakhtiar Kaki to whom Aibak had dedicated the tower.
- The tower was accessible to the general public earlier and they could reach the top of it with an internal staircase but after a stampede on 4 December 1981, which killed 45 people, public access was banned.
- An annual Qutub Minar Festival takes place in October/November in which Qutub Minar forms the background of a cultural show showcasing the art and heritage of our country.
- Ala-ud-din Khilji aimed at constructing an exact replica of Qutub Minar but twice as large! However, at the time of his death, this ambitious project was only 27 metres tall and its further construction was discontinued. The incomplete tower still exists at the north of the Qutub Minar.
- Despite being a fantastic tower, the Qutub Minar is not perfect! The tower leans a little because of being restored multiple times over the years.
Best Time to Visit Qutub Minar
Like every tourist destination in Delhi, the best time to visit Qutub Minar is also during the winter season because summers in Delhi get a little too hot, which is why one is unable to enjoy a tour. So, plan your tour to Delhi from October- February and if you are lucky or plan it accordingly, you may also become a part of the Qutub Minar Festival.
Market Near Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar is located at a place that is very vibrant and has quite a few markets in its surrounding. If you wish to enjoy a fun shopping session after exploring the Qutub Complex, then you can go to Mehrauli market and buy some good quality Indian ethnic wear in a budget. If you are willing to travel a few extra kilometres, a half an hour drive from Qutub Minar will take you to Dilli Haat which is an open air food plaza and craft market and a popular spot to hang out.
Places To Visit Near Qutub Minar
Qutub Minar stands within the Qutub Complex which itself has a lot of fascinating attractions that one can indulge in. Some of the components of the Qutub Complex include the mysteriously famous Iron Pillar that is over a thousand years old and has still managed to remain rust and corrosion-free. Other attractions include Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the tombs of Imam Zamin and Iltutmish and Major Smith’s Cupola.
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Outside the complex, you can visit places like the Hauz Khas Village, Chhatarpur Temple, and Jagannath Temple, all of which lie within 5 kilometres of Qutub Minar. Thus, while visiting Qutub Minar, you can also take some time out to experience a fun Delhi sightseeing tour.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who Built The Qutub Minar?
The erection of Qutub Minar was commissioned by Qutb-ud-din Aibak and the construction was completed by his son-in-law and the founder of Delhi Sultanate, Shams-ud-din Iltutmish in the year 1220.
What Makes The Qutub Minar Famous?
There are so many things that make the massive Qutub Minar famous but one of its most striking features is that it happens to be the world’s tallest brick minaret. It is also a celebrated UNESCO World Heritage Site and a significant historical landmark which makes it an important component of Delhi tour packages.
Why Was Qutub Minar Built?
Several different versions exist in historical accounts as to why Qutub Minar was built. Some refer to the minaret as a victory tower built to celebrate the end of Hindu rule in Delhi and the beginning of Muslim dominion. Some others believe that the minaret was a sight of worship wherein the saints called their followers for worship. Despite the differing stories, the fact remains that Qutub Minar is a very important component of Indian history.
Now that you are well acquainted with the details relating to Qutub Minar, book a Delhi tour soon and visit this wonderful structure!