Qutub Minar: The tallest Minar of India
Those memories are not so faint, those are full of love! My first visit to Qutub Minar was some 11years ago. Then I came to Delhi along with my room-mates to spend the weekend with my bestie (my better half now). The first monument on that partial cloudy yet breezy day was Qutub Minar, a UNESCO World Heritage site, right in the Qutub complex.
Qutub Minar is famous as it is the highest Minar in India. This long tower, comprising of 5 floors, has a staggering height of 73 meters (239ft) and has a spiral staircase with 379 stairs (which are restricted to climb upon).
The beautiful intricate carvings on the red sandstone and the top two white marble floors make it one of the most cherished tourist spot of Delhi. This Tower can be seen from various other spots of Delhi, due to its staggering height.
The name of this Minar is after Qutbud-Din Aibak, a Sufi saint, who started its construction, which was completed at the start of the 12th century. Though the origins of Qutub Minar are highly controversial from the religion point of view, it still stands as a piece of one of the finest monuments of India.
Can we climb Qutub Minar?
No, climbing the stairs of Qutub Minar is restricted. Years ago, post Independence, it was open for the general public, but the incidence of 1981, closed it forever. As per the media then, there was a sudden blackout as the power went off. This triggered one of the worst stampedes in the history of India, causing 45 deaths and more than 20 injured. Climbing the Minar was shut then, and till now it is restricted.
Is Qutub Minar Straight?
No, Qutub Minar has a tilt of 25inches to the Southwest. It is often compared with the Leaning Tower of Pisa. There have been many surveys and research teams who have studied the possible reasons for the tilt. Further, this tower is in a seismic zone and even in history, it has been prone t many natural calamities like damage by Earthquake, damage of top floors due to lightning. Many restoration works have been undertaken over the years. Though the tilt is not worrisome, yes, even this Minar isn’t straight:)
What is the Best time to visit this tower?
Just like other monuments in Delhi, the best time to visit Open monuments is during Winters. So November to February are the best seasons. Don’t worry, if you’re there during summers, like early morning and early evenings will give you the beauty you wish to look at. Qutub complex is open from 6:30 am to 6:30 pm, all days a week.
Duration required: Minimum 1 hour
Entry Fee: Rs30/- for adults (Children less than 15years have free entry); Rs500 for foreigners
The overall history, preservation and the beautiful look of this Minar have always lured us. Go visit it out and craft your memories.
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View Comments (6)
Your post reminded me of my trips to this iconic Delhi place during my childhood days. We used to visit from Panipat for one-day picnics. Wish to see it to my kids someday.
Can you believe it that Qutub Minar is more that a thousand year old! Qutubuddin Aibak decided to build the tower. I don't remember who completed it. Those days the whole area used to be densely forested and Aravali range was not damage. A tower could be used to keep a watch on enemy coming at a distance. It give me goosebumps to go there. This is real recorded history.
I totally agree dear, it's an iconic place and I have so many fond memories of it. LOved your post to the core :)
another beautiful place!
Thanks for the virtual tour to this magnificent monument and pride of Delhi. I stayed many years in NCR but never been to Qutub Minar, my bad.
Wow, your clicks are super, Enjoyed the virtual tour to this iconic place where I had visited n-number of times.