Dreamz Qutub Minar

5 (350 Reviews)

01D

Delhi

highlights

Main Structure: The Qutub Minar itself is a stunning 73-meter high tower, built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak in 1193. It's the tallest brick minaret in the world, and each of its five distinct storeys has a projecting balcony.
Architectural Features: Notice the intricate carvings and verses from the Quran inscribed on the Minar. The first three storeys are made of red sandstone, while the fourth and fifth are constructed with marble and sandstone.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
First Mosque in India: Adjacent to the Minar, this mosque was the first to be built in India after the Islamic conquest. It’s an excellent example of Indo-Islamic architecture.
Iron Pillar: Within the mosque complex stands the Iron Pillar, which dates back to the 4th century. The pillar is notable for its rust-resistant composition and the Sanskrit inscription at its base, celebrating the achievements of a Gupta king.
Alai Darwaza
Gateway: This grand gateway, built by Ala-ud-din Khilji in 1311, is the main entrance to the mosque. It showcases the advanced craftsmanship of the period, with intricate Islamic calligraphy and lattice stonework.
Alai Minar
Unfinished Monument: Started by Ala-ud-din Khilji, this was intended to be twice the height of Qutub Minar but was never completed after his death. It provides a fascinating contrast to the finished Qutub Minar.
Tomb of Iltutmish
Second Sultan of Delhi: This tomb, built in 1235, is the resting place of Shams-ud-din Iltutmish, Qutb-ud-din Aibak’s successor. The tomb is adorned with intricate carvings and inscriptions.
Additional Structures.
Tomb of Imam Zamin: A small tomb within the complex, built for the Turkestani saint Imam Zamin in the early 16th century.
Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and Tomb: These ruins provide a glimpse into the educational and religious practices of the time.
Gardens and Open Spaces.
Lush Gardens: The Qutub Minar complex is surrounded by well-maintained gardens, providing a peaceful environment to explore and relax.
Photography: The landscaped gardens offer excellent vantage points for taking photographs of the Minar and other structures. Tips for the Tour:
Audio Guides and Guided Tours: Consider renting an audio guide or hiring a local guide for an in-depth understanding of the history and architecture.
Timings and Tickets: The complex is open from sunrise to sunset. Tickets can be purchased on-site or online.
Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and the midday heat.
Amenities: There are restrooms and a small café within the complex.

Overview

Qutb-Minar in red and buff standstone is the highest tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 m at the base and about 2.75 m on the top with a height of 72.5 m.

Qutbu'd-Din Aibak laid the foundation of Minar in AD 1199 for the use of the mu'azzin (crier) to give calls for prayer and raised the first storey, to which were added three more storeys by his successor and son-in-law, Shamsu'd-Din Iltutmish (AD 1211-36). All the storeys are surrounded by a projected balcony encircling the minar and supported by stone brackets, which are decorated with honey-comb design, more conspicuously in the first storey.

By Metro:
The most convenient way to reach Qutub Minar is by the Delhi Metro.

Take the Yellow Line: Board the metro on the Yellow Line and get off at the "Qutub Minar" metro station.
From the Metro Station: The Qutub Minar complex is about 3 kilometers from the station. You can take an auto-rickshaw, a taxi, or use a ride-sharing service like Uber or Ola to cover this distance. Alternatively, there are e-rickshaws available at the metro station that will take you directly to the monument.

By Bus:
DTC Buses: Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) runs several buses that pass through Mehrauli. Look for buses heading towards Mehrauli or Qutub Minar.
Get Off at Mehrauli: Alight at the Mehrauli bus stop and walk or take a short auto-rickshaw ride to Qutub Minar.

By Taxi or Auto-Rickshaw:
Taxi: You can book a taxi through services like Uber, Ola, or local radio taxis.
Auto-Rickshaw: Auto-rickshaws are readily available throughout Delhi and can be a convenient option for reaching Qutub Minar directly from various parts of the city.

By Car:
Driving: If you have access to a car, you can drive to Qutub Minar. Use GPS navigation for accurate directions. There is parking available near the Qutub Minar complex.

Walking:
Nearby Areas: If you are staying nearby, such as in Mehrauli or Saket, you might consider walking to Qutub Minar. The surrounding area is quite historic and offers interesting sights along the way.

Tips:
Timing: Qutub Minar is open from sunrise to sunset. The best time to visit is in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat.
Tickets: Entry tickets can be purchased at the site or online through the Archaeological Survey of India's website.
Guides: Consider hiring a guide at the entrance for a detailed history of the monument.

