Where is the Qutub Minar?
Qutub Minar, the highest stone tower in India, is located at Mehrauli, 15
km south of New
Delhi. The Minar
lies at a distance of 16 km from Connaught Place and is close to the
Jawaharlal Nehru University Campus.
How will you gain access?
The Indira Gandhi International Airport and the domestic Palam airport of
Delhi connect the city to all the major cities of India and the world. There
are two major railheads- the New Delhi Railway stations and the Old Delhi
Railway station. Delhi boasts of a well-laid highway-network. The highway
around Delhi have improved tremendously. The highways to
Agra, Chandigarh and Jaipur are now
close to international standards.
What are the timings and the entry charges?
The Qutub Minar is open on all days from sunrise to sunset. The entry fee
for Indian residents is Rs. 10 and for foreign nationals it is Rs. 250.
What does the past say?
The Qutub Minar was built by Qutab-ud-din Aibak in 1199 AD, however he
could only complete the basement of the structure. Later on three more
stories were built by his successor Iltutmish in 1230. In the year 1368,
Firoz Shah Tughlaq constructed the fifth and final storey of the tower. The
word 'Qutub Mina' means 'axis minaret'.
What goes behind the architecture?
The Qutub Minar soars up to a fabulous height of 239 feet and is the
highest stone tower in India. It has a diameter of 14.32 metres at the base
and 2.75 meters at the top. The first three storeys are built in red
sandstone while the fourth and the fifth storey are made of both marble and
sandstone. The gigantic tower is a fine example of Indo-Islamic
architecture. Inscriptions in Arabic and Nagari language can be seen on the
stone. The entrance to the tower is on the northern side. A spiral flight of
379 steps takes one up to the balcony on every floor and finally to a
platform at the top. The balconies are held together by stalactite vaulting
technique. The honey-comb pattern of the balconies is the key feature of the
Minar.
What are the nearby attractions?
» Red Fort
The Red Fort or the Lal Quila was erected by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan.
The fort houses the Moti Masjid, Diwan-e-Aam and Diwan-e-Khaas. The
Diwan-e-Aam and the Deewan-e-Khaas are the places where the Mughal emperors
held court.
» India Gate
The India Gate is a 42-metre high arch that was built to pay homage to the
soldiers killed in the First World War and the Afghan War. The arch can be
best viewed after sunset as it is floodlit.
» Jama Masjid
Jama Masjid happens to be the largest mosque in India. It is an epitome of
Mughal architectural brilliance. The mosque makes an imposing sight with its
black and white striped onion domes flanked by exquisite minarets.
Which are the nearby hotels?
Delhi offers ample opportunities for accommodation ranging from luxury and
deluxe to budget hotels. Hotel Le Meridien (16 km from international
airport), Hotel Taj Mahal(20 km from international airport) and the Radisson
hotel (2 km from international airport) are among the luxury hotels. Park
Royal Inter Continental (20 km from international airport) and the Oberoi
(18 km from the international airport) are the deluxe hotels. Budget hotels
include names like Hotel Asian International, Hotel Regal (22 km from
international airport)and Nirula's Hotel. Hotel Kanishka (20 km from
international airport) and the Hans Plaza (18 km from international airport)
are among the 4-stars.
Where should you shop?
One can find fashionable Indian designer stores and boutiques at the
Ambavata Shopping Complex in Mehrauli. Hauz Khas Village is yet another
fabulous shopping point. It has a number of boutiques and leading Indian
designer stores.
