Qutub Minar

Overview

The Qutub Minar is a victory tower of red sandstone and marble, about 73 metres high, and one of the finest early Indo-Islamic monuments in Delhi. It was begun around 1200 CE by Qutb ud-Din Aibak and completed by later Delhi Sultans.

It stands in a complex that includes the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, the ornate Alai Darwaza and the Iron Pillar, a Gupta-era pillar that has resisted rust for more than 1,500 years.

What to look for

• Bands of Quranic inscription and carved balconies on the minaret
• The Iron Pillar in the mosque courtyard
• The carved arches of the Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque, built with reused temple pillars
• Alai Darwaza, the Khalji gateway with delicate inlaid marble

Visiting tips

• Visitors can no longer climb the minaret.
• Go in the morning to avoid heat and groups.
• Combine it with Humayun's Tomb in a South Delhi half-day.
• The complex is large, so wear comfortable shoes.

Why visit with a private guide

A private guide shows you where to stand, when to arrive and what most visitors miss at Qutub Minar, and fits the visit around the rest of your day.

More photographs

Nearby

Akshardham Bangla Sahib Humayun's Tomb India Gate Jama Masjid Lotus Temple Red Fort Chandni Chowk