Open from Sunrise to 08:00pm

Entrance Fee:

Citizens of India and visitors of SAARC (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Maldives and Afghanistan)
and BIMSTEC Countries (Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Myanmar) -

Rs.50 per head (Cash Payment)

Rs.35 per head (Online Payment)

Others: Indian Rs. 600/- per head (Cash Payment)

Indian Rs. 550/- per head (Online Payment)

(children up to 15 years free)

8:00 AM - Arrival

Reach the Complex: Arrive at the Qutub Minar complex early to avoid the crowds and the heat. Entry tickets can be purchased at the gate or online in advance.

8:15 AM - Qutub Minar

Explore the Minar: Start with the main attraction, the Qutub Minar. Spend time admiring the architectural details, including the inscriptions and intricate carvings. Walk around the Minar to appreciate its grandeur from different angles.

Photography: Capture the morning light for the best photos.

9:00 AM - Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

Visit the Mosque: Head to the adjacent Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the first mosque built in India. Marvel at the blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements.

Iron Pillar: See the famous Iron Pillar within the mosque complex. Learn about its historical significance and unique rust-resistant properties.

9:30 AM - Alai Darwaza

Gateway Exploration: Move to the Alai Darwaza, the grand entrance gate to the mosque. Take in the exquisite Islamic calligraphy and lattice work.

9:45 AM - Alai Minar

Unfinished Monument: Walk over to the Alai Minar, the ambitious but incomplete tower started by Ala-ud-din Khilji. Understand its historical context and contrast it with the completed Qutub Minar.

10:00 AM - Tomb of Iltutmish

Visit the Tomb: Explore the tomb of Iltutmish, the second Sultan of Delhi. Note the detailed carvings and the tomb’s historical importance.

10:20 AM - Additional Structures

Tomb of Imam Zamin: Check out this smaller tomb dedicated to the Turkestani saint Imam Zamin.

Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and Tomb: Explore the ruins of Ala-ud-din’s Madrasa and his tomb, learning about the educational and religious practices of the time.

10:40 AM - Gardens and Open Spaces

Stroll in the Gardens: Take a leisurely walk through the well-maintained gardens surrounding the monuments. Enjoy the peaceful environment and take more photos.

Rest and Refresh: Take a break at one of the benches or in a shaded area. There is a small café where you can grab a refreshment.

11:00 AM - Exit and Souvenir Shopping

Exit the Complex: Make your way to the exit.

Souvenir Shops: Browse the nearby souvenir shops for memorabilia and gifts.

11:30 AM - Departure

Head Back: Depending on your next destination, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or metro from the Qutub Minar metro station to your next stop.

Tips for the Tour

Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, as you will be spending a few hours exploring the complex.

Stay Hydrated: Carry a bottle of water, especially if you visit during the warmer months.

Guides and Information: Consider using an audio guide or hiring a local guide for detailed historical insights.

Respect the Monuments: Follow all rules and regulations within the complex to help preserve its historical integrity.

All Reviews

FAQs:

The Qutub Minar complex is open daily from sunrise to sunset.

Entry fees for the Qutub Minar complex are as follows: Indian citizens: INR 40 Foreign tourists: INR 600 Children under 15: Free (Note: Fees are subject to change, so it's advisable to check the latest prices before visiting.)

Yes, tickets can be purchased online through the Archaeological Survey of India's official website or other authorized ticketing platforms.

The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the midday heat.

By Metro: Take the Yellow Line and get off at the Qutub Minar metro station. From there, it's a short auto-rickshaw or e-rickshaw ride to the complex. By Bus: Several DTC buses pass through Mehrauli, the area where Qutub Minar is located.

Yes, there is a parking area near the complex for visitors who choose to drive.

Yes, you can hire local guides at the entrance. Alternatively, audio guides are available for a self-paced tour with detailed historical information.

Yes, photography is allowed. However, the use of tripods might be restricted.

There is a small café within the complex where you can buy refreshments. It’s also a good idea to carry your own water bottle.

The complex has uneven pathways and stairs, which might make accessibility challenging for wheelchair users. However, some parts of the garden area might be accessible.

Near Qutub Minar, you can visit other historical sites like the Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which includes the Jamali Kamali Mosque and Tomb, Balban's Tomb, and the Rajon Ki Baoli (stepwell).

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. During summer, light and breathable fabrics are recommended. In winter, carry a jacket as it can get chilly.

Yes, there are restrooms available within the complex for visitors.

Typically, a visit to the Qutub Minar complex can take between 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on your interest in exploring the various structures and reading about their history.

It’s best to avoid bringing food inside to help keep the area clean, though carrying a water bottle is recommended.

Foreign tourists may want to bring an ID for ticket verification. Additionally, the higher entry fee for foreigners includes access to all areas of the complex.