Qutub Minar: Opening/Closing Timings, Ticket Price and History

Exploring Qutub Minar: The Epitome of Historical and Architectural Charm

Delhi, India's capital city, features a plethora of tourist spots, ranging from historical sites to sprawling markets to elegant cafes, and the list keeps on going. The Qutub Minar is a towering and intricately carved minaret that lies in Delhi's oldest fortified city (Lalkot). This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most frequently used heritage spots in the city. It was built by Qutb-ud-din Aibak (the first Muslim ruler of Delhi) between 1199 and 1220, marking the commencement of Islamic rule in the region. 

Qutub Minar offers an incredible and immaculate blend of Islamic and Hindu architectural styles, which is why it attracts innumerable tourists. Are you planning a trip to this destination for your next tour? Before you hit the road, read along to gather all the valuable facts about this monument, helping you plan your tour perfectly and get the most out of your journey.

Why is Qutub Minar a prominent tourist spot?

Delhi teems with a multitude of tourist attractions, but have you ever wondered why Qutub Minar is considered one of the most highly visited tourist spots? What makes it unique? Well, this question comes across almost every traveler's mind, especially those who are intrigued to know about the place and its tourism potential. Go through the pointers below to uncover the factors that distinguish this monument from other landmarks of this city and draw millions of visitors from all across the globe:

• Architectural Elegance: The Qutub Minar is constructed of red sandstone and marble, featuring impressive height, conical shape, detailed carvings, geometric patterns, and verses from the Quran that make this tower one of a kind. This Indo-Islamic art masterpiece is the tallest brick building in the world and the highest minaret in India.
• Historical Significance: In addition to being the tallest brick building globally, this tower is one of the oldest surviving monuments in India. It is believed to have been constructed as a victory tower to honor the Sufi Saint Qutbuddin Bakhtia. Moreover, it denotes a crucial period of this nation's history, early Islamic architecture, and the Mughal Empire's rule.
• Cultural Importance: The Qutub Minar symbolizes India's cultural and religious history. Moreover, this landmark is surrounded by multiple other ancient monuments, fostering a culturally rich environment and contributing to this city's tourism.
• Central Location: This monument is situated in the capital of India, Delhi, making it easily accessible to an enormous tourist population. Furthermore, recent infrastructural upgrades, such as guided tours, metro connectivity, informative displays, and the laser light show, have significantly increased the tourism craze of this place.

How do I reach the Qutub Minar?

Most travelers neglect to learn about the conveyance route and facility available for their chosen tourist spot, often leading to inconvenience during their journey. As a responsible traveler, you must know about the varied transportation mediums that provide connectivity to Qutub Minar from the city downtown. Below are some of the most widely used and efficient conveyance facilities that allow you to travel to this tourist spot effortlessly. Please review each pointer and choose the most suitable medium:

• Railway Connectivity: The nearest railway station to Qutub Minar is Nizamuddin Railway Station, which is approximately 15 kilometers away. There is frequent transportation service by taxis, autorickshaws, and public buses from the mentioned railway station to the monument. In addition to this railway station, numerous other stations are also situated near this landmark, such as Old Delhi Railway Station, New Delhi Railway Station, and Anand Vihar Railway Station.
• Metro Connectivity: Due to the upliftment of Delhi's infrastructure, the conveyance facility is also improving day by day. You can commute to this minaret via the metro as well. You need to take the Delhi Metro's Yellow Line and get off at the "Qutub Minar Metro Station." This station is closest to Qutub Minar; you just need to walk 10-15 minutes or take a rickshaw or auto to reach this tourist spot.
• Bus Connectivity: Last but not least, the most affordable means of transportation to reach Qutub Minar is by bus. Tourists can take a Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) bus or a HOHO bus to travel to this monument. Moreover, you can take a bus to Anand Vihar ISBT or Kashmiri Gate Bus Station and then travel to this minaret by auto, rickshaw, or taxi.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is written on Qutub Minar?

The Qutub Minar is covered with intricate carvings and verses from the Qur'an, with most of the text being in the "Naskh" style. The different sections of this minaret also include numerous inscriptions in Parso-Arabic and Nagari characters. The Qur'an verses are written in Arabic calligraphy, revealing the history of the construction of this tower, praising the Islamic faith, and including mentions of Muhammad Ghori and titles, such as "Amir" (commander) and "most glorious" in the inscriptions.

How tall is Qutub Minar?

Qutub Minar is India's tallest minaret and the world's most towering brick minaret, standing at a height of 72.5 meters (238 ft).

What is Qutub Minar's nearest metro station?

The closest metro station to Qutub Minar is the "Qutub Minar Metro Station," which is located on the Yellow Line of the Delhi Metro. This monument is 10-15 minutes walking distance away from the mentioned metro station. In addition to this metro station, Saket and Malviya Nagar are the stations that are situated quite close to this monument.

What is the Qutub Minar's ticket price?

When planning your tour budget, it is essential to include every cost so that you can allocate it precisely. The visiting charge of Qutub Minar is Rs. 35 for Indian citizens and Rs. 550 for foreign tourists. Please note that children under the age of 15 are allowed to visit this monument without any ticket. Moreover, still and video cameras for non-commercial use cost Rs. 25.

What is Qutub Minar's opening timing?

Are you planning to reach the Qutub Minar early so you can avoid the tourist crowds? If so, you must know its opening timing. Qutub Minar allows visitors from early morning at 7 a.m., seven days a week. It is worth noting that its opening hours may differ during national holidays and special occasions.

What are Qutub Minar's closing timings?

Knowing the closing times is as crucial as knowing its opening hours so that you can plan your itinerary appropriately. Qutub Minar closes for tourists at 8 p.m., Monday through Sunday. After the mentioned time limit, the entry of any visitor is restricted.

Is it safe to visit Qutub Minar at Night?

Safety is one of the biggest concerns of travelers, especially when visiting a place like Delhi, which has a lower safety index and high crime rates. However, you do not have to worry when visiting the Qutub Minar at night due to the following reasons: (i) The monument is well-lit at night, (ii)  It is part of Delhi's designated night tourism initiative, and (iii) The security personnel is deployed at the site during the late hours.

What are the best days to visit Qutub Minar?

Each traveler is different in terms of their travel purpose, expectations, spending habits, and other factors, this is why the best day to visit the Qutub Minar will vary accordingly. Typically, weekdays, such as Tuesday and Wednesday, are considered the ideal days to visit this monument because the tourist crowds are minimal. On the other hand, to have the most authentic and lively experience, visiting Qutub Minar during the weekend is advisable.