The 73-metre victory tower — the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Qutub Minar is in Delhi. Entry is ₹40 for Indian visitors. It opens open daily, about 7:00 am to 5:00 pm. Open all week. The best time is Late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone.
| Key fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Begun | 1199 |
| Built by | Qutb-ud-din Aibak; completed by Iltutmish |
| Height | 72.5 m, five storeys |
| Status | UNESCO World Heritage Site |
| Location | Mehrauli, South Delhi |
Qutb-ud-din Aibak began the Qutub Minar in 1199. And his successor Iltutmish added the upper storeys. At 72.5 metres it is the tallest brick minaret in the world. In red and buff sandstone.
The tower stands in the Qutb complex. The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque. The famous rust-resistant Iron Pillar. The whole ensemble is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sources: Qutb Minar — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Qutb Minar · Delhi Tourism.
What makes it special, and what to look for.
Key facts and figures — every data point links to its source.
| Detail | Figure | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 72.5 m (238 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Steps | 379, in a spiral | Wikipedia |
| Storeys | Five | Wikipedia |
| Base diameter | 14.3 m (47 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Top diameter | 2.7 m (9 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Begun | 1199, by Qutb-ud-din Aibak | Wikipedia |
| Material | Red & grey sandstone | Wikipedia |
| Iron Pillar height | ~7.2 m (24 ft) | Wikipedia |
| Iron Pillar weight | About 6.5 tonnes | Wikipedia |
| Status | UNESCO site | ASI |
| Adjoining | Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque | Wikipedia |
| Iron Pillar age | About 1,600 years | Wikipedia |
| Location | Mehrauli, Delhi | Wikipedia |
| Later gateway | Alai Darwaza (1311) | Wikipedia |
| Fluting | Angular & rounded bands | Wikipedia |
| Top rebuilt | 1368, by Firoz Shah | Wikipedia |
| Nearby | Alai Minar stump | Wikipedia |
The minar rises 72.5 metres. A spiral stair of 379 steps climbs it. Five storeys taper upward.
The base is 14.3 metres across. It narrows to 2.7 metres on top. Red and grey sandstone build it.
Qutb-ud-din Aibak began it in 1199. Iltutmish added the upper floors. Carved Quranic bands ring the shaft.
The famous Iron Pillar stands nearby. It is about 7.2 metres tall. It weighs around 6.5 tonnes.
The pillar resists rust remarkably. It honours a Gupta-era king. The whole complex is a UNESCO site.
The Quwwat-ul-Islam mosque adjoins it. It is one of India's earliest. It reused carved temple pillars.
An English cupola once topped the tower. It was removed in the 1800s. It now sits in the gardens.
Each storey has a different pattern. Angular and rounded flutings alternate. Balconies mark the divisions.
Sources: Qutb Minar — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Qutb Minar · Delhi Tourism.
Room by room, and detail by detail.
Sources: Qutb Minar — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Qutb Minar · Delhi Tourism.
| When | What happened |
|---|---|
| 1199 | Qutb-ud-din Aibak begins the tower. |
| 1220s | Iltutmish adds upper storeys. |
| 1368 | Firoz Shah rebuilds the top floors. |
| 1993 | UNESCO inscribes the Qutb complex. |
Sources: Qutb Minar — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Qutb Minar · Delhi Tourism.
Fees and timings change from time to time. Confirm on the official site before you go.
| Visitor | Ticket |
|---|---|
| Indian | ₹40 |
| Foreign tourist | ₹600 |
| Children under 15 | Free |
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Opening hours | Open daily, about 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM. |
| Weekly closing | Open all week. |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone. |
| How long to allow | Allow about one to one and a half hours. |
Sources: Qutb Minar — Wikipedia · UNESCO — Qutb Minar · Delhi Tourism.
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Nearest metro | Qutab Minar (Yellow Line), then a short auto ride |
| Area | Mehrauli, South Delhi |
| Mode | Best for | Book / source |
|---|---|---|
| ✈️ Air | Reaching Delhi from afar | IndiGo |
| 🚆 Rail | Trains across India | IRCTC |
| 🚕 Taxi / app cab | Door-to-door comfort | Uber / Ola |
| 🛺 Auto-rickshaw | Short local hops | meter / app |
Plan around India's seasons. Late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone.
| Season | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 🍂 Oct–Mar | Cool, dry, pleasant | Best time to visit |
| ☀️ Apr–Jun | Hot on the plains | Go early; carry water |
| 🌧️ Jul–Sep | Warm, monsoon showers | Fewer crowds, green views |
Base yourself in Delhi to visit with ease. It has stays for every budget. Book ahead in the cool season. Compare hotels on Booking.com. Find homes on Airbnb. See our Delhi guide for the best areas.
Pair with Humayun's Tomb or Mehrauli park.
Afternoon light is best for photos.
Arrive at opening time. You beat crowds, and heat.
A good guide brings the history alive.
Shade can be limited here.
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| 🎫 Entry (Indian) | ₹40 |
| 🎫 Entry (foreign) | Free |
| 🧑🏫 Local guide | ₹300–800 for a tour |
| 📷 Camera / video | Often a small extra fee |
| 🚕 Transport | ₹100–500 by auto or cab |
Costs are indicative. Confirm official rates on site.
Pair Qutub Minar with sights close by. Together they make a full, rewarding day. Start early to beat the crowds and heat.
Indian visitors pay ₹40 and foreign visitors around ₹600. Under-15s are free.
It is open daily, roughly 7 AM to 5 PM.
It stands 72.5 metres. The tallest brick minaret in the world.
Qutb-ud-din Aibak began it in 1199; Iltutmish completed the upper storeys.
No. The interior stairway has been closed to visitors for years.
Nearest metro: Qutab Minar (Yellow Line). Then a short auto ride; Area: Mehrauli, South Delhi.
Late afternoon for warm light on the sandstone.
Allow about one to one and a half hours.
Yes. The 73-metre victory tower — the tallest brick minaret in the world.
You can also visit Humayun's Tomb, Red Fort, Delhi guide.
Stay in Delhi. See our Delhi guide.
Keep exploring around Delhi.
