Qutub Minar

Qutub Complex showing heritage architecture and a ruin
This marble and red sandstone tower is the tallest minaret in India and represents the beginning of Muslim rule in the country.

Qutab Minar is the tallest minaret in India, standing some 73 metres (240 feet) tall. It was built after the defeat of Delhi’s last Hindu kingdom in 1193. The first three of its five distinct stories are made of fluted red sandstone, with the two at the top made of marble and sandstone. The basement of Qutab Minar was built in 1200, with the final storey completed more than 150 years later. Each storey is marked with a balcony and tapers, and the entire exterior is marked with detailed carvings and verses from the Koran.

The reason for Qutab Minar’s construction is disputed. Some believe it was constructed as a symbol of victory at the beginning of Muslim rule in India. Others believe it was erected as a minaret, for muezzins to call the faithful to prayer.

At the foot of the tower, visitors can see ruins of Quwwat Ui Islam (“Light of Islam”), which is thought to be the first Muslim mosque built in India. According to an inscription above the eastern gate, the mosque was built with material obtained when 27 Hindu temples were demolished.

Wander through the courtyard around the mosque and make a wish at the antique Iron Pillar, which is famous because of its resistance to rust. The highly skilled ancient Indian blacksmiths managed to extract and process the iron in a way that would stop it from corroding over time. It’s said that if you can wrap your hands around the 7-metre (23-foot) tall pillar while facing away from it, your wish will come true. The government has built a fence around the pillar, but there’s no harm in making a wish.

It takes about 30 minutes by car to reach Qutab Minar from central New Delhi and 25 minutes from the airport. Regular buses run from the city centre to the attraction and take between 60 to 90 minutes to get there.

Xenious Micro
Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Reviews of Qutub Minar

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
39
" "5 - Excellent 56.52173913043478%
4 - Good
21
" "4 - Good 30.434782608695652%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 7.246376811594203%
2 - Disappointing
1
" "2 - Disappointing 1.4492753623188406%
1 - Terrible
3
" "1 - Terrible 4.3478260869565215%

5/5 - Excellent

sonia
25 Mar 2019

this was for wedding shopping loved the olive restaurant

Popular places to visit


Top Qutub Minar Hotel Deals

Hotel Palm Greens
Hotel Palm Greens
3 out of 5
J-295 Saket Road, Opposite J Block Market, New Delhi
Hotel Palm Greens
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
5 out of 5
District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi N.C.R
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket
Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket
4 out of 5
A4, DLF Place, Saket District Centre, New Delhi, Delhi N.C.R
Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, an IHG Hotel
5 out of 5
Asset Area 12, Hospitality District, Aero City, New Delhi, Delhi N.C.R
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, an IHG Hotel
Svelte Hotel & Personal Suites
Svelte Hotel & Personal Suites
4 out of 5
A3 District Centre, Select citywalk, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi N.C.R
Svelte Hotel & Personal Suites
Udman Panchshila Park by Ferns N Petals
Udman Panchshila Park by Ferns N Petals
4 out of 5
N 82 Panchshila Park, New Delhi, Delhi N.C.R
Udman Panchshila Park by Ferns N Petals
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.