Rising 72.5 metres above the southern Delhi neighbourhood of Mehrauli, the Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world and one of India's most iconic monuments. Construction began around 1192 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and was completed by his successor Iltutmish, with later repairs and additions by Firoz Shah Tughlaq and others. The tapering, fluted tower is built of red sandstone and marble, its five storeys ringed by ornate balconies and bands of Arabic calligraphy from the Quran. The minaret anchors the wider Qutub Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that holds the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, the celebrated rust-resistant Iron Pillar, the tomb of Iltutmish and the unfinished Alai Minar. Walking the grounds is a journey through India's early Indo-Islamic architecture, where Hindu and Jain temple fragments were reused alongside new Islamic forms. Lush lawns, weathered domes and intricate stone carving make it a favourite for history lovers and photographers alike. Easily reached by Delhi Metro, the complex is a half-day highlight on any Delhi itinerary, and it pairs naturally with the leafy Mehrauli Archaeological Park next door.
Top Attractions
Qutub Minar (The Minaret)
The centrepiece is a five-storey tapering tower of red sandstone and marble standing 72.5 metres tall, with a base diameter of about 14.3 metres narrowing to roughly 2.7 metres at the top. Each storey is separated by a projecting balcony and decorated with intricate fluting and bands of Quranic inscriptions. The interior staircase is closed to visitors for safety, but circling the base reveals the staggering craftsmanship of late 12th-century builders.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in complex ticket: INR 35 (Indians), INR 550 (foreigners)
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily (approx. 7:00 AM-5:00 PM)
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for soft light
- Tip: Stand at the southern lawn for the classic full-height photo without crowds in the frame.
Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque
Built around 1193, this is one of the earliest mosques in India, its name meaning 'Might of Islam'. The courtyard is framed by a stunning arched screen carved with calligraphy and floral motifs. Look closely and you'll spot reused pillars from demolished Hindu and Jain temples, complete with bells, garlands and figures, making it a fascinating record of architectural transition.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in complex ticket
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
- Best Time: Morning, when light streams through the arches
- Tip: Examine the temple pillars up close to find original carved deities and motifs.
The Iron Pillar
Standing about 7 metres tall in the mosque courtyard, this 4th-century iron pillar has resisted rust for over 1,600 years thanks to its unique composition and a protective surface layer. A Sanskrit inscription credits it to a king named Chandra. It was likely moved here from elsewhere and remains a celebrated example of ancient Indian metallurgy.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in complex ticket
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
- Best Time: Anytime; it sits in the central courtyard
- Tip: A railing now surrounds it, so admire the inscriptions from the marked viewing side.
Alai Darwaza & Alai Minar
The Alai Darwaza, built in 1311 by Alauddin Khilji, is a graceful domed gateway considered a masterpiece of Indo-Islamic design, with red sandstone, marble inlay and pointed horseshoe arches. Nearby stands the Alai Minar, an ambitious tower Khilji intended to be twice the height of Qutub Minar. He died with only the first storey complete, leaving a haunting unfinished rubble stump.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in complex ticket
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
- Best Time: Afternoon for warm tones on the sandstone
- Tip: Compare the refined Alai Darwaza arches with the cruder earlier mosque screen to see design evolution.
Tomb of Iltutmish
The tomb of Sultan Iltutmish, built around 1235, is one of the earliest surviving Muslim mausoleums in India. The plain exterior hides a richly carved interior of red sandstone covered in geometric patterns, calligraphy and arabesques. The original dome has collapsed, leaving the chamber open to the sky, which lends the space a quiet, contemplative atmosphere.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Included in complex ticket
- Hours: Sunrise to sunset, daily
- Best Time: Late afternoon for dramatic shadows on the carvings
- Tip: Step inside and look up; the open dome frames the sky beautifully for photos.
Mehrauli Archaeological Park
Adjacent to the Qutub Complex, this sprawling park holds over 100 historically significant structures spanning 1,000 years, including the Jamali Kamali Mosque and tomb, Rajon ki Baoli stepwell, Balban's Tomb and Mughal-era pavilions. Far quieter than the main monument, it's a rewarding ramble for those who want to escape the crowds and wander among atmospheric ruins set in greenery.
Visitor Information
- Entry Fee: Free
- Hours: Approx. 5:00 AM-7:00 PM, daily
- Best Time: Cool morning hours for a peaceful walk
- Tip: Hire a local guide or download a trail map; structures are spread out and easy to miss.
Food & Local Flavours
Mehrauli and nearby Saket offer everything from time-honoured Delhi street snacks to upscale cafes.
Chaat (Aloo Tikki & Golgappe)
Delhi's beloved street snacks are a must after sightseeing. Aloo tikki are crisp fried potato patties topped with tangy chutneys and yoghurt, while golgappe (pani puri) are hollow crisp shells filled with spiced tamarind water. Both deliver a punch of sweet, sour and spicy flavour in every bite.
Price: INR 40-100
Try: Street stalls and chaat corners around Mehrauli and Saket
Butter Chicken
No Delhi food trail is complete without butter chicken, the creamy, tomato-rich curry invented in the city. Tender tandoori chicken is simmered in a velvety gravy of butter, cream and spices, best mopped up with hot naan or buttery laccha paratha at one of the area's many North Indian restaurants.
Price: INR 350-600
Try: North Indian restaurants in Saket and Mehrauli
Kebabs & Tandoori
Mughlai grills are a regional speciality, from juicy seekh kebabs of spiced minced meat to smoky tandoori chicken and melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs. Cooked over charcoal in a clay tandoor, they pair perfectly with mint chutney, sliced onions and a squeeze of lemon for an authentic taste of old Delhi.
Price: INR 250-500
Try: Kebab houses and dhabas near Mehrauli
Masala Chai & Samosa
For a quick, cheap pick-me-up, grab a cup of milky, cardamom-spiced masala chai with a hot samosa, a deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes and peas. It's the classic Indian roadside snack and an ideal way to recharge between exploring the monument and the archaeological park.
Price: INR 20-60
Try: Tea stalls outside the Qutub Complex
Practical Information
Getting Around
- Delhi Metro: INR 10-60 — Qutub Minar station on the Yellow Line is the easiest option, then a short auto ride or 15-min walk
- Auto-rickshaw: INR 30-80 — handy for the last mile from the metro; insist on the meter or agree fare first
- App cab (Uber/Ola): INR 150-400 — convenient from central Delhi, around 30-60 mins depending on traffic
- On foot: Free — the Qutub Complex and Mehrauli Archaeological Park are best explored slowly on foot
Budget Guide (Per Day)
- Budget: INR 800-1500 (~$10-18): Metro travel, complex entry, street food and chai
- Mid-range: INR 2500-5000 (~$30-60): Cab transfers, guided tour, sit-down restaurant meals
- Luxury: INR 8000+ (~$95+): Private car with guide, fine dining and a heritage hotel stay nearby
Best Time to Visit
- October to March: Pleasant, cool weather ideal for walking the open complex
- Early morning (right at opening): Soft light, fewer crowds and cooler temperatures
- Avoid April to June: Delhi's summer heat can be punishing in the shadeless grounds
Interactive Map
Explore Qutub Minar on the map.
Plan Your Trip
Build a personalised day-by-day itinerary for Qutub Minar in 60 seconds.
Open Trip PlannerImage Credits
Qutub Minar — IM3847, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons