Qutub Minar is the tallest brick minaret in the world at 73 metres, and one of Delhi's two UNESCO World Heritage monument complexes, dating back over 800 years.
History
Construction began in 1193 under Qutb-ud-din Aibak, the first Muslim ruler of Delhi, to commemorate the start of Muslim rule in the region, and was completed by his successors over the following decades.
What to See
Besides the intricately carved five-story tower itself, the complex includes the Iron Pillar of Delhi — a metallurgical curiosity that has resisted rusting for over 1,600 years — along with the ruins of the Quwwat-ul-Islam Mosque and the ornate Alai Darwaza gateway.
A Safety Note
Climbing to the top of the minaret has been prohibited since a tragic stampede in 1981; visitors today admire the tower from the surrounding gardens and monument grounds rather than from inside.
How to Reach
Qutub Minar metro station on the Yellow Line is a short auto-rickshaw ride or walk from the complex entrance.
Best Time to Visit
October to March for comfortable weather, and early morning for smaller crowds and better light for photography.
