Wanderyn
Qutub Minar
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · India

Qutub Minar

culture
Getting around: In Mehrauli, south Delhi, directly served by the Qutub Minar metro station (Yellow Line).
Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset, roughly 7am to 5pm.

Qutub Minar is a 73-meter minaret begun in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and expanded by his successors, making it the tallest brick minaret in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The surrounding complex includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque (built partly from repurposed materials of demolished Hindu and Jain temples) and the famous Iron Pillar, whose resistance to rust over some 1,600 years remains a point of scientific curiosity.

Climbing the minaret itself is not permitted, but the surrounding ruins, mosque, and pillar are extensive enough to justify a proper visit rather than a quick photo stop. It's one of Delhi's most important and visually striking historical sites, and unlike some monuments, it rarely feels rushed even with moderate crowds.

Qutub Minar FAQs

Can I climb Qutub Minar?

No, climbing the tower has been closed to the public for decades following a stampede incident; visitors can view and photograph it from the grounds.

What is the Iron Pillar known for?

It's a roughly 1,600-year-old iron pillar that has resisted significant rusting, a subject of ongoing metallurgical interest and a notable feature of the complex.

How long does a visit take?

1-1.5 hours to see the minaret, mosque ruins, and surrounding structures.

Is there an entry fee?

Yes, a standard ASI ticket fee applies, with foreign nationals paying more than Indian citizens.

Is it accessible by metro?

Yes, the Qutub Minar metro station is close to the site entrance.

Your travel graph

Ready to plan Qutub Minar?Planning a trip soon? Add it to build an itinerary.

Reviews/Comments

No comments yet — be the first.