Kiran Nadar Museum of Art🏛 museum
India's first private modern art museum, housing a significant collection of contemporary South Asian works.
🌐 knma.in🕒 Tu-Su 10:30-18:30; PH closed
Plizio Visual Lab
Qutb Minar
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
monument
The Qutb Minar in Delhi stands at a height of 72.5 meters, making it one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and a seminal example of early Indo-Islamic architecture. Construction was initiated in 1192 by Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the founder of the Delhi Sultanate, and was completed by his successors Iltutmish and Firoz Shah Tughlaq over the 13th and 14th centuries. The tower features five distinct storeys, tapering towards the top, and is decorated with intricate carvings of Quranic verses and floral motifs etched into red sandstone and marble. It functioned as both a victory tower and a minaret for the adjacent Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque, symbolizing the establishment of Muslim rule in northern India. Within the complex lies the famous 4th-century iron pillar, which has remained largely rust-free for over 1,600 years. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993, the monument is a testament to the synthesis of diverse artistic traditions and historical layers of the capital.
- Location: India
- Top sights: Kiran Nadar Museum of Art · Titus Museum · Jahaz Mahal
- Nearby: Faridabad (15 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 14 | 17 | 24 | 30 | 35 | 36 | 33 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 20 | 15 |
| Rain mm | 14 | 20 | 18 | 16 | 34 | 71 | 178 | 175 | 100 | 11 | 4 | 7 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
Qutb Minar is a publicly accessible minaret and part of the Qutb complex in Delhi. You can visit the entire grounds and the surrounding ruins during opening hours.
Typical hours
The Qutb complex typically has fixed opening hours, usually from sunrise to sunset. It is advisable to inquire on-site for exact timings.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the complex, but without flash inside the mosque. For the best shots of the minaret, use the perspective from the back of the complex.
Time needed
Allow about one to one and a half hours for a thorough visit of the Qutb complex. If you also want to visit the adjoining archaeological museum, plan for two hours.
Combine with
Combine the visit with the nearby Mehrauli Archaeological Park, which has many more historical ruins. The Lodi dynasty gardener's house is also worth a visit.
Getting there
Qutb Minar is easily reachable by Delhi Metro (Qutb Minar station). From the station, it is about a 10-minute walk to the complex.
Insider tip
Visit the complex in the late afternoon when the light bathes the sandstone structures in warm tones. Bring water as it can get hot in the outdoor area.
Geography
Facts
- The minaret reaches a total height of 72.5 meters.
- Construction began in 1192 under the orders of Qutb-ud-din Aibak.
- The tower has a base diameter of 14.3 meters, tapering to 2.7 meters.
- The top two storeys were added or repaired using white marble in 1368.
- A total of 379 steps lead to the summit of the tower.
- The entire complex was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Qutb Minar (17)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb to the top of Qutb Minar?
No, climbing the tower has been closed to the public for safety reasons since 1981.
What is the Iron Pillar in the complex?
An ancient pillar famous for its incredible rust-resistance, having remained corrosion-free for over 1,600 years.
How to reach Qutb Minar by metro?
The nearest station is 'Qutub Minar' on the Yellow Line, about 1.5 km away (a short rickshaw ride is recommended).
Is there a light show in the evening?
The complex is beautifully illuminated at night, offering great photo ops, though a formal sound and light show is not always held.
How tall is Qutb Minar?
The tower stands 72.5 meters tall and is the tallest brick minaret in the world.
Qutb Minar: where is it located?
Qutb Minar is located in India.
Qutb Minar: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kiran Nadar Museum of Art, Titus Museum, Jahaz Mahal.
Qutb Minar: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Feb, Mar, Nov.
Qutb Minar: why is it worth visiting?
The Qutb Minar in Delhi stands at a height of 72.5 meters, making it one of the tallest brick minarets in the world and a seminal example of early Indo-Islamic architecture.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in India →
Nearby cities
Faridabad
The largest city in Haryana and a major industrial hub in the National Capital Region.
Meerut
An ancient city in Uttar Pradesh, known as the 'Sports City of India'.
Shimla
Shimla, the former summer capital of British India, is a charming Himalayan hill station known for its colonial heritage.
Kasauli
A peaceful colonial-era cantonment town, ideal for leisurely hikes and sweeping views of the Indian plains.
Nature
More places
Delhi-NCR Trade Hub
The National Capital Region (NCR) is a major commercial and economic hub in North India.
Lodhi Garden, Delhi
A city park in New Delhi, containing 15th-century tombs of the Lodhi dynasty.
India Gate
A war memorial located near the Kartavya Path on the eastern edge of the 'ceremonial axis' of New Delhi, formerly called Rajpath.
Red Fort
A historic fort in Old Delhi, Delhi in India, that served as the main residence of the Mughal Emperors.
Lotus Temple
A Bahá'í House of Worship located in Delhi, India.
Akshardham Temple
A Hindu temple complex in Delhi, India.
Appu Ghar, Gurgaon
A well-known amusement park in Gurgaon, offering a variety of rides and attractions for families and children.
Gurgaon Financial and Technology Hub
A leading financial and industrial hub with offices of many Fortune 500 companies.