Mehrauli, New Delhi

Qutub Minar: Delhi's Tower of Dynasties

A complete guide to the 72.5-metre UNESCO-listed minaret, its architecture, monuments, visitor timings, tickets, metro access, and best travel tips.

Explore History Tickets & Timings
72.5m

Height

India's tallest historic minaret

5

Storeys

Each with a projecting balcony

1993

UNESCO

World Heritage inscription

379

Steps

Interior closed to visitors

Why Qutub Minar Matters

Qutub Minar is not just a tower; it is a vertical record of the Delhi Sultanate, later repairs, local craftsmanship, and the beginning of monumental Indo-Islamic architecture in North India. Built in the early 13th century and expanded by later rulers, the minar anchors the Qutb Complex in Mehrauli, one of Delhi's most important archaeological zones.

Its alternating angular and rounded flutings, Qur'anic calligraphy, red sandstone shaft, marble-and-sandstone upper storeys, and surrounding monuments make it an essential stop for history lovers, photographers, architecture students, and first-time visitors to Delhi.

History

A Tower Built and Repaired by Dynasties

The minar's story runs across the Mamluk, Tughlaq, Lodi, and British periods, turning the tower into a layered monument rather than a single-ruler project.

c. 1199: Qutb-ud-din Aibak begins the tower

Aibak, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, starts construction after the Ghurid conquest. The first storey is attributed to him.

c. 1220: Iltutmish extends it

Shamsuddin Iltutmish adds three more storeys, consolidating Sultanate authority and shaping the tower's early form.

1368-69: Firoz Shah Tughlaq repairs the top

After damage, Tughlaq rebuilds the upper portion and adds the current marble-and-sandstone upper storeys.

1505 and 1828: Later repairs

Sikandar Lodi and later British engineer Major Robert Smith carry out repairs. Smith's removed cupola survives on the grounds as “Smith's Folly.”

1993: UNESCO recognition

The Qutb Minar and its monuments are inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Qutub Minar complex with mosque ruins in Mehrauli Delhi

Architecture

Indo-Islamic Design in Red Sandstone

Tapering Shaft

The minar rises from a broad base of about 14.32 metres and tapers to about 2.75 metres at the top, giving it both stability and a soaring visual profile.

Fluted Surface

Alternating angular and rounded flutings create changing light and shadow across the façade throughout the day.

Balconies & Muqarnas

Each storey is separated by a projecting balcony supported by richly carved stone brackets inspired by muqarnas forms.

Material Layers

The first three storeys are primarily red sandstone; the upper storeys use sandstone and marble, visibly marking later repairs and additions.

Calligraphy Bands

Arabic inscriptions and decorative bands wrap the tower, combining religious text, historical statements, and ornamental rhythm.

Local Craft Synthesis

The monument blends Central Asian minaret ideas with Indian stone-carving skills, producing a uniquely Delhi Sultanate expression.

Close up of Qutub Minar carved sandstone fluting and inscriptions

Qutb Complex

What to See Around the Minar

The surrounding archaeological area is as important as the minar itself. Give yourself enough time to explore these highlights.

Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque

Among the earliest mosque complexes in North India, known for its carved pillars and layered architectural history.

Iron Pillar

A Gupta-era metallurgical marvel famous for its corrosion resistance and Sanskrit inscription.

Alai Darwaza

Alauddin Khalji's elegant gateway, celebrated for its true arch, dome, red sandstone, and marble inlay.

Alai Minar

The massive unfinished tower that was intended to exceed Qutub Minar in scale.

Tomb of Iltutmish

A richly carved early Sultanate tomb from the 13th century.

Smith's Folly

A removed British-era cupola that now sits separately in the complex grounds.

Visitor Guide 2026

Timings, Tickets, Metro & Tips

Current Practical Info

Opening HoursGenerally open daily; commonly listed from about 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Check ASI ticket portal before visiting.
Indian AdultsApprox. ₹50 counter / ₹35 online
Foreign VisitorsApprox. ₹600 counter / ₹550 online
ChildrenChildren below 15 years: free entry
MetroQutub Minar Metro Station on the Yellow Line; take an auto/e-rickshaw or cab from the station.

Ticket prices and operating hours can change for security, conservation, or event reasons. Verify on the ASI booking portal before finalizing your plan.

Best Way to Visit

  • Start early: Morning light is good for photos and crowds are lighter.
  • Wear walking shoes: The complex has uneven historic surfaces and open lawns.
  • Carry water: Delhi heat can be intense from April to September.
  • Use a guide or audio guide: The site makes more sense when the surrounding monuments are explained together.
  • Combine nearby sights: Mehrauli Archaeological Park is close and pairs well with Qutub Minar.

Suggested Itinerary

A simple route for first-time visitors who want history, architecture, and good photo opportunities without rushing.

0-20 min

Enter, view the minar from the main lawn, and photograph the full height.

20-60 min

Explore Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, Iron Pillar, and calligraphy details.

60-100 min

Walk to Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, and Iltutmish's tomb.

100-150 min

Relax in the lawns, revisit photo spots, or continue to Mehrauli Archaeological Park.

Qutub Minar FAQs

No. Public entry inside the tower is closed for safety. Visitors can explore the grounds and surrounding monuments.
It is generally open daily, but schedules can change for maintenance, weather, security, or public events. Always check official booking information before visiting.
Most visitors need 1.5 to 2.5 hours for the minar, mosque ruins, Iron Pillar, Alai Darwaza, Alai Minar, and photography.
Personal photography is generally allowed. Drone use and commercial shoots require permissions.