| Monuments in Delhi |
QUTUB MINAR: THE TALLEST MONUMENT IN INDIA
| Opening time | 7 AM |
| Closing Time | 5 PM |
| Days Open | All Days |
One monument that is the manifestation of the indomitable spirit of rulers of Delhi since the establishment of the Delhi sultanate in 1199 is Qutub Minar, named after the sufi saint, Qutubud-din-Bhakhtiyar Kaki. It was a “Victory Tower” constructed by the Delhi ruler Qutub-ud-Din Aibak, and after his demise was completed by Iltutmish. The fact that this monument has seen damage on more than one occasion since medieval times but has always been restored by the rulers of the period is a testimony of its importance in all times of the past.
The first storey of this magnificent structure was built by Aibak on the citadel of ruined city of Delhi. The citadel was called Lal Kot. After the death of Aibak, his successor Iltutmish added another three storeys, taking the total to 4. However, due to a strike of lightning in 1369, the top storey was damaged. At that time Firoz Shah Tughlaq was ruling the city and he restored the fourth storey. In addition, he added a fifth one. As if the lightning strike was not enough, the structure was again damaged by an earthquake in 1505. This time Sikandar Lodi extended full support to its repair work. The nature’s onslaught on this building was not over. In 1803, during the British times, it was again damaged by an earthquake. Now was the turn of Major Smith to perform the required restoration work by 1828. He went a step ahead and added a sixth storey, a pillared cupola, on top of it. However, after about 20 years, the cupola was taken down and established to the east of monument. It came to be known popularly as ‘Smith’s Folly’, as erecting it on fifth storey was considered to be his mistake. Even after India attained Independence, there were instances of people committing suicides as the interior of monument was open for public till 1960s. This forced the government to stop access of people to its top. Again in 1981, due to an internal stampede, about 47 people were killed. After this incident, the doors of the monument have remained shut for general public.
Architecture
Qutaub Minar is a five storey elongated and tapering monument which is 239 feet tall and diameter of the base and the top is respectively 47 feet and 9 feet. Within this monument there are 379 spiral steps. The inscriptions on it carved from Nagari and Arabic influences.
The first three storeys are made of red sandstone and these comprise fluted cylindrical shafts separated by flanks and by balconies. So, every storey has a balcony which present a great panaroma. The fourth storey is not of red sandstone, but of marble and there are not many inscriptions on it, making it relatively plain in comparison to bottom three storeys. The fifth one is made of marble and sandstone.
The monument is not vertically straight. Rather, it leans about 65 cm to one side. Due to this constant monitoring of the tower is done. Once you are there, you shall be able to notice this tilt with naked eye.
The uniqueness of this structure has made it a top attraction of Delhi ever since its construction. Even now people from around the world visit it to see the towering minaret with its great architecture.
The Quwat Ul Islam mosque is situated right next to it and is a part of the whole Qutub Complex which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Qutub Minar has been a source of inspiration for many other towers of similar types.
Other Tourist Attractions of the Qutub Complex
Besides Qutub Minar being the main monument, there is the Quwat ul Islam Mosque, Charmukha Darwaza, Alai Minar and the rustless Iron Pillar that are also major tourist attractions.
Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque was built after destroying 27 Jain temples. Tombs of Iltutmish, Alauddin Khalji and Imam Zamim are located inside here.
Alai Dawarza, also called the Charmukha Darwaza. is a southern gateway of Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque which is made of red sandstone and has four doors in each direction. It was built by Alauddin Khalji in 1311. It has a central dome and arched doors, lattice-windows and Arabic calligraphy.
The Iron Pillar is another significant structure of the complex. It is about 23 feet high with diameter of 16 inches. You will find people trying to embrace it completely and touch their own hands in the embrace. The key feature which has astonished people ever since it was found erected there is that this column is made of such metal which does not rust. It weighs more than 5800kgs. The pillar carries a number of inscriptions and graffiti and has verses of Sanskrit.
Events at Qutub Minar Complex
The 3-day Qutub Festival is held here every year in November and December. It is a cultural event which showcases different art forms.
Metro Connectivity and Location
Qutub Minar is located in Mehrauli in Delhi, neighbouring Lado Sarai. It is also next to the Mehrauli Archaeological Park which has about 100 monuments of historical importance. It spreads over 200 acres and includes the ruins of Lal Kot which was built by Tomars in 1060. Check more details of Mehrauli Archaeological Park.
