28.524477.1855Delhi, Delhi

HERITAGE SITE

Qutub Minar - Delhi's Iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site

A UNESCO World Heritage Site in Delhi, famous for its 73-meter tall red sandstone minaret and the ancient, rust-resistant Iron Pillar.

Delhi, Delhi2-3 hours7:00 AM – 6:00 PM₹40No Photography

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Best Season:The ideal time to visit is from October to March, when Delhi's weather is pleasant and cool, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 25°C. This period is perfect for walking around the expansive complex comfortably. The summer months, from April to June, are extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C. The monsoon season, from July to September, sees frequent rain, which can make exploring the open-air site difficult. Winter mornings can be foggy but offer a unique atmospheric experience for photographers.

Duration:2-3 hours

Entry (Indian):₹40

Entry (Foreign):₹600

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Qutub Minar, Delhi?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

The Qutub Minar complex is a collection of historic monuments and buildings in South Delhi. The centerpiece is the towering Qutub Minar itself, a 73-meter-high minaret built of red sandstone and marble. This five-story tower is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Quran. As you walk through the grounds, you'll encounter other significant structures. The Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, at the foot of the tower, is one of the earliest mosques built in the Indian subcontinent. Its courtyard features an assembly of carved pillars taken from pre-existing temples, showing a unique blend of architectural elements.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

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BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

November to January, weekends, and all public holidays, due to pleasant weather and the peak tourist season.

Moderate

February, March, September, and October on weekdays.

Low Season

April to June due to extreme summer heat, and July to August during the monsoon season.

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

₹40

Per person

Foreign Visitors

₹600

Per person

Opening Hours

7:00 AM — 6:00 PM

Open on all days of the week. Last entry is usually allowed until 17:30. Timings might vary slightly depending on the season (sunrise to sunset). The Qutub Festival of classical music and dance is held here annually in November/December.

Entry for Indian citizens and visitors from SAARC and BIMSTEC countries is ₹40. For other foreign nationals, it is ₹600. Free entry for children under 15 years. Prices may be slightly lower for cashless or online payments. Additional charges apply for still cameras and professional video recording.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Seth Sarai, Mehrauli, New Delhi, Delhi 110030

Coordinates

28.5244, 77.1855

Nearest City

Delhi

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) is the nearest airport, located about 14 km away. A taxi or metro ride from the airport takes around 30-45 minutes.

By Train

New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS) is 17 km away, and Hazrat Nizamuddin Railway Station (NZM) is 15 km away. Both are well-connected to the rest of the country. Y...

By Road

Qutub Minar is located in South Delhi and is easily accessible via road. It is situated on Aurobindo Marg. State-run buses, private cars, and taxis can easily r...

Local Transport

The Delhi Metro is the most convenient option; get down at Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line. DTC buses have excellent connectivity to the area. Auto-ricks...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

Construction of the Qutub Minar was started in 1193 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first ruler of the Delhi Sultanate, to celebrate his victory over the last Hindu kingdom in Delhi. He only completed the basement. His successor, Iltutmish, added three more stories. In 1369, the top story was damaged by lightning and was rebuilt by Firoz Shah Tughlaq, who added a fifth and final story. The tower served as a minaret for the muezzins to call the faithful to prayer at the adjoining Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The surrounding complex was developed by various rulers over the centuries and remains a prime example of early Sultanate architecture.

Significance

Qutub Minar holds immense historical and architectural importance as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It represents the beginning of the Muslim rule in India and is a pioneering example of Indo-Islamic architecture, blending Indian craftsmanship with Persian-Turkish design. The minaret itself is the tallest brick minaret in the world, a symbol of the power of the Delhi Sultanate. The complex also contains the Iron Pillar, a metallurgical marvel from the Gupta period that has resisted corrosion for over 1600 years, highlighting the advanced scientific knowledge of ancient India.

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