Attraction
Red Fort
Shah Jahan's red sandstone citadel, completed in 1648, with audience halls, palace pavilions, gardens and several museums inside a UNESCO-listed complex in Old Delhi.
Qutub Minar
A 72.5-metre sandstone minaret begun in 1199, standing in a UNESCO-listed complex in Mehrauli with the Iron Pillar and the ruins of Delhi's earliest mosque.
At a glance
- Type
- Medieval minaret and monument complex
- Area
- Mehrauli, Delhi, India
Good to know
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Iron Pillar
- Open lawns
Why we recommend it
The Qutub Minar is one of the oldest standing monuments in Delhi and the most visited sight in the south of the city. Qutb ud-Din Aibak began the tower in 1199, his successor Iltutmish added further storeys, and Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top after lightning struck it in 1369. The result is a tapering column 72.5 metres high, in five storeys of red and grey sandstone, with bands of carved inscriptions and projecting balconies. The complex has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1993.
The tower itself cannot be climbed. Public access to the interior was stopped after a stampede in 1981, so the experience is about walking around the base and the surrounding ruins, which are as rewarding as the minaret.
Next to the tower stands the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, among the earliest mosques built in Delhi, whose ruined courtyard and colonnades are worth exploring slowly. In the courtyard stands the Iron Pillar, a metal column that predates the mosque and is one of the most discussed objects in the complex. The Alai Darwaza, a domed gateway with carved red sandstone and white marble, is another highlight, and the grounds hold further tombs and ruins.
Plan on one and a half to two hours. The site is mostly open lawns and stone paths with little shade, so early morning or late afternoon is the most comfortable time, when the light also suits photographs of the carved bands. Weekends and school holidays are busiest. Tickets are sold for the monument; check current rates and timings before you go.
The complex suits almost everyone: history enthusiasts, families with children who like open space, and photographers. Most paths are level, though some areas have uneven stone, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. Carry water and a hat in the hotter months, as shade is limited.
The minaret sits within Mehrauli, one of the oldest parts of Delhi, and the area around it is scattered with further tombs and ruins. The restaurants of Mehrauli and the cafés and bars of Hauz Khas are a short drive away, making it easy to build a half day around the visit.
Qutub Minar FAQs
How tall is the Qutub Minar?
It is 72.5 metres high, built in five storeys of red and grey sandstone.
Who built the Qutub Minar?
Qutb ud-Din Aibak began it in 1199, Iltutmish added storeys, and Firuz Shah Tughlaq rebuilt the top after a lightning strike in 1369.
Can you climb the Qutub Minar?
No, the interior has been closed to the public since a stampede in 1981.
Is it a UNESCO World Heritage Site?
Yes, the Qutub Minar and its monuments were inscribed in 1993.
What else is in the complex?
The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the Iron Pillar, the Alai Darwaza gateway and several tombs.
How long should I allow?
About one and a half to two hours to walk around the tower and the ruins.
When is the best time to visit?
Early morning or late afternoon, when it is cooler and the light is softer for photographs.
Is it good for children?
Yes, the open lawns and ruins give children space to explore, though they should be watched near uneven stonework.
What is nearby?
The restaurants of Mehrauli and the cafés of Hauz Khas are a short drive away.