Qutub Minar and complex can be accessed using Delhi Metro Yellow Line. The two stations which are close to it are the Qutub Minar station and the Saket Station.
The reasons for visiting Qutub Minar as tourist:
This spot is of huge significance because of its key areas combined with different reasons too.
- Qutab Minar is one of the tallest tower and celebrated towers on the planet. The tower is 234 feet tall and the most astounding individual tower on the planet.
- Qutab Minar is taller than other towers of the world like Tower of Pisa in Italy, Great Pagoda in China & Pekin and many more.
- Qutab Minar is another awesome gem of Mughal engineering. It has various floors or stories which have excellent carvings like the one on the tomb of Iltutmish.
- The highest point of the tower gives the knowledge to Delhi since you get the opportunity to see the elevated perspective of the city.
- To point a couple touring from the top, you will discover perspectives of the Hauz Khaz on the left and the dividers of the Jahanpanah and Siri on the privilege.
- Iron Pillar shows the level of metallurgical skills of the people of those times which are we are yet to attain.
- A range of monuments ever since habitation by Tomars, Khaljis, Tughlaqs, Mughals and British are present here and at the Archaeological Park of Mehrauli close by.
Hotels near Qutub Minar
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HOTEL GRAND SARTAJ |
| Address: D 15, Amar Bhavan, Hauz Khas, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, DL 110010 Distance: 4.0 km Phone: 093 10 201307 Website: www.maharanigroupofhotels.com |
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URBAN ASHRAM |
| Address: D-12, New Delhi, Delhi (state) 110016 Distance: 4.2 km Phone: 011 4615 1818 Website: www.myurbanashram.com |
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HOTEL OSCAR |
| Address: Hauz Khas Enclave, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, Delhi 110016 Distance: 3.6 km Phone: 011 2651 5151 Website: www.hoteloscar.in |
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THE HERITAGE (BED & BREAKFAST) |
| Address: C-4/140, Safdarjung Development Area, New Delhi, DL 110016 Distance: 3.9 km Phone: 011 6563 7980 |
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AMARYA HAVELI |
| Address: Hauz Khas Enclave, Hauz Khas, New Delhi, DL 110016 Distance: 3.0 km Phone: 011 4175 9268 Website: www.amaryagroup.com |
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THE VISAYA |
| Address: N 82, Panchshil Park, New Delhi, Delhi, 110017 Star Rating: 4 star hotel **** Distance: 5.1 km Phone: 011 4319 0000 Phone: www.thevisaya.com |
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JUSTA- THE RESIDENCE PANCHSHEEL PARK |
| Address: S-362, Panchsheel Park, New Delhi, Delhi, 110017 Distance: 4.6 km Website: www.justahotels.in |
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HOTEL BEYOND |
| Address: A-91, Shivalik Road, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 4.0 km Phone: 098 11 052059 Website: www.beyondhotel.in |
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QUTUB RESIDENCY |
| Address: 81,Adchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 1.8 km Phone: 011 2652 6192 Website: www.qutubresidency.com |
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SAGE HOTEL |
| Address: 4, Navjeevan Vihar, Near Saket Golf Course, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 2.7 km Phone: 011 2669 1084 Website: www.sagehotel.co.in |
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THE EXCELLENCY-NEW DELHI |
| Address: Geetanjali Marg, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 2.4 km Phone: 011 2669 1530 Website: www.excellency.co.in |
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COUNTRY INN BY CARLSON DELHI SAKET |
| Address: A1, Dlf South Court,, District Center Saket, New Delhi, 110017 Distance: 4.6 km Phone: 011 4011 1555 Website: www.countryinns.com |
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HILTON GARDEN INN NEW DELHI/SAKET |
| Address: A4, Saket District Centre, Pushp Vihar, New Delhi, DL 110017 Star Rating: 5 star hotel ***** Distance: 4.3 km Phone: 011 3919 1919 Website: www.hilton.com |
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SHERATON NEW DELHI |
| Address: District Centre, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi, 110017 Star Rating: 5 star hotel ***** Distance: 4.2 km Phone: 011 4266 1122 Website: www.itchotels.in |
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CLARION COLLECTION |
| Address: Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, Mehrauli Distance: 4.2 km Phone: 011 4120 0000 Website: www.clarionnewdelhi.com |
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BNB CHRYSALIS |
| Address: Saket, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 3.3 km Phone: 011 4609 9496 Website: www.bnbchrysalisindia.com |
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SVELTE HOTEL AND PERSONAL SUITES |
| Address: A-3, District Centre, Select City Walk,, Saket, New Delhi, DL 110017 Star Rating: 5 star hotel ***** Distance: 3.0 km Phone: 011 4051 2000 Website: www.svelte.in |
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SILVER FERNS |
| Address: 31-32, Community Centre, Saket, New Delhi 110017 Distance: 2.7 km Phone: 011 4054 3333 Website: www.silverfernsindia.com |
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TRINITY ART HOTEL |
| Address: E 147 Saket, Saket, New Delhi, DL 110017 Distance: 2.5 km Phone: 011 4056 8989 Website: www.trinityarthotel.com |
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SAKET BED AND BREAKFAST |
| Address: D-21, 3rd Floor, Swaran Villa, Saket, New Delhi, Delhi 110017 Distance: 2.1 km Phone: 011 4101 3398 Website: www.saketbedandbreakfast.com |
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THE STAY INN NEW DELHI |
| Address: 253/3 Forest Lane Neb Sarai Sainik Farm near Country, Club Opp Saket, New Delhi, DL 110068 Distance: 3.7 km Phone: 011 2953 2619 Website: www.thestay-inn.com |
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NIRVANA HOSTEL |
| Address: Ignou Road 144/145, New Delhi, DL 110030 Distance: 3.6 km Phone: 099 99 728165 Website: www.nirvanahostel.com |
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Restaurants near Qutub Minar
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CHERI |
| European Timings: 12.30pm to 12.30am Meal for two – Rs. 2200/- Address: 1501, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 9811123031 |
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DAYS OF THE RAJ |
| North Indian Timings: Noon to 3.30pm, 7pm to Midnight Meal for two – Rs. 1500/- Address: Plot No. 81, Business No. 81/3, 1st Floor, Adchini, Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi Phone: 26531850, 26531377, 9717380055 |
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FIO |
| Multi-Cuisine (Pan-Indian, Italian) Timings: Noon to 4pm, 7pm to 12.30am Meal for two – Rs. 3000/- Address: Gate No. 1, Garden of Five Senses, Saidulajab, New Delhi Phone: 9971004530-31 |
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MAGIQUE |
| Oriental (Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Indonesian, Mongolian, Malay) Timings: 12.30pm to 3.30pm, 7.30pm to 12.30am Meal for two – Rs. 3500/- Address: F-5/6, Garden of Five Senses, Saidulajab, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, New Delhi Phone: 29536767 |
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MARBELLA’S |
| Coffee Shop/All-Day Dining Timings: 24 Hours Meal for two – Rs. 2000/- Address: Tivoli Garden Resort Hotel, Chhattarpur Mandir Road, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 26301111, 64691111-15, 9818831242 |
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MISHTAAN CAFE |
| Mithais, Multi-Cuisine (North Indian, South Indian, Chinese, European) Timings: 8am to 11pm Meal for two – Rs. 350/- Address: 7, Bashisht Complex, Mehrauli-Badarpur Road, New Delhi Phone: 65670163-64 |
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OLIVE BAR & KITCHEN |
| Mediterranean Timings: Noon to 12.30am Meal for two – Rs. 3500/- Address: One Style Mile, Kalka Das Marg, Near Qutub Minar, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 29574443/44, 9811198444 |
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POPPADOM |
| South Indian (Andhra), Seafood Timings: Noon to 3pm, 7.30pm to 11pm Meal for two – Rs. 1500/- Address: 1091/1, Ambavatta Complex, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 26644289, 9899000086 |
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THAI HIGH |
| Oriental (Thai, Chinese, Malay, Singaporean, Vietnamese) Timings: Noon to 1am Meal for two – Rs. 2000/- Address: 3rd Floor, Ambawatta Complex, Kalkadas Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 26644289, 26641796 |
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TRISHNA |
| Seafood, Multi-Cuisine (North Indian, Chinese) Timings: Noon to 3.30pm, 7pm to 11.30pm Meal for two – Rs. 7000/- Address: Plot No. 4/1-14, Ward No.1, Opp Qutub Minar, Khasara No. 1516 & 1518, Mehrauli, New Delhi Phone: 26645477-78 |
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VA BENE |
| Coffee Shop/All-Day Dining Timings: 24 Hours Meal for two – Rs. 1500/- Address: The Qutub, Shaheed Jeet Singh Marg, New Delhi Phone: 41200000 |
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Railway Stations near Qutub Minar
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Metro Stations near Qutub Minar
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Car/Cab Rental Options